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At 6% it will probably become air bound and
stop pumping. Cavitation can occur with any amount of air.
Use double volute pumps any time your impeller diameter is 14 inches (355 mm) or greater.
They should also be used on long shaft vertical pumps to prevent excessive shaft movement that
will cause problems with the packing, seals, bearings and critical dimensions.
A Vortex pump is 10% to 15% less efficient than a comparable size end suction centrifugal pump.
The A.P.I. (American Petroleum Institute). sixth edition states : High energy pumps, defined as
pumping to a head greater than 650 feet (198 meters) and more than 300 horsepower (224 KW)
per stage, require special consideration to avoid blade passing frequency vibrations and low
frequency vibrations at reduced flow rates.
PIPING ETC..
There should be at least 10 diameters of pipe between the suction of the pump and the first
elbow. This is especially critical in double ended pump designs as the turbulent inlet flow can
cause shaft thrusting, and subsequent bearing problems.
Substituting a globe valve for a gate valve in a piping system is similar to adding another 100
feet (31 meters) of piping to the system. On the discharge side of the pump this will cause the
pump to run off of its B.E.P. with a resultant shaft bending. On the suction side of the pump it
will probably cause Cavitation.
After the pump and motor have been aligned, dowel both the pump and the motor to the base
plate. Be sure to dowel only the feet closest to the coupling, allowing the outboard ends to
expand with temperature changes.
Check impeller rotation after installing the pump. Do not assume it will turn in the correct
direction. I've heard about two speed pumps with the second speed wired backwards. They will
drive you crazy because the pump will often meet its head requirement but not the capacity
when the second speed cuts in. You'll also notice excessive noise at this time.
Use eccentric reducers rather than concentric reducers at the pump suction. Concentric
reducers will trap air. Be sure the eccentric reducer is not installed up side down.
Suction piping should be at least one size larger than the suction flange at the pump.
Vortexing can occur if any of the following conditions are present:
o Low liquid levels
o Liquid level falling greater than 3 Ft./sec. (1 Meter/ sec.)
o There is a large concentration of dissolved gases in the liquid.
o High outlet velocities in pipes leaving vessels. Generally greater than 10 feet/sec. (3
meters/sec.)
o Liquids near their vapor point.