2 replies to this topic

[lizelle]

I have a thermal oil circulating system where oil is pumped through a shell and tube HX (HX1) to reduce the bleed off temp of the tar distillation product. The oil is then sent through a steam generator, also shell and tube (HX2) in order to generate steam from soft water (oil tube side, water, steam shell side) During a shift, the motor on one of the oil pumps blew off, compmetely braking off from the pump base, but no cavitation or issues on the pump itself was experienced. Only the motor. Then upon switching over to the other oil pump, the same happened to the other pump motor almost immediately. Could there have been a process upset where the water might have leaked to the oil in the HX2? How could this be picked up on plant trends on HX levels or pressures?

[breizh]

Hi,

Did you talk to your electrical engineer? You should have electrical protections to prevent such occurrence (thermal relay or temperature sensor on the pump).

You should also consider ringing the pump manufacturer to get feedback. Can you share info about the pump (vendor, type)?

My experience is with Hermetic pump (from Germany). I do remember safety device on the unit to prevent damage.

https://www.hermetic...ned-motor-pumps

 

https://iqs.co.th/wp...e-catalogue.pdf

 

Breizh

[latexman]

Could there have been a process upset where the water might have leaked to the oil in the HX2?

 

Hi Lizelle,

 

If you have some good, descriptive pictures of the damaged motors and pumps, could you attach them please?

 

"Could there have been a process upset where the water might have leaked to the oil in the HX2?"  Is the water/steam pressure normally > the oil pressure, or would a pressure rise in the water/steam be required for this to happen?  A pressure/tube leak test on HX2 is definitely called for.