3 replies to this topic

[anandbtm]

We are trying to source a pump to transfer propane from a road tanker to a propane tank on DPCU2 (approx 20-40 cubic metres). We expect this to be an infrequent operation as propane is made-up on DPCU2. Ideally, it would be an air-driven pump as this would require minimum work to hook-up. We have done a market search but can only find electrically driven pumps but even these are not API pumps. Note that the propane tanker does not come with a pump.

Questions:
1). What type of pump is typically used for this service ?
2). Is there a pump vendor that can supply an air-driven pump for this service ?
3). Is there a pump vendor that can supply API pumps for the same service (electrically driven).

[Art Montemayor]

I don't know where you are located or other basic data, so I have to be general.

For LPG or Liquid Propane transfer you can use a variety of pumps. Search our Forums for threads where we discuss this subject. You can use centrifugals, gear, vane, screw, piston, etc., etc.

I don't know of any pump vendor that will package an acceptable air motor-driven LPG pump. There should be one or two. Surf through the Internet. I do know LPG pumps such as:

http://www.blackmer.com/

http://www.dultmeier...rers/corken.asp

You can also go to air motor manufacturers and apply your own air motor to the pump:

http://www.gastmfg.com/manuals.html

http://www.engineair.com.au/

Why are you insisting on API construction? You don't necessarily have to have an API-style pump; that is, unless you or your company insists on it. It will cost a lot more and do the same work.

[djack77494]

Art Montemayor is an authority on this topic and he has given excellent advise. I have never heard of anyone using a API pump for LPG service and would be very surprised to find one exists. LPG and, in general, liquified gas pumps are specialized equipment. Get one built for the service you have in mind. Corken and Blackmer are two I've seen used, though I'm sure there are others. Though trucks often do not have unloading pumps, I have seen trucks which DO have an unloading pump. That pump would be shaft driven using a power takeoff (PTO) on the truck. You might also choose to use a compressor for unloading. I personally like this application since it is possible to fully unload the truck in this way. (Also, it's an elegant solution.) There's another option which used no rotating equipment - only a heat exchanger to effect the transfer. I have seen a schematic but never heard of this actually being done.

[Zauberberg]

We have been using Sulzer's single-stage API 610 centrifugal pump exactly in the same kind of service - transferring C3 from storage tank to the Propane accumulator vessel (inside the process). No problems ever recorded.