Design And Operation Refinement Of A Multistage Light Hydrocarbon Pump

Abstract

One of the most critical pieces of equipment in an Olefin plant is the ethylene product pump. The challenge of designing a vertical process pump that will deliver a high vapor pressure liquid with poor lubricating qualities at 10,000ft TDH and stay within budgetary constraints is understandably an enormous task. Often process and pump designers do not adequately appreciate the need of these pumps to have the ability to withstand periodic abuse resulting from plant upsets and human error. Also, purchase specifications for the design of the pump and pump system do not always coincide harmoniously with the actual system requirements. As a result, these pumps go through a never ending refinement process of design as the user company and pump company strive to improve the MTBF as process conditions change and technology evolves. Experiences on such a system at one petrochemical facility can be categorized as follows; *Installation of supply reservoir, piping and valves * Operating philosophy and methodology * Driver design and installation * Reliable method of instrumentation for vibrating monitoring and analysis * Pump parts design for reliability and ease of maintenance *Foolproof mechanical seal installation * Coupling design and manufacture *Driver to pump alignment. These topics are discussed from the practical viewpoint of Engineers practicing at the plant level in the Gulf Coast petrochemical facility.