Experience in Disc Pumps

As with anything, it has pro's and cons.

Can the pump produce the required pressure and flow for the application?

Your pumping medium (fluid) is the critical factor when selecting this (or any) type of pump.

Disk pumps are typically not very efficient, but can handle gritty, highly viscus or contaminated fluid easily, where a vane/gear/piston pump would be destroyed.

You have not stated anything about your application requirements so a direct answer is not possible.

Dear RVZ717

The fluid is hydrocarbon condensate at offshore rig. It is a separated liquid from the gas separator and then being pumped to pre-filter, coalescer, and absorber bed to remove the mercury. Mercury content entering the beds (and being pumped) is about 2000 ppb. The pump differential head is 4 bar and the flow rate is 101 m3/hr. The pump suction is at 52 bar. Condensate viscosity is 0.8 cP and SG is 0.726. Emulsion is a concern and need to be avoided before entering pre-filter to prolong filter elements useful life.

Disc pump curve indicated that the pump can meet the required pressure and flow although it will be a special made, i.e. not a standard design. Believe we can supply the required 21 kW power demand.

We have commissioned progressive cavity pumps for the past 3 months but the stator materials did at best last for two days. We suspected the condensate attacked the elastomer stator materials. We have used both HNBR and Viton stators.

Appreciate your direct answers or other suggestions.

Maskan

Dear Maskan

How about trying a plunger pump, or the plunger/diaphragm pump:

http://www.lewa.com/main/en/2_2_4_meta0/

To even out the flow pulsations, I tried to calculate the stroke and diameter of a three cylinder plunger pump for your application. Assuming a pump speed of 1500 rev/min (4 pole motor/50Hz) I ended up with about 75 mm (3 in) diameter for a 100 mm (4 in) stroke for each cylinder. Your flow requirement is large!

The pumps in the link has metal diaphragms, and should therefore last longer.

If they can build you a pump out of materials that can handle the fluid, and meet your pressure/flow demands, it sounds like you have your answer.

Is there any reason why you can't use a normal centrif?

Good question, unless it's a construction materials issue, and/or heavy contamination/abrasive issue.

normal centrifugal pump was not favored due to potential emulsion from impingement of vaned impeller on to the hydrocarbon condensate. Emulsion is not good for the Hg absorbent bed.

metal diaphragm appear feasible/ durable but have not yet reviewed the technical details.