Several refinery services must push a modest flow into a system that is already at high pressure. Wash water injection into hydroprocessing reactor effluent and feed water for small steam generators are typical examples.
These duties are often handled by multistage pumps operating well below their best efficiency flow. A pitot tube pump is one alternative to compare.
Water injected upstream of reactor effluent air coolers in hydrotreating and hydrocracking units dissolves ammonium salts. The pump must overcome reactor-loop pressure at a relatively low flow.
Waste-heat boilers and small steam generators need feed water at boiler pressure with a flow that follows steam demand.
Attemperation and spray duties require water at a pressure above the steam or process line, usually at modest flow.
A multistage pump sized for the head may run far to the left of its best efficiency point, with recirculation, heating and wear at low flow.
Deaerated or hot water sits close to its vapor pressure, so available suction head needs careful review.
Sour water, chlorides and ammonium salts influence the choice of wetted materials and seals.
A pitot tube pump reaches high head in one stage at low flow, so it is often compared with multistage pumps in these services. Refinery specifications, suction conditions and water chemistry decide the final selection. See the multistage pump replacement guide for how the comparison is made.
Learn how pitot tube pumps work, or review the high pressure low flow pump selection data. If the installed unit is a Roto-Jet® pump, see the Roto-Jet pump replacement process and replacement parts supply.
Start with the minimum, normal and maximum flow, suction and discharge pressure, fluid, temperature and viscosity, plus the current pump model and curve if a unit is being replaced. For refinery service, state the injection point and system pressure, water source and chemistry, temperature, flow range and any plant specifications that apply.
Send Operating ConditionsServices that combine high discharge pressure with modest flow, such as wash water injection, small boiler feed and spray water, are typical candidates. Each duty is checked against suction conditions and fluid chemistry.
A multistage pump sized for high head may operate at a small fraction of its design flow. A pitot tube pump reaches the head in one stage and can be compared at the actual flow.
Send the flow range, suction and discharge pressure, water or fluid analysis, temperature, applicable specifications, and the current pump model, curve and maintenance history.
Send your duty range, fluid data and current pump details by email or WhatsApp.