API Standard 610 Centrifugal Pumps for Petroleum: Best Practices and Common Problems
<br>- Benefits of using API Standard 610 compliant pumps<br>- Challenges and limitations of API Standard 610 H2: Types of centrifugal pumps covered by API Standard 610 - Overhung pumps<br>- Between-bearings pumps<br>- Vertically suspended pumps<br>- Hydraulic power recovery turbines H3: Design requirements for API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps - General design criteria<br>- Materials of construction<br>- Mechanical design<br>- Hydraulic design H4: Testing requirements for API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps - Performance test<br>- Hydrostatic test<br>- NPSH test<br>- Mechanical running test<br>- Vibration test H5: Installation and operation requirements for API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps - Baseplate and foundation<br>- Alignment and coupling<br>- Piping and instrumentation<br>- Lubrication and cooling<br>- Startup and shutdown H6: Maintenance and troubleshooting requirements for API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps - Inspection and monitoring<br>- Spare parts and tools<br>- Repair and overhaul<br>- Common problems and solutions H7: Conclusion - Summary of the main points<br>- Recommendations for choosing and using API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps H8: FAQs - What are the differences between API Standard 610 and other standards?<br>- How often is API Standard 610 updated?<br>- How can I verify if a pump is API Standard 610 compliant?<br>- What are some examples of applications that require API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps?<br>- Where can I find more information about API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps? # Article with HTML formatting <h1>What is API Standard 610 and why is it important?</h1>
<p>Centrifugal pumps are widely used in petroleum, petrochemical, and natural gas industries to transport fluids at various pressures, temperatures, and flow rates. However, not all centrifugal pumps are created equal. Depending on the application, some pumps may need to meet higher standards of reliability, efficiency, safety, and performance than others.</p>
API Standard 610 Centrifugal Pumps for Petroleum ....pdf
<p>That's where <strong>API Standard 610</strong> comes in. API Standard 610 is a specification published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) that specifies the requirements for centrifugal pumps used in these industries. It covers the design, testing, installation, operation, and maintenance of overhung pumps, between-bearings pumps, vertically suspended pumps, and hydraulic power recovery turbines.</p>
<p>API Standard 610 is the most reputable and strictest standard in the field of centrifugal pumps manufacturing. It ensures that the pumps are suitable for pumping liquids at conditions exceeding any one of the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>discharge pressure (gauge): 275 psi; 19.0 bar (1900 kPa);</li>
<li>suction pressure (gauge): 75 psi; 5.0 bar (500 kPa);</li>
<li>pumping temperature: 300 F (150 C);</li>
<li>rotational speed: 3600 r/min;</li>
<li>rated total head: 400 ft (120 m);</li>
<li>impeller diameter, overhung pumps: 13 in. (330 mm).</li>
</ul>
<p>Some of the benefits of using API Standard 610 compliant pumps are:</p>
<ul>
<li>They are designed to handle harsh operating conditions such as high pressure, high temperature, corrosive fluids, abrasive solids, gas entrainment, cavitation, etc.</li>
<li>They have a long service life and low maintenance costs due to their robust construction, high-quality materials, advanced sealing systems, etc.</li>
<li>They have a high efficiency and low energy consumption due to their optimized hydraulic design, reduced friction losses, etc.</li>
<li>They have a high safety and environmental performance due to their compliance with relevant codes and regulations, such as API 682 for mechanical seals, API 670 for machinery protection systems, etc.</li>
<li>They have a high reliability and availability due to their rigorous testing, inspection, and monitoring procedures, as well as their availability of spare parts and technical support.</li>
</ul>
<p>However, API Standard 610 also has some challenges and limitations that need to be considered. Some of them are:</p>
<ul>
<li>It is not applicable to all types of centrifugal pumps, such as sealless pumps, submersible pumps, canned motor pumps, etc. For these pumps, other standards may be more suitable, such as API 685 for sealless pumps.</li>
<li>It is not a guarantee of quality or performance. It is still the responsibility of the pump manufacturer to ensure that the pump meets the specifications and expectations of the customer.</li>
<li>It is not a substitute for engineering judgment or experience. It is still the responsibility of the pump user to select, install, operate, and maintain the pump according to the specific application and conditions.</li>
</ul>
<p>In summary, API Standard 610 is an important specification that defines the requirements for centrifugal pumps used in petroleum, petrochemical, and natural gas industries. It provides many benefits for the pump users, but it also has some challenges and limitations that need to be understood and addressed.</p>
<h2>Types of centrifugal pumps covered by API Standard 610</h2>
<p>API Standard 610 covers four main types of centrifugal pumps, based on their configuration and support arrangement. They are:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Overhung pumps</strong>: These are pumps where the impeller is mounted on the end of a shaft that is cantilevered from its bearing support. The shaft is usually driven by an electric motor through a flexible coupling. The pump casing can be either radially split or axially split. Examples of overhung pumps are OH1, OH2, OH3, OH4, OH5, and OH6.</li>
<li><strong>Between-bearings pumps</strong>: These are pumps where the impeller or impellers are mounted between bearings that are supported by a rigid frame. The shaft is usually driven by an electric motor through a flexible coupling or a gear box. The pump casing can be either radially split or axially split. Examples of between-bearings pumps are BB1, BB2, BB3, BB4, and BB5.</li>
<li><strong>Vertically suspended pumps</strong>: These are pumps where the impeller or impellers are mounted on a vertical shaft that is suspended from a bearing housing above the baseplate. The shaft is usually driven by an electric motor through a flexible coupling or a right-angle gear box. The pump casing can be either radially split or diffuser type. Examples of vertically suspended pumps are VS1, VS2, VS3, VS4, VS5, VS6, and VS7.</li>
<li><strong>Hydraulic power recovery turbines</strong>: These are pumps that run in reverse as turbines to recover hydraulic energy from a fluid stream. They are usually coupled to a centrifugal pump or another device that requires mechanical power. The turbine casing can be either radially split or axially split. Examples of hydraulic power recovery turbines are BB1-T and BB2-T.</li>
</ul>
<p>The following table shows the illustrations and designations of the various specific pump types covered by API Standard 610:</p>
Pump Type Illustration Designation --- --- --- Overhung Pumps  OH1: Foot-mounted single-stage overhung pump with end suction and top discharge  OH2: Centerline-mounted single-stage overhung pump with end suction and top discharge  OH3: Vertical in-line single-stage overhung pump with separate bearing bracket  OH4: Vertical in-line single-stage overhung pump with integral bearing bracket  OH5: Close-coupled vertical in-line single-stage overhung pump  OH6: High-speed integral-gear-driven single-stage overhung pump <h3>Design requirements for API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps</h3>
<p>API Standard 610 specifies the design requirements for centrifugal pumps used in petroleum, petrochemical, and natural gas industries. These requirements cover the general design criteria, materials of construction, mechanical design, and hydraulic design of the pumps.</p>
<h4>General design criteria</h4>
<p>The general design criteria for API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps include:</p>
<ul>
<li>The pump shall be designed for continuous operation at any point within the operating region defined by the purchaser.</li>
<li>The pump shall be designed to withstand the maximum and minimum suction and discharge pressures, temperatures, and speeds specified by the purchaser.</li>
<li>The pump shall be designed to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the pump components without causing excessive stresses or clearances.</li>
<li>The pump shall be designed to prevent leakage of the pumped fluid to the atmosphere or to other parts of the pump.</li>
<li>The pump shall be designed to minimize noise and vibration levels.</li>
<li>The pump shall be designed to facilitate inspection, maintenance, and repair.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Materials of construction</h4>
<p>The materials of construction for API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps include:</p>
<ul>
<li>The materials of the pump components that are in contact with the pumped fluid shall be selected based on the fluid characteristics, such as corrosiveness, abrasiveness, toxicity, etc.</li>
<li>The materials of the pump components that are not in contact with the pumped fluid shall be selected based on the environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, etc.</li>
<li>The materials of the pump components shall be compatible with each other and with the fasteners, gaskets, seals, etc.</li>
<li>The materials of the pump components shall meet the mechanical and physical properties specified by API Standard 610 or by the purchaser.</li>
<li>The materials of the pump components shall be traceable and identifiable throughout the manufacturing process.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Mechanical design</h4>
<p>The mechanical design of API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps include:</p>
<ul>
<li>The shaft shall be designed to transmit the torque from the driver to the impeller without excessive deflection or vibration.</li>
<li>The bearings shall be designed to support the shaft and absorb the radial and axial loads without excessive wear or friction.</li>
<li>The coupling shall be designed to connect the shaft to the driver without causing misalignment or imbalance.</li>
<li>The seal chamber shall be designed to accommodate a mechanical seal or a packing arrangement to prevent leakage of the pumped fluid.</li>
<li>The casing shall be designed to contain the pumped fluid and withstand the internal and external pressures without distortion or leakage.</li>
<li>The impeller shall be designed to impart kinetic energy to the pumped fluid and produce the required head and flow rate without cavitation or erosion.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Hydraulic design</h4>
<p>The hydraulic design of API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps include:</p>
<ul>
<li>The pump performance curve shall be determined by testing or calculation based on accepted methods.</li>
<li>The pump efficiency curve shall be determined by testing or calculation based on accepted methods.</li>
<li>The net positive suction head required (NPSHR) curve shall be determined by testing or calculation based on accepted methods.</li>
<li>The suction specific speed (NSS) shall be calculated based on the pump geometry and performance data.</li>
<li>The specific speed (NS) shall be calculated based on the pump geometry and performance data.</li>
<h4>Testing requirements for API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps</h4>
<p>API Standard 610 specifies the testing requirements for centrifugal pumps used in petroleum, petrochemical, and natural gas industries. These requirements cover the performance test, hydrostatic test, NPSH test, mechanical running test, and vibration test of the pumps.</p>
<h5>Performance test</h5>
<p>The performance test is conducted to verify the hydraulic performance of the pump, such as head, flow rate, efficiency, and power consumption. The test is carried out at the rated speed and at various flow rates within the operating region defined by the purchaser. The test fluid is usually water or another suitable liquid agreed by the purchaser and the supplier. The test results are compared with the guaranteed values specified by the supplier.</p>
<p>The performance test shall be conducted in accordance with ISO 9906 or ANSI/HI 14.6, which define three grades of accuracy: Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3. Grade 1 is the most accurate and Grade 3 is the least accurate. The default grade for API Standard 610 pumps is Grade 2, unless otherwise specified by the purchaser .</p>
<h5>Hydrostatic test</h5>
<p>The hydrostatic test is conducted to verify the pressure integrity and strength of the pump casing and other pressure-containing components. The test is carried out by applying a hydrostatic pressure to the pump for a specified duration. The test pressure is usually 1.5 times the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) of the pump, unless otherwise specified by the purchaser or the supplier. The test fluid is usually water or another suitable liquid agreed by the purchaser and the supplier. The pump shall not show any signs of leakage, distortion, or damage during or after the test.</p>
<h5>NPSH test</h5>
<p>The NPSH test is conducted to verify the net positive suction head required (NPSHR) of the pump at a given flow rate. The NPSHR is the minimum pressure required at the pump suction to prevent cavitation, which can cause noise, vibration, erosion, and loss of performance. The test is carried out by gradually reducing the suction pressure until a specified head drop or power increase occurs. The test fluid is usually water or another suitable liquid agreed by the purchaser and the supplier. The test results are compared with the guaranteed values specified by the supplier.</p>
<h5>Mechanical running test</h5>
<p>The mechanical running test is conducted to verify the mechanical reliability and operation of the pump under various conditions. The test is carried out by running the pump at different speeds, loads, pressures, and temperatures for a specified duration. The pump shall not show any signs of abnormal noise, vibration, leakage, overheating, or wear during or after the test.</p>
<h5>Vibration test</h5>
<h5>Installation and operation requirements for API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps</h5>
<p>API Standard 610 specifies the installation and operation requirements for centrifugal pumps used in petroleum, petrochemical, and natural gas industries. These requirements cover the baseplate and foundation, alignment and coupling, piping and instrumentation, lubrication and cooling, startup and shutdown of the pumps.</p>
<h6>Baseplate and foundation</h6>
<p>The baseplate and foundation for API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps shall be designed and constructed to provide adequate support and rigidity for the pump and driver. The baseplate shall be levelled and grouted on a concrete foundation that is sufficiently reinforced and anchored to prevent settlement or vibration. The baseplate shall have provisions for drainage, ventilation, lifting, and alignment. The baseplate shall be compatible with the pump type and configuration.</p>
<h6>Alignment and coupling</h6>
<p>The alignment and coupling for API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps shall be performed to ensure proper connection and transmission of power between the pump and driver. The alignment shall be checked and adjusted before and after grouting, piping, and operation. The alignment shall be within the tolerances specified by API Standard 610 or by the supplier. The coupling shall be selected and installed according to the pump type, speed, torque, and service conditions. The coupling shall have provisions for lubrication, inspection, and protection.</p>
<h6>Piping and instrumentation</h6>
<p>The piping and instrumentation for API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps shall be designed and installed to provide adequate flow and pressure to the pump suction and discharge. The piping shall be properly sized, routed, supported, vented, drained, insulated, and protected to prevent excessive stress, vibration, noise, erosion, corrosion, or leakage. The piping shall have provisions for isolation, control, relief, flushing, cleaning, purging, sampling, monitoring, etc. The instrumentation shall be selected and installed according to the pump type, service conditions, and control requirements. The instrumentation shall have provisions for calibration, verification, maintenance, etc.</p>
<h6>Lubrication and cooling</h6>
<h6>Maintenance and troubleshooting requirements for API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps</h6>
<p>API Standard 610 specifies the maintenance and troubleshooting requirements for centrifugal pumps used in petroleum, petrochemical, and natural gas industries. These requirements cover the inspection and monitoring, spare parts and tools, repair and overhaul, common problems and solutions of the pumps.</p>
<h7>Inspection and monitoring</h7>
<p>The inspection and monitoring for API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps shall be performed to ensure proper operation and condition of the pump and its components. The inspection and monitoring shall be carried out at regular intervals or as required by the service conditions. The inspection and monitoring shall include visual inspection, vibration measurement, temperature measurement, pressure measurement, flow measurement, power measurement, lubricant analysis, seal leakage detection, etc. The inspection and monitoring results shall be recorded and compared with the baseline or acceptance values.</p>
<h7>Spare parts and tools</h7>
<p>The spare parts and tools for API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps shall be provided to facilitate maintenance and repair of the pump and its components. The spare parts and tools shall be selected based on the pump type, service conditions, criticality, availability, etc. The spare parts and tools shall include bearings, seals, impellers, wear rings, shafts, couplings, gaskets, fasteners, wrenches, pullers, gauges, etc. The spare parts and tools shall be stored in a clean, dry, and secure place. The spare parts and tools shall be identified and inventoried.</p>
<h7>Repair and overhaul</h7>
<p>The repair and overhaul for API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps shall be performed to restore or improve the performance and condition of the pump and its components. The repair and overhaul shall be carried out by qualified personnel using approved procedures and equipment. The repair and overhaul shall include disassembly, cleaning, inspection, measurement, repair or replacement, reassembly, testing, etc. The repair and overhaul shall comply with the original specifications or with the agreed modifications.</p>
<h7>Common problems and solutions</h7>
<p>The common problems and solutions for API Standard 610 centrifugal pumps include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>No flow or low flow</strong>: Possible causes are suction valve closed or blocked; discharge valve closed or blocked; suction pipe clogged or collapsed; impeller clogged or damaged; pump speed too low; pump running in reverse; pump cavitation; pump air-bound; pump misaligned or unbalanced; system resistance too high. Possible solutions are open or clear valves; clear or replace suction pipe; clear or replace impeller; increase pump speed; correct pump rotation; increase suction pressure or decrease suction temperature; vent air from pump; align or balance pump; reduce system resistance.</li>
<li><strong>No head or low head</strong>: Possible causes are discharge valve open or leaking; impeller worn or damaged; pump speed too low; pump running in reverse; pump cavitation; pump air-bound; pump misaligned or unbalanced; system hea