New Composite Replaces Metallic Wear Parts for Centrifugal Pumps in Refineries

Metallic wear parts fail quickly in dry run conditions, giving pump operators limited time to restore lubrication or shut down a pump before costly damage occurs. High quality composite parts increase this effective response time and can extend the mean time between repair. Reinforced with a 3D carbon-fiber architecture, WR 650 can sustain 2.5-times higher dry wear conditions before showing signs of degradation when compared to the leading PFA-based material.

WR 650 delivers high chemical compatibility, excellent wear characteristics, and operability from subzero to 500°F (260°C). The advanced material also possesses a coefficient of thermal expansion comparable to steel over a wide range of temperatures, offering a constant running clearance, no interference, and no efficiency drop. Unlike metallic wear components, the malleable nature of PFA ensures metallic counter-parts are preserved, even those that are relatively soft. This helps to extend pump service life and improve reliability. Plus, WR 650’s non-galling/non-seizing characteristics and ability to dampen vibrations allow for tighter clearances and increased efficiency compared to traditional metallic components.

Ideal for stationary wear parts in vertical, horizontal, single, and multistage centrifugal pumps, WR 650 can improve the mean time between repair for pumps in refineries, chemical plants, power plants, pipelines, and water treatment plants. WR 650 is available in a broad range of stock shapes, ranging from ID1” to OD12” and finished parts are available upon request.

In addition to WR 650, Greene Tweed offers a broad range in the industry or high-performance materials for wear ring bearings and bushings, including compression molded PEEK WR 300 and WR 525 for normal wear applications, and AR 1 and AR HT for abrasion-resistant applications.