pumping high viscosity liquids small scale

When selecting a pump type for a new or upgraded application for viscous liquids, it is always best to consult with the manufacturers and review all performance, load handling characteristics of the a selected pump. The pump performance degrades drastically when the viscosity of fluids. Its high flow resistance requires pumps able to cope with it (membrane pump, peristaltic pump, lobe pump, etc). Pumping viscous fluids using centrifugal pumps in the subsea industry is very common. For any rotodynamic pump, as viscosity goes up, pump performance diminishes due to increase in friction. This will put less stress on the pump, the motor and will ensure the fluid moves adequately. A viscous product presents several challenges. Gear pumps are the most common type of positive displacement pumps, which are often used in pumping relatively high viscous fluid such as hydrocarbons, motor oil, liquid fuels and adhesives. Low RPM: Slowing the RPM will help the fluid move better through the system.

The chart shows that as the viscosity of the liquid increases the required head pressure increases, flow capacity decreases and the pump efficiency decreases.įigure 1, Viscosity - Pressure-Capacity Chart for Viscous Liquid Pumps Pressure Feed: Applying pressure on the inlet side will help force feed fluid through the tubing and pump head. The vertical scales are Head pressure, capacity and correction factors. The bottom horizontal scale is a typical pumps flow capacity and the inner scale is the liquids viscosity. To best understand the effects of viscous liquids, see Figure 1 (Viscosity - Pressure-Capacity Chart) below. Typically these pump types are best for pumping liquids with viscosities less than 200 cp or less. Pumps normally not suited for viscous liquids are centrifugal, flexible impeller, hand operated, and rotary vane pumps. They have been designed for highly viscous fluids, which are gently extracted from reactors and degassing devices even when the inlet pressure is low, ensuring. The ideal pump must be economical and endure millions of cycles without loss of form or function. In general, the pumps have increased suction and discharge lines and inlets, lower operating speeds, greater drive motor horsepower capabilities. Pumping solids and high viscosity fluids can be a challenge. Gear, piston, peristaltic, progressive cavity, rotary vane, nutating, flexible liner, and diaphragm pumps may be rated for pumping viscous liquids. The effects of an elevated viscosityfor pumping applications is higher operating pressure, increased driving motor demands, lower flow, and possible abrasives handling capability.

Fluid viscosity, among other characteristics should be understood when selecting a pump. Pumping viscous liquids can present some challenging technical and design problems. Viscous liquids are fluids that have a medium to high viscosity. Viscous Liquid Pumps are pumps designed to accommodate continuous duty with viscous liquids.

Pumping high viscosity liquids small scale