TECHMAIL: Design of Pumping Systems

PART II: DESIGN PROBLEMS
When designing a new pumping system, it can be extremely difficult to predict potential hydraulic and mechanical problems that can result from faulty equipment design or manufacturing, or suction pumping system design and layout problems. In too many plants, chemical engineers simply specify flow requirements to mechanical engineers and piping designers, without understanding what they actually do.

This can have far-reaching consequences, particularly when changing requirements dictate that an existing suction piping system be changed, or that a pump be altered mechanically, e.g., by having its impeller trimmed to reduce head and flow (Box, p. 94). In some cases, it is better to start from scratch with a new pump and redesign the system. Either way, closer collaboration between chemical and mechanical engineers is essential.

Here is an overview of some of the basic mechanical engineering principles involved in pump and suction piping system design. Included are discussions on impeller trimming and fitting selection.

For continuation, see:

<http://archive.che.com/cgi-bin/view?file=CE-102-01-0149&UserTicket=0pen> Received on Wed Jun 21 09:59:00 2000