Predictive Merit of Computational Fluid Dynamics in Determining Marginal NPSH of Hydrocarbon Centrifugal Pump

Abstract

At inlet, sufficient pressure and NPSH margin is crucial for centrifugal pumpoperation. In cold and light hydrocarbon services; such as Liquefied Natural Gas,vapor pressure variations that is dependent on the temperature rise cansignificantly impact pump operation, in particular at lower specific speeds than300.• This study compares findings of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis andactual field data to draw conclusion and confirm higher NPSH margin required.• CFD analysis as a tool, especially in early design phase, can benefit operationalefficacy, improve design turnaround, and minimize rework or replacements