LPG plunger pump
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There is currently a project for LPG filling, where the LPG storage tanks are buried underground. The elevation of the liquid outlet is -4.0m, while the elevation of the hydrocarbon pump room is +0.5m. If these elevations are used as a basis for the design, cavitation is likely to occur when using centrifugal pumps, as LPG tends to vaporize easily. I heard that piston pumps using LPG do not suffer from cavitation. I was wondering if any of you have used pumps similar to this; could you please tell me the manufacturer’s name?
I consulted some manufacturers, who said that a sliding vane pump should be used. Now another question arises: why can a sliding vane pump solve the problem of cavitation?
Either a shielded pump or a sliding vane pump will work; however, shielded pumps tend to be more reliable and easier to use. Sliding vane pumps are also an option – our facility uses them, and they work fine as well – but personally, I find them less effective than shielded pumps
Personal understanding: The seal between the sliding vane and the pump chamber in a sliding vane pump is tighter than that in a centrifugal pump; it can almost be considered as separating the inlet and outlet. In addition to centrifugal force, this type of pump also involves a process similar to compression. Simply put, it is a positive displacement pump.
Try a vane pump; there was a customer who used a centrifugal pump to handle C3 and C4 seals, which had to be replaced once a week. With a vane pump, the results were quite satisfactory
Thank you all; it seems that a sliding vane pump will be chosen. During the consultation, it was learned that many LPG filling stations also use vane pumps.
Yes, piston pumps can prevent cavitation; I recommend the German S&U high-pressure piston pumps, which are suitable for various chemical media.