GRAPHALLOY® Fitted Pumps for survival in tough services
Pumps are a major GRAPHALLOY application. The unique properties of GRAPHALLOY
enable pumps to run-dry and to survive upsets and flashing that shut-down
ordinary pumps. FTL Technology has worked with Graphite Metalizing as their
technical distributor in the UK for almost 25 years.
One Gulf Coast refinery has saved between $150,000 and $300,000 in annual
repairs by converting four pumps in ethylene service to GRAPHALLOY. These
19-stage vertical pumps operate at 3560 rpm.
Ethylene is a very light hydrocarbon that creates problems in pump operation.
Because of its low viscosity, ethylene provides minimal lubrication to the
rotating parts of the pump. As a result, these pumps are prone to failure.
The pumps in this Texas refinery were failing two to four times a year at an
average cost of $75,000 per pump.
The OEM pump repair shop recommended GRAPHALLOY wear parts based on their
success retro-fitting other ethylene pumps. GRAPHALLOY allows the rotating parts
to contact without the danger of galling and seizing.
Although it was slightly more expensive than the original metal wear parts,
GRAPHALLOY provided a significant cost-savings over composite plastics. The
refinery engineer recognized the benefits that GRAPHALLOY could provide and
approved the conversion.
All four pumps were retro-fitted with GRAPHALLOY. In the three years since their
installation, none of the converted pumps have failed. In addition, measurement
of discharge pressure showed that the clearances had not opened up in that time.
This GRAPHALLOY success in ethylene service demonstrates why so many pump users
choose GRAPHALLOY for their toughest services. Ordinary fitted pumps do not
allow for run-dry conditions and will not survive upsets and flashing. The
unique features of GRAPHALLOY permit dry starts, survive frequent loss of
suction, and extend life for continuous service.
If you have a pump operation that might benefit from GRAPHALLOY, please contact
Warwick Lockwood @ warwickl@ftltech.co.uk
Further Information
For more infomation please contact Warwick Lockwood at FTL Technology on 0113
220 3434 or e-mail warwickl@ftltech.co.uk
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