Reduced footprint pump creates upstream space

The new, patented design Bran+Luebbe NOVAPLEX Vector process pump from SPX offers a reduced footprint size, reduced weight, increased efficiency and improved reliability - features that will be welcomed by companies operating offshore platforms and FPSO units (Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading). 

The goal for the pump design was simple but challenging: produce a compact triple diaphragm process pump with a reduced footprint. Starting from a critical appraisal of the traditional triplex pump design and leaving conventional design paths, a revolutionary new design concept for the pump was conceived. Although simple in principle, the new design presented a number of interesting engineering challenges, all of which were overcome to create the new, compact NOVAPLEX Vector pump.

The new NOVAPLEX Vector design arranges the pump heads in three dimensions to reduce the footprint and the overall weight of the pump. As a result of reducing the number of crankshaft bearings from six to two and by generally simplifying assembly, the new unit is designed for increased reliability and ease of maintenance. Maintenance engineers should note that the NOVAPLEX Vector only requires the disassembly of the drive to gain access to the gears. 

SPX believes that the process industry will recognize the benefits of this development in the triplex diaphragm pump design. Equipped with robust Bran+Luebbe diaphragm pump heads, the pumps can be installed in potentially hazardous atmospheres and are ideal for handling hazardous fluids. Typical applications include methanol and polymer injection, hydrocarbon transfer in oil and gas production, LDPE production, reactor feed in the chemical industry, and areas such as autoclave feed in the mining industry.  

As an option, the NOVAPLEX Vector pump can be equipped with a NOVALINK-CSM 2 continuous pump monitoring system, which can be incorporated into an asset management system or used as a stand-alone solution. The software enables vital advance detection of possible pump failure, allowing planned maintenance to be scheduled and resulting in optimised uptime and protecting production capacity. 

Overall the new NOVAPLEX Vector process pump is ideal for use with hazardous fluids and offers critical weight and size reduction for offshore use. The simplified design makes maintenance simpler and increases reliability while the potential for increased productivity can be further assured with the use of the NOVALINK-CSM 2 continuous pump parameter monitoring system. 

SPX continually strives to develop products that bring genuine improvements to a process. The NOVAPLEX Vector pump is another example of innovative engineering addressing real customer needs across a wide variety of industries and applications.

Adapted from a press release by David Bizley

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/product-news/30042014/reduced_footprint_pump_creates_upstream_space/