Short Course 1. Ruhrpumpen University - Comparison of API-610 12th vs 11th edition.

Introduction to the Seminar

Welcome and Overview

• Good morning, afternoon, or evening depending on your location; this is the first in a series of educational seminars focused on pumping topics.

• The seminar will last around 30 minutes and aims to provide educational content rather than product presentations. This shift is particularly relevant as many engineers are working from home.

Company Background

Who We Are

• Raw Pumping is a global company with 70,000 pumping solutions across 10 countries and over 65 years of experience in various industries including oil and gas, chemical, industrial power, and water.

• A brief overview of product lines includes overhung pumps, between bearings pumps, multi-stage pumps (both vertical and horizontal), positive displacement pumps, mag drive pumps, package systems, and fire systems.

API 610 Changes Overview

Key Features of API 610 Editions

• The seminar focuses on key features and major changes between the 12th and 11th editions of API 610; it’s not an exhaustive review but supports professionals already familiar with the standard.

• There have been few significant changes due to the maturity of the standard; most updates are housekeeping adjustments aligning with international standards.

Major Changes in API 610

Differentiation Between Pump Types

• A notable change is the differentiation between foot mounted (BB1A) used for cold water service and centerline mounted (BB1B) used for oil pipeline applications.

Design Life Clarification

• The previous requirement for a design life of 20 years has been replaced by API 691 risk-based machinery management which emphasizes closer scrutiny for high-risk services like hazardous or high-temperature operations.

Parallel Operation Requirements

• Pumps operating in parallel must now be within three percent of each other on the QH curve—a critical change that will be elaborated later in the presentation.

Additional Specifications

Vendor Witness Site Alignment

• New provisions require vendor witness site alignment specifically for hot service pumps and complex equipment—an improvement over previous standards where this was not specified.

Shaft Guard Requirements

• Introduction of a shaft guard requirement allows visual inspection without removal; it must be made from materials such as steel or aluminum while ensuring visibility of mechanical seals remains feasible.

Base Plate Details

• More detailed specifications regarding base plates have been added including types like flat deck plates with sloped gutters or drain pans; these enhancements aim to improve installation practices especially for offshore platforms or high-speed equipment setups.

Overview of Changes in Pump Standards

Key Modifications to Mounting and Testing

• New mounting locations for seal systems have been established, eliminating previous options. The smallest base plates (30 inches wide) have been removed from NXD due to infrequent use.

• The 12th edition introduces three additional performance testing points, expanding the test from six to nine points, which may increase testing duration and costs, particularly affecting smaller pumps.

Implications of Additional Testing Points

• Concerns are raised about the accuracy of a curve drawn through nine points versus six for small pumps. A quote from mathematician John Neumann highlights the potential for misleading results with excessive parameters.

• Involving vendors in site installation and testing is now recommended, especially for complex pump setups, although it may not be necessary for simpler installations.

Material Changes and Standards

• Cast iron has been removed from construction materials, impacting utility water pumps by potentially increasing costs or leading specifiers to exclude them from API pumps.

• Data sheets remain largely unchanged but will include API 691 data sheets for more challenging pumping applications.

Analysis of API 610 Clauses

Critique of Clause 6.1.12

• The clause mandates that preferred operating regions should be within specific flow rates relative to best efficiency point (BEP), aiming to optimize pump operation.

• However, BEP is not a single flow rate; it varies based on impeller trimming. This can mislead inexperienced engineers into thinking a selection is compliant when it may not be optimal.

Understanding Shockless Flow

• Shockless flow refers to the ideal flow rate where fluid enters the impeller at an optimal angle. Trimming does not affect this constant value.

• Misalignment between rated duty points and shockless flow can lead to operational issues, especially in larger pumps where selections close to minimum diameter should be avoided.

Recirculation Issues in Pump Design

Impact of Impeller Trimming

• Suction recirculation remains unaffected by impeller trimming; however, discharge recirculation increases as trimming occurs due to changes in inlet geometry.

Importance of Head Curve Specifications

• The new requirement states that head values must remain within three percent across identical pumps operating in parallel. This addresses manufacturing tolerances that could lead to performance discrepancies between supposedly identical units.

Pump Operation Insights

Understanding Pump Performance

• The discussion begins with a comparison of pump performance, highlighting the impact of one stronger pump (+3%) and one weaker pump (-3%) on total dynamic head (TDH), leading to a combined curve analysis.

• The rated point for two pumps operating is examined, noting that if one pump operates at only 50% of its best efficiency point (BEP), it can lead to premature wear and inefficiency.

Key Factors in Parallel Pump Operations

• Simon Bradshaw's perspective is introduced, emphasizing that while head rise and the need for a continuously rising curve are minor factors in parallel operations, matching key curves is crucial for optimal performance.

• A deeper exploration into the significance of curve shape will be presented in an upcoming summit seminar. This includes discussions on head rise at shut-off and zero tolerances affecting equipment selection, reliability, and pricing.

Engagement and Feedback Opportunities

• The speaker encourages audience participation by inviting comments or questions through online platforms. They express openness to addressing topics of interest in future sessions.

• Attendees are reminded that the marketing team is available to assist with inquiries or suggestions. The meeting will remain open for additional questions via Q&A or chat boxes before concluding.