Abstract
The expectations for heat transfer fluid (HTF) system safety and reliability are continuing to increase. The challenges are many. Leaks produce vapors that ignite readily, fluid viscosity is very low, and many of the fluids react with oxygen in undesirable ways.
Sealless pumps are well suited to HTF applications, eliminating many of the issues which challenge mechanical seals. In addition, one type of sealless pump, the canned motor pump, raises the thermal efficiency of HTF systems. Waste heat from the drive motors of most pumps is dissipated to the air. A shaft driven fan wastes additional energy to accomplish this heat transfer. The waste heat from canned motor pumps can be entirely transferred to the HTF.
Methods for analyzing the energy savings and cost implications are provided along with explanations of the other benefits of sealless pumps.
Smith, M. D. (1999). The Advantages of Sealless Pumps in Heat Transfer Fluid Services. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu). Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /91129.