What impact does the varying viscosity range of crude oil pumps have on pump selection?
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I’m seeking advice from fellow sailors: the viscosity ranges of the crude oil pumps in the tank area are different, at 15–37 mm2/s (PT) and 15–100 mm2/s (PT) respectively. The pump type is a BB1 pump as specified in API610. What factors should be taken into consideration when selecting a pump for this purpose?
Viscosity affects the pump’s flow rate, head, efficiency, power, and other parameters; the higher the viscosity of the fluid, the worse the performance of the centrifugal pump. When the viscosity is less than or equal to 20 mm2/s, there is no need to convert the performance parameters. When the viscosity exceeds 20 mm2/s, it is necessary to perform conversions of the performance parameters (in other words, the flow rate, head, and efficiency are each multiplied by a correction factor). When converting, it is necessary to look up the correction factor, which can be found in the manual.