PIPING, SHIP SYSTEMS

Pitfalls of Pump Piping design

Rule No. 1

Position the pump in an accessible location. When laying out the system, give
some consideration to the people who eventually will have to look after the
pump that easy access and working room for routine maintenance. Also, make
sure overhead space is adequate for lifting devices and working clearance.
Rule No. 2
Make the pipe diameter on both the inlet and the outlet sides of the pump at least
one size larger than the nozzle itself. On the horizontal inlet side, an eccentric
reducer is required to decrease the size of the pipe from the suction line to the
inlet nozzle. Positioning the reducer with the flat side on top, as shown,
eliminates the potential problem of air pockets at a high point in the suction line.

A concentric increaser should be bolted directly to the vertical discharge flange

prior to the location of any valves. This increaser will slow down the velocity of
the liquid leaving the pump to an acceptable rate within the system itself and, in
particular, through the check valve and isolating valve. Keeping the velocity low
(usually less than 10 ft/sec) reduces friction losses in the line and power draw at
the pump.
Rule No. 3
Eliminate elbows mounted on the inlet nozzle of the pump. Much discussion has
taken place about the acceptable configuration of an elbow on the suction flange
of a pump. Let’s simplify it: There isn’t one!
There always is an uneven flow in an elbow. Installing an elbow on the suction of
any pump introduces that uneven flow into the eye of the impeller. This can
create turbulence and air entrainment, which can result in impeller damage,
vibration and premature pump failure.

Horizontal Split Case – See this Chapter

(https://amarineblog.wordpress.com/2017/07/18/c
entrifugal-pump-basic/)
The problem is compounded when the elbow is installed in a horizontal plane
on the inlet double suction pump, as shown. This configuration introduces
uneven flows into the opposing eyes of the impeller, essentially destroying the
hydraulic balance of the rotating element.
Under these conditions, the overloaded bearing will fail prematurely and
regularly if the pump is packed. However, if the pump is fitted with a mechanical
seal, the seal usually will fail instead of the bearing but just as regularly and,
often, more frequently. When it is absolutely essential to position an elbow on the
inlet of a double suction pump, it must be located at right angles to the shaft.
The only thing worse than one elbow on the suction of a pump is two elbows on the
suction —particularly if they are positioned close together in planes at right
angles to each other. This creates a spinning effect in the liquid that is carried into
the impeller and causes turbulence, inefficiency and vibration.
Rule No. 4

Provide the suction side with a straight run of pipe, in a length equivalent to 5 to
10 times the diameter of that pipe, between the suction reducer and the first
obstruction in the line. For reliable pump operation, liquid must arrive at the
impeller eye with the right pressure and smooth uniform flow. Achieving this
depends a great deal upon the suction piping design.
Note that this layout contradicts the information given in most manuals that the suction
piping should be “as short as possible.” – suction piping mean that the suction part just
before the pipe run. (Purpose : to reduce the inlet pressure loss as much as possible)
Rule No. 5

Positive Displacement (PD) pumps – “ which are what gear pumps are, should not be
deadheaded, as they will break immediately” should always be installed with a Relief
Valve in the discharge line, to protect
the pump and piping against any type of line blockage, including the inadvertent
closing of an isolation valve.
ADDITIONAL NOTE FOR PUMP OPERATION NOTE:
PUMP MURDERER (https://amarineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/pump-
murderer.pdf)