Case Study: Upgrade Your Pumps for Reduced Steam Consumption

A major unit at a petrochemical facility in Asia recently upgraded a Byron Jackson boiler feed pump with Vespel® CR-6100 non-metallic wear rings. This pump is driven by a single stage steam turbine. The objective of the upgrade was to reduce steam consumption.The case wear rings in the 9 stage pump were upgraded to Vespel® CR-6100 , along with the center and throttle bushings. Using the non-metallic composite Vespel® CR-6100 allowed a reduction in the wear ring clearance. All components were fabricated with the Boulden PERF-Seal® design, which helps the pump achieve higher efficiency and improved stability compared to conventional smooth bore wear rings.

Benefits of Updating Case Wear Rings to Composite Materials

After the upgrade, plant personnel measured steam consumption assuming the same pump operating conditions as before the upgrade. The results were the following:
  • Total efficiency improvement of nearly 5%.
  • As the customer operates pump for 140 days per year, steam savings are $26,000 per year.
  • Radial vibration after the upgrade was significantly reduced by nearly 50%.
Because of the success of this upgrade project, the site is considering upgrading many more high-energy pumps with Vespel® CR-6100 and the PERF-Seal® design.
Vespel® CR-6100 case wear rings in a 9 stage pump
Higher efficiency and lower vibration are typical benefits of an upgrade to Vespel® CR-6100 and the PERF-Seal® design.If you have a high energy pump, whether a charge pump, boiler feed water pump, or product shipping pump, consider upgrading the wear components during your next repair. You can save a ton of money and make the pump run better. Contact Boulden to discuss your application. If you have a pump currently in your shop or arriving soon, we have the material you need in stock and can deliver what you need quickly.