1, How to protect and improve pump performance with wear-resistant rings
The pump plays a very important role in smelting operations and is a necessary equipment in the refining process. In large petrochemical refineries, there are thousands of pumps in operation to ensure the smooth operation of the factory. In smelting operations, centrifugal pumps are usually used to replace the original reverse and rotary pumps. Improvements in manufacturing technology and metallurgy have led to a significant reduction in the manufacturing cost of centrifugal pumps; Meanwhile, due to the decreasing number of moving or rotating parts inside the pump, maintenance operations have become simpler.
Mechanical problems or reduced efficiency during pump operation can have an impact on the production of the entire factory. Wear resistant rings can provide protection and control the recovery and circulation of liquids when the pump operates under abnormal operating conditions. So optimizing its performance is very important. Traditional wear-resistant rings are made of metals of different materials, but due to the characteristics of the metal materials, they affect the further improvement of the overall function of centrifugal pumps.
2, The function of wear-resistant rings
The function of the wear-resistant ring is to separate the rotating and stationary parts in the pump, as well as the high-pressure and low-pressure parts. For many years, designers have tried different materials to replace metal wear-resistant rings in order to achieve improved performance. In the American Petroleum Institute standard (API610), it is stipulated that wear-resistant rings must be used in centrifugal pumps, and composite materials are allowed to be used to manufacture these parts.
3, Causes of failure of metal wear-resistant rings
When the metal wear-resistant ring comes into contact, it usually generates high temperature, causing the metal to be welded together (friction welding), and causing the pump to run smoothly. This situation will significantly increase power consumption, cause serious equipment damage, and may also cause liquid leakage into the atmosphere, causing harm to on-site workers. The wear ring may come into contact in the following situations.
(1) When the pump is just started and the liquid has not yet flowed through the blades and is idling (especially for vertical pumps).
(2) When the rotating shaft deforms, the rotating blades deviate from the rotating shaft due to sudden increase in pump internal pressure or other abnormal situations.
(3) During startup or shutdown, the casing deviates from the rotation axis due to vibration during slow rotation.
(4) Under low-pressure steam, when bubbles appear, or when dealing with low-density liquids.
(5) When radial bearings fail, the wear rings come into contact with each other.