Head issue of horizontal centrifugal pumps
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We worked on a desulfurization project for a chemical plant, and horizontal centrifugal pumps were used, just like in conventional absorption towers. At first, the circulation pump worked normally, but after operating for some time its head decreased and there was a sucking sound coming from the inlet pipe of the pump. After stopping the pump and draining the slurry from its inlet pipe, it was found that the slurry contained a large number of very small bubbles, along with oil. The absorption tower has only its agitator running; aeration is not active. Personally, I think it is these tiny bubbles that cause the pump to experience excessive cavitation. Here, I ask the highly skilled masters to provide an answer and share some solutions; I would like to express my gratitude in advance! ! ! ! ! !
Slow down the stirring speed. At the same time, the liquid level increases by 20 centimeters
The phenomenon resulting from insufficient head due to too low liquid level is addressed by raising the liquid level, which is the correct solution.
It is mainly caused by insufficient aeration; as the medium enters the pump, the pressure drops and gas escapes, resulting in a mixture of liquid medium and gas inside the pump. This seems to lead to air entrapment, thereby causing insufficient outlet head pressure. Turn on stirring and aeration to see how it works; if that doesn’t work, increase the liquid level in the inlet tank.
How high is the liquid level, and how well does the mixing caused by stirring mix the gases?
First of all, thank you for contributing your answers. The mixer operates at a constant speed. The suction height of the horizontal centrifugal pump is 0.5 m, and the liquid level in the absorption tower is 2.5 m (with the bottom of the absorption tower at a elevation of +0.00). It seems that this method won’t work in this case
The inlet elevation is 0.5 m, the liquid level is 2.5 m, and the diameter of the absorption tower is 5 m (with the bottom plate of the absorption tower taken as +0.000). I tried to resolve this by raising the liquid level, but it was not successful
I also added a lot of slurry, but it worked the first time; after that it didn’t work anymore. I also tried raising the liquid level, but it didn’t work. Solve again?
One mixer was also stopped, but it didn’t help