New Zero-leakage Refinery Pump from KSB
In early September 2013, KSB launched a zero-leakage mag-drive pump series in back-pull out design: RPHmdp. The horizontal, radially split volute casing pump to US standard API 685 has been developed to reduce maintenance costs and ensure a maximum service life.
New Zero-leakage Refinery Pump (Image: KSB AG)
To achieve this, KSB engineers in South Africa designed the pump, combining the proven and durable RPH hydraulic system with a state-of-the-art magnetic drive.
The pumps are primarily used for handling harmful fluids such as hydrocarbons containing benzene which are subject to very strict emission regulations. They are, however, also well-suited for the transport of clean, explosive, toxic and valuable fluids in petrochemical plants and refineries.
Depending on requirements concerning eddy current loss and efficiency, various material options for containment shrouds are available. One being a containment shroud of carbon fibre reinforced PEEK, ensuring a high level of corrosion resistance and zero eddy current losses. The pumps feature very low vibration levels during operation as each pump rotor is subject to static and dynamic balancing in the manufacturing process. Patented plain bearings ensure that the heat is well dissipated and particles which have penetrated the magnetic coupling chamber are expelled. These technical features help above all to increase the pumps’ service life.
The type series is designed for flow rates of up to 300 m³/h and a maximum head of 270 m. The permissible operating temperature ranges from -40 °C to +300 °C. Final pump set assembly is performed in Brazil, India, Argentina, South Africa and Germany, ensuring that the pumps are quickly available worldwide and can be easily matched to the respective local requirements.
Source: KSB SE & Co. KGaA
