Centrifugal Pump Startup
Industry Served: Consumer Products
Problem:
An internationally known tool manufacturer located in the Pacific Northwest was experiencing severe pipe vibration in an overhead manifold system. The system delivers coolant to several production grinding machines. The coolant is delivered to the manifold by a 300 gpm centrifugal pump located in a reservoir on the plant floor. When the pump is started, a ball valve at the pump discharge is opened and fluid is pushed vertically up to the horizontal manifold. The manifold does not stay filled with liquid during idle periods so, when the pump is started the coolant flowing into the manifold must first push the air trapped in the manifold out the machine coolant nozzles before coolant reaches the machines. Since air moves more quickly out of the nozzles than liquid, when the coolant reaches the nozzles the velocity of the coolant is instantly reduced and a water hammer effect occurs creating severe pipe vibration.
Solution:
A Blacoh 5 gallon surge suppressor was installed at the coolant pump’s discharge. The suppressor absorbs most of the initial energy generated at pump startup and then acts as a shock absorber as the water hammer shock travels back down the pipeline to the pump.
Result:
Since the Blacoh surge suppressor was installed, virtually all pipe vibration has been eliminated. The potential for pipe failure due to vibration has been minimized and worker safety has been greatly improved. A periodic check of the surge suppressor’s gas charge is all that is required to maintain trouble-free operation of the surge suppressor.