Durable, energy-efficient slurry pump for phosphoric acid plant operations

06 March, 2024

The Sulzer AHLSTAR WPP endsuction single-stage pump has demonstrated its effectiveness as a suitable choice, meeting performance requirements with notable advantages. Its efficient operation not only consumes less energy but also significantly reduces maintenance frequency

According to Hannu Makkonen, Head Tendering Support at Sulzer, the selection of wear-resistant hydraulics, a low operating speed, and proper material of construction for the wetted components could contribute to a considerable extension of the average pump lifetime in this very demanding position. This allows the customer to run the process without frequent interruptions.

Severe conditions for rotating equipment

Phosphoric acid is produced with a hemihydrate process, which is considered to be very severe for the rotating equipment installed in the reactor. The relatively high concentration of phosphoric acid and the presence of impurities combined with the elevated reaction temperature create a very aggressive environment.

The constraints for the slurry filter feed pump consist of multiple factors:

41% P2 O5 acid with corrosive contaminants (HF, H2 SiF6 , H2 SO4 , Cl-)

33% of solids (CaSO4 .0,5H2 O)

Presence of gas

Operating temperature 95-100°C

High total head (>30 m)

Low rated power

A slurry filter feed pump is in a very critical role at a phosphoric acid plant. A failure would have a direct deteriorating impact on the production rate of the plant, which is why robust and reliable equipment with the longest possible lifetime was considered to be of prime importance.

Sulzer selected an AHLSTAR WPP53-100 single-stage process pumps for the site. The WPP pumps are designed to be extremely wear-resistant and especially suitable for abrasive and erosive industrial applications. The series offers a comprehensive material selection, and the pumps can be tailored to suit the most demanding industrial applications with accessories such as shaft sealing solutions and heavy-duty bearing units.

The earlier pumps were made of a material that is very commonly used in phosphoric acid applications, CD4MCuN. This duplex stainless steel can give acceptable results in some applications of a dihydrate process, but it is not one of our solutions in a hemihydrate process. In this case, our preference was a higher-grade alloy, 654 SMO. This material, classified as 6%Mo super austenitic stainless steel, has an excellent resistance to corrosion by hot acid with a high chlorides content. It is more and more commonly used in the phosphate industry because it combines a very good resistance to corrosion and better erosion resistance than some more common austenitic stainless steels.

Increased durability

The previous pump at the site was rotating at a speed of around 1800 rpm, which is too high for this application. A pump with a low speed of rotation and a full-diameter impeller was sought after. An AHLSTAR WPP53-100 with a significantly bigger impeller diameter than in the previous pump was selected. Although the head is fixed, a lower rotation speed contributes to reduced wear. Other features adding to the prolonged lifetime of the pump are the wear-resistant design of a semi-open impeller and a casing fitted with a front wear plate.

Increased productivity

Due to the modular construction of the new AHLSTAR WPP, only worn parts of the pump must be replaced. In the earlier pumps, the lifetime of the parts subject to the highest erosion and corrosion was very short, between 3 and 6 months. Along with the pump replacement, the average lifetime of the parts was increased to 12 to 24 months, reducing the maintenance frequency by up to 75% from what it used to be.

Given the harsh operating conditions and the vast improvements compared to the former installation, the replacement is considered to be very successful. After a few years in operation, the pump has proven to be such a major upgrade that more pumps at the site are replaced with AHLSTAR pumps.

For further information please visit https://www.sulzer.com

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Technical details

The pump is installed in the attack reaction unit where it is connected to the digestor. It feeds the slurry filter with phosphoric acid slurry produced in the reactor.

Application - HH slurry filter feed pump

Liquid - Reaction slurry with HH solids

Flow / head - < 170 m³/h/< 35 m

Pump type - AHLSTAR WPP53-100

Material of construction - Cast wetted parts in 654 SMO®

Nominal speed - < 850 (rpm) (VSD)

Lubrication - Oil

Installation - Horizontal (common baseplate)

Motor - 75 kW – 440 V – 60 Hz

Transmission - Flexible coupling

Mechanical seals - Dual mechanical seal SE2

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