Selection of Pump

Flow ? Temperature range ?

Talk to a pro...check API/ISO for codes

http://www.sundyne.com/Products/Pumps/Applications/Crude-Oil-Transfer

Here is a good read .

Eliminate suction lift as much as possible.

PD is advised.

These pages on Engineering360 help explain pump types:

http://www.globalspec.com/pfdetail/pumps/types

http://www.globalspec.com/productfinder/flow_transfer_control/pumps

Look in the Products and Suppliers tab on this web site. There will be a list of probably 20 or 30 pump manufacturers that can spec a pump for your exact need!

Though, since you posted as an "ANON" I believe this is a homework question.

We don't do homework!

You will need to supply, "any other information which would be required for proper pump selection."

Start by looking at some pump specifications.

Do you know what a pump curve is?

If it is from API separator it is quite fluid/low viscosity.

A plain WATER SERVICE CENTRIFUGAL pump will do fine.

dear sir,

please mention liquid VISC., at pumping temperature AND at ambient temperature, for proper selection of the pump.

A bit gloopy when cold and runny when hot.

Sounds like you are from the owner/management department, and are querying your engineers expensive recommendations!

Sorry, not going to bite here...

Damn near all pumps are rotary in one respect or another, so I wouldn't buy anything from a manufacturer that used only that vague word.

Depending on flow rate, pressure, etc., there can be good reasons for either centrifugal or positive displacement pumps. Both types have been mentioned thus far, but without any reference to the unknown flow and other requirements.

What?

The word rotary was not used by even the OP. (PD Pump? Centrifugal OR)

It was introduced by Tornado, and I believe his context was not in the sense of a PD pump, but rather the fact that they all go round and round. (Except those that reciprocate)

I feel confident that he will correct me if I'm wrong, again.

Damn near all pumps are rotary in one respect or another, so I wouldn't buy anything from a manufacturer that used only that vague word.

Direct from Tornado's post that I was replying to. I don't know where he jumped to the "rotary" thread, either, but he implies with this that a manufacturer should not use just the term "rotary", and many do implying "rotary vane".

I know the OP never used it - that's the reason for the "OT".

True. You are right.

By now the confused, anonymous, original poster may have had the good sense to actually do some research into pumps to determine what a competent pump buyer needs to supply to a vendor.

I don't really believe that, any more than the rest of you do.

I just hope the guy's not really in charge of pump buying.

This is a system (API separator) that I can walk out from my house and see at least 5 examples of, and not even get tired from walking.This should not be a problem for the OP to solve - it's been solved over and over for decades. Just need to tweak for the volume to be dealt with and line size.

"It helps to read the thread before responding, but I sometimes fail that, too."

So you do, so you do.

Don't you mean post #3?

Simple. In the original design documentation for the plant there is an Equipment Schedule. The replacement pump needs to fit that schedule item. See the facility's Maintenance Engineer for further direction to the document.

As someone posted flow or capacity should be a main issue here although I don't remember any installations where a positive displacement pump was required to pump crude oil. Generally the viscosity and the NPSHA were within the range of a centrifugal pump. The pumping "distance" is meaningless since the losses should be factored into the total discharge head requirement (TDH). The discharge and suction pipe sizes are again a function of flow requirements.

At the moment, the question as to whether the pump is driven by an electric motor, a waterwheel or a mouse galloping round remains open. Here's an idea - hire an Engineer that knows how to specify and select pumps.

Far too simple and costs money.

CR4 is free (to give totally irrelevant answers to vague and uninformative questions by the OP.)

One of the regulars commented we should have a good question button, I like the idea.

I'd prefer this:

You have three options

1. PCP - Progressive Cavity Pump. Good solution based on the info you provided. PCP's made their mark in industry (food) pumping peanut better, so they are quite capable of pumping crude. However you must make sure you get it installed correctly or you will burst you flow lines.

2. Single impeller centrifugal pump. Depends on the viscosity of the fluid coming from the separator.

3. Surface or Horizontal Pumping systems. A downhole centrifugal pump used on the surface in a horizontal position. Depending on the fluid to be pumped would dictate the type of pump impeller, mixed flow or radial.

What you don't say in your post is the following, which if you approach a pump company they will ask..

1. flow rate - gal per min.... m3 per hour or day.... barrels per day

2. prime mover - 3ph or single phase motor.
2a. power supply available

3. Location - inside, outside, desert, field, production area.

4. duty - 24/7.... or intermittent
4a. if intermittent, what type of controller do you have or intend to employ to control the operation

5. Motor & Pump controller and protection - do you have something? does it work and is it suitable for the application.

My last question is.. what are you using now? if anything, and why do you now need to change it?

Wow!

Not only did you not mention temperature of the process fluid, you didn't tell us what the desired flow rate is!

What is your position?

Do you have the qualifications to make decisions that could result in catastrophic failures - even the loss of life and limb? As you are an anonymous poster and have not returned here, I fear that we would not know unless we would see it in the news.

Dear sir,

Centrifugal pumps are recommended for transferring the fluids with large volumes and low heads and Positive Displacement pumps are recommended for transferring the fluids with low volumes and higher heads.For your requirement Centrifugal pumps are recommended subject to viscosity of the pumping fluid,since centrifugal pumps are having some limitations for pumping fluids with high viscosity.Normally Gear/Twin screw pumps are recommended for fluids with high viscosity.