Tutorial On Cryogenic Submerged Electric Motor Pumps

Abstract

The cryogenic submerged electric motor pump described here is a unique centrifugal pump design specifically developed for handling cryogenic fluids such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), liquid ethylene, propylene, ethane, and various other cold liquids. The design has evolved into a very reliable pump, which uses practical solutions to many of the traditional problems that centrifugal pump manufacturers experience. This paper discusses the original design concept and development as well as the typical uses of cryogenic submerged electric motor pumps built for the liquefied gas industry. The paper describes the way the fluid is routed through the pump and used bearing cooling and lubrication, the cooling of the motor, cavitation, and the relationships between the pump and system.