Improve Reliability & Reduce Seizure Risk in Cryogenic Pumping Systems
Protect your cryogenic pumps from wear, thermal shock, and start-up failures with Boulden’s Vespel® CR-6100, engineered for extreme low-temperature service.
Cryogenic Pumps: What’s At Stake
Cryogenic pumping applications introduce extreme reliability challenges. Light hydrocarbons, LNG, methane, ethane, ethylene, and propylene, have low boiling points, low viscosity, and extremely poor lubricating properties.
When energy enters the system (such as during pump start-up), these fluids vaporize easily and produce minimal fluid film at the wear components. This creates a high-risk environment for metal or carbon internals.
Common Failure Drivers
- Mechanical seal failure at low temperatures
- Metal wear rings and bushings seizing due to poor lubrication
- Carbon components breaking or wearing out
- Reliability issues caused by dry-run events
- Higher maintenance costs in hazardous or low-temperature environments
Real-World Example: Cryogenic Methane Pump Reliability Success
One Boulden client operating a methane pump was experiencing two critical problems:
- Shaft bearing failures above the impeller
- Suction wear ring seizures
They partnered with Boulden to upgrade both stationary components to Vespel® CR-6100, while keeping the rotating components metal.
What Happened Next
About a year later, an operational issue caused the pump to run dry for nearly an hour, an event that would normally guarantee catastrophic failure.
But with Vespel® CR-6100 installed:
- The pump did not seize
- No components failed
- Inspection confirmed the upgraded components still maintained their original design clearances
The pump returned to service and continued operating reliably for years.
This case demonstrates exactly why Boulden’s composite upgrades are trusted across cryogenic operations worldwide.
What Makes Boulden Solutions Different
Non-Seizing, Cryogenically Stable Material
Vespel® CR-6100 is a non-galling, non-seizing composite designed specifically to perform under extremely low-temperature, low-viscosity conditions, even as cold as liquid hydrogen.
Compatible With All Hydrocarbons
Fully compatible with LNG, ethylene, propylene, methane, ethane, and other light hydrocarbons processed in cryogenic facilities.
Survives Dry-Run Events and Thermal Shock
Unlike metal or carbon, Vespel® CR-6100 maintains integrity when pumps see thermal shocks, vaporization events, or temporary loss of suction.
Engineered Solutions for Cryogenic Duty
Boulden’s PERF-Seal™ and custom component designs help maintain optimal clearances, stabilize operation, and reduce wear, especially during challenging start-up conditions.
How the Upgrade Works
Cryogenic pump upgrades can be completed during standard overhaul or repair, without requiring a pump redesign.
Boulden works directly with OEMs, repair shops, and plant reliability teams to engineer the correct combination of:
- Wear rings (stationary)
- Throttle bushings
- Suction-side bushings
- Additional wear components depending on pump model and duty cycle
Operational Benefits
- Reduced risk of seizure during start-up
- Longer run time between maintenance cycles
- Lower risk of catastrophic failure
- Improved reliability in hazardous, cold, and low-viscosity environments
Performance Benefits Summary
Upgrade once, benefit for years.
- Minimize wear in low-viscosity, cryogenic fluids
- Prevent metal-to-metal contact and seizing
- Reduce the likelihood of dry-run failure
- Improve operational stability under low-temp cycling
- Lower maintenance costs and extend component life
- Maintain design clearances even under extreme conditions
