Crankshaft driven positive displacement pumps generate a fluctuating volumetric flow rate which, depending on the hydraulic response of the connected system, generates pressure pulsations. This may cause unbalanced loads in the piping system, especially when hydraulic resonances are present.

When several pumps are connected in parallel, the likelihood for excitation of hydraulic resonances increases. The resulting pressure pulsation is amongst other factors dependent on the phase shift between the crankshafts of the individual pumps.

This paper describes the development of a phase shift controller which controls the phase shift between the crankshafts of the individual pumps, thereby limiting and largely eliminating hydraulic resonance excitation.

The phase shift controller has been installed in the world largest iron ore pipeline, designed to transport 26.5 Mtpa of iron ore concentrate. This paper will demonstrate the beneficial effect of the phase shift control system lowering the pressure pulsation level by a factor 3 to 6 and explain how this was achieved.

About the Weir Group

Founded in 1871, The Weir Group PLC is based in Glasgow, Scotland and is one of the world's leading engineering businesses. Weir designs, manufactures and services innovative solutions which make our minerals, oil and gas, power and other process industry customers more efficient. This is recognised in the global leadership positions we have developed in our core markets. The Group aims to be a partner of choice to our customers with a worldwide network of around 200 manufacturing and service facilities. Weir has a presence in more than 70 countries, with over 14,000 people around the world working in three divisions: Minerals, Oil & Gas and Flow Control.

The Weir Group plc published this content on 08 May 2017 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
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Original documenthttps://www.global.weir/newsroom/news-articles/2017/05/08/pump-phase-shift-control-white-paper/

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