One of the key restrictions was an 11 stage barrel casing pump originally supplied by Sulzer Pumps in the 1980’s. The pump had been previously upgraded with maximum diameter impellers during the 1990’s to enhance output. Following other process modifications a further increase in performance was required beyond the capability of the existing hydraulic components.

A thorough review of the new performance requirements together with projected future needs was undertaken by our Southern California service center. The proposal to the customer resulted in the following retrofit elements

•                     New high flow cartridge delivering increased performance using the existing barrel

•                     Sulzer standard clearances to increase efficiency and minimize the increase in power needed

•                     Hydraulic fit coupling adopted to simplify maintenance and eliminate the use of heat to remove the hub

•                     Motor up-rated by 15 % to drive the pump at the new duty while retaining the existing baseplate

•                     Shaft modified to accept power inputs of 30 % over the original to allow for future up-rates of the new 
                      hydraulic as demand on throughput increases

The newly retrofitted pump was fully tested before installation to prove hydraulic and mechanical performance and ensure speedy installation and re-commissioning. On start up performance exceeded the customers’ expectations, in particular the increased efficiency is resulting in significant power savings.