Is a regular submersible pump suitable for transferring liquid sulfur? ?
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I want to purchase liquid sulfur and transfer it from a tank truck into an underground tank, then pump it away using a regular submersible pump (without a steam jacket and with an open impeller). Does anyone in Sichuan have experience in this area? ? ? ?
It is quite difficult to operate; insulation is necessary.
Although we lack experience in this area, I think it is not feasible.
Continuous operation can be considered; if it is done intermittently, heat retention is essential.
I used it once, but only on a one-time basis; liquid sulfur was produced as well. However, we didn’t use it for a long time, and when we restarted it after a long period of inactivity, it stopped working – the pump had to be lifted out for cleaning.
It’s definitely not possible without a thermal insulation jacket! Since liquid sulfur operates at relatively high temperatures, continuous operation poses no problem; however, if insulation is not provided after the plant is shut down, the liquid sulfur will solidify due to the low temperature, which can prevent the pump from starting or even cause damage to it! :)
If the underground tank is equipped with heating tubes that allow for prolonged heating and heat retention, a regular submersible pump will suffice. It is important to arrange the outlet piping properly, giving it an appropriate slope and minimizing bends, so that the liquid remaining in the pipes can flow back and be completely emptied after the pump is turned off. Insulation should also be applied to the pipes. Does anyone know that molten alkalis and molten salts require submersible pumps; at temperatures over 300 degrees, it’s impossible to use a steam jacket.
I can tell you with certainty that it’s definitely not possible.
Is there a solution in the end? How is liquid sulfur unloaded and handled?
What was said on the fifth floor is correct; we experience this phenomenon as well, and it’s fine to fill in temporarily
Hehe, but looking at other similar insulated pumps, I don’t think it’s necessarily the case. If the pump impeller and shaft sleeves are submerged below the liquid level without any jacket, it may not be a one-time use item either; however, I haven’t had the chance to test it
Since you want to use it, install heating tubes inside the underground tank; keep a certain liquid level after each unloading process to maintain the temperature. Even though high temperatures increase the viscosity of liquid sulfur, it’s still best to keep the temperature at a relatively high level. Give it a try
The key lies in whether the starting conditions are met when starting the pump; it is also related to the design of the submersible pump used – for example, a cantilever-type non-clogging pump without sliding bearings can be chosen
Our company uses insulated submersible pumps.
Not good. When the temperature of liquid sulfur is between 135°C and 145°C, the viscosity of the medium is at its lowest, which is ideal; values below 119 or above 159 make it almost impossible to pump, as the pump will stop working. Our company uses Jiahe insulated pumps. The effect is pretty good. For reference only