News

White Paper: Packing a Punch- Sealing Reciprocating Power Pumps

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Reciprocating pumps vary significantly from centrifugal pumps in how they seal the high-pressure areas of the pump from the atmosphere. While the theory behind sealing is simple, practical implementation often leads to issues like leakage and downtime.

The successful operation of reciprocating power pumps hinges on a careful understanding of their sealing mechanisms and meticulous maintenance practices to ensure long-term reliability and minimal downtime.

Download our latest white paper published with Pumps & Systems magazine to read Dr. Gary Dyson’s discussion of how low flow affects performance and what can be done to optimize operation and reliability.

Learn more about Hydro’s engineering services or learn more about reciprocating pumps.

Capability Spotlight: Verify Pump Performance

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Performance testing in a controlled environment is an important tool for pump designers and users alike. Understanding how the pump will react hydraulically and mechanically throughout the full range of operation enables improved equipment reliability, optimized efficiency, and reduced operating and maintenance costs.

In the aftermarket, performance testing helps equipment owners:

  • Identify discrepancies between actual and expected performance before equipment is returned to the field
  • Validate acceptable mechanical performance of critical equipment post-repair- before significant damage occurs
  • Confirm effectiveness of hydraulic modifications by validating that theoretical performance is accurate and repeatable

To support end users in understanding equipment health and performance, Hydro built its Certified Performance Test Lab at the HydroAire 40th Street service center in Chicago. Our test lab was the first to be certified by the Hydraulic Institute’s Pump Test Lab Approval Program, and all testing is completed in accordance with Hydraulic Institute (HI) 14.6/40.6 and/or API 610, ASME, or ISO, as relevant.

Hydro’s test lab is tailored to the demands of the aftermarket, focusing on flexibility and data transparency. Instead of moving the piping to the pump, Hydro’s Test Lab moves the pump to the piping:

  • A 36’x20’ baseplate allows for quick and customized installation
  • A multitude of piping inlets/outlets suitable for a wide range of nozzle sizes
  • Accommodates hundreds of different pump configurations
  • Allows multiple pumps to be staged for testing simultaneously

This flexible configuration enables Hydro to set the standard for turnaround times on aftermarket testing. In addition to common offerings such as hydraulic performance, mechanical performance, NPSH, endurance, and critical speed testing, Hydro has performed custom testing configurations to help end users understand specific problems. This is illustrated in the Test Lab’s inaugural test, which was a series of tests for a nuclear safety-related service to help an end user prove to the NRC that this service was capable of handling transient air voids in the system.

Learn more about Hydro’s Certified Performance Test Lab or contact us to schedule a pump test.

Podcast: Picture Pump Efficiency in Terms of Trees and Cars

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When it comes to pumping systems, efficiency must be viewed in terms of measurable savings taken as a whole-system approach. Organizational buy-in and leadership support are crucial.

Tune in to Dr. Gary Dyson’s recent conversation with editor Traci Purdum on the Chemical Processing Distilled podcast where he helps us understand how best to achieve efficiency and how pump users can update their thinking when approaching the subject.

Read Chemical Processing’s Industry Perspective or listen to the podcast.

 

Pump System Optimization Guide

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By some industry estimates, the average pump in an industrial production facility is operating at less than 40% efficiency, and 85% of pumps are not optimized to their system. This subpar performance translates to real money lost in the form of higher energy costs and premature wear and tear on overstressed valves. This excess stress on system components can lead to shorter mean time between repairs, higher maintenance costs and more unplanned downtime.

To learn expert insights on optimizing your pump system for maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness, download the Pump System Optimization ebook that Hydro co-sponsored with Plant Services magazine.

 

Strategies for Improving Life & Performance of Aging Equipment

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Many of our aging facilities are still using the pumps that were purchased and commissioned during plant construction. Despite the age of this equipment, effective maintenance strategies and upgrade opportunities can extend useful life for decades more. Older pumps are often more robust than current designs, which take advantage of new manufacturing technologies to reduce the raw materials needed for construction. However, vintage equipment has its downfalls as well. It is important to understand the challenges we face when operating and maintaining vintage equipment so that we can stay ahead of potential sources for decreased reliability.

These challenges were at the forefront of an improvement project undertaken by a Canadian pulp mill. Most pulp and paper mills in North America have been in operation for decades, and many are still running with the original equipment. This facility had several BB2-style makeup liquor pumps (MULP) that were experiencing a low mean-time-between-failures (MTBF). To increase pump life and reduce the risk of unexpected downtime, the pulp mill approached Hydro’s Scotford service center for support in identifying the root causes of degradation. Hydro Scotford combined a thorough inspection process with experience in upgraded designs and materials to bring the MULP system reliability back to an acceptable level and improve overall performance. The major focus points of this project – standardization, material upgrades, and improved tolerances – can be applied to aging installations in all industries.

Read the full story in our recent case study published in World Pumps magazine.