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Strong Acid System - Acid Pumps
April 14, 2024
Introduction Submerged Vertical Centrifugal Pumps Chas. S. Lewis & Co., Inc. JH Pumps FRIATEC-Rheinhütte GmbH & Co Ensival-Moret S.A. Horizontal Centrifugal Pumps |
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Pumps are used to circulate and transfer acid of all concentrations from one piece of equipment to another. In a sulphuric acid plant, two types of pumps are used predominately; Vertical Submerged and Horizontal Centrifugal Pumps.
Submerged Vertical Centrifugal Pumps
Submerged vertical centrifugal pumps for strong acid service have become the standard in the industry for several reasons. The pumps are installed in a closed vessel so any leaks are contained in the vessel and do not pose a hazard to personnel. An additional feature may be that the shaft seal is not in contact with the acid but simply acts as a gas barrier. Tthis feature eliminates the problem of leaks at the shaft seal that is a problem with horizontal centrifugal pumps.
Lewis offers pumps specifically developed for 93 to 99% sulphuric acid and oleum service up to 2000 m³/h (8000 USGPM) capacity and 10 to 50 m (30-165 ft) liquid head. Pumps are available in sizes 2½ through 14 in standard material specifications and lengths to 12 ft. Custom lengths are available on request.
Features of Lewis Pumps are:
Rheinhütte offer vertical submerged centrifugal pumps in capacities up to 1200 m³/h.
The features of the Rheinhütte pump are:
Ensival-Moret produce a vertical submerged centrifugal pump for strong acid service with capacities up to 1600 m³/h. The pump differs in design from the other suppliers in that the central column that houses the pump shaft is also used to bring the liquid up and out of the pump.
The features of the Ensival-Moret pump are:
Two different arrangements are available which differ in the way the acid exits the central column. Arrangement 2 is shown in the picture.
ARRANGEMENT 1 PUMPS
ARRANGEMENT 2 PUMPS
The selection of pumps for sulphuric acid service should always take into consideration the acid concentration, temperature and service. Horizontal centrifugal pumps are rarely used for circulation duty in a sulphuric acid plants. This duty is reserved for the vertical submerged centrifugal pump.
However, horizontal centrifugal pumps are often used for transfer, loading and unloading of concentrated sulphuric acid. The material of construction for the casing and impeller is usually alloy 20. The shaft seal can be either packing or mechanical seal. If packing is used the operator must be aware that some leakage across the seal is required and that there is the potential for more severe leaks and acid spray if the packing should fail.
Weak acid pumps are generally horizontal centrifugal pumps. Plastic materials of construction are generally more suited for this service than metallic pumps. Plastics are resistant to a wide range of concentration and are inexpensive compared to some of the exotic alloys required to handle some acid concentrations. Rubber lined pumps may also be used in weak acid service depending on the fluid being pumped.
To reduce the possibility of a leak at the pump seals, magnetic-drive pumps of suitable materials of construction can be used.
There are many manufacturers and suppliers of horizontal centrifugal pumps suitable for sulphuric acid service. The key is the right selection of materials and specification of the right type of seal.