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Rotating Equipment

A. ESKANDARLU and F. KHAZRAI,


Chagalesh Consulting Engineers, Tehran, Iran

Compare pitot tube pumps with high-speed


centrifugal pumps for low-flow applications
When seeking a pump for a low-flow, high-head application,
there is a temptation to choose a high-speed (HS) integral geardriven centrifugal pump because of its advantages over multistage centrifugal and other types of pumps. However, depending upon operating conditions and requirements, a pitot tube
pump may be preferable due to its unique features.
In this article, the key features of pitot tube pumps are identified and compared to the features of HS integral gear-driven
pumps (here referred to as HS pumps), which have been widely
used in a range of industries in low-flow, high-head applications.
Pitot tube pump description. The pitot tube pump, invented

in the early 1900s and improved in the late 1950s and early 1960s,
is a little-known type of centrifugal pump in the low-specificspeed (SS) classification. Pitot tube pumps have been used in
various industries for relatively low-flow, high-head applications.
A pitot tube pump, also called a rotating casing pump, comprises a closed rotating casing assembly with a stationary pitot
tube, also known as the pickup tube (FIG. 1). The liquid enters
the rotating casing along the axis of rotation, and momentum
increases as it passes through the channels of the rotating casing
and then jets into the pickup tube. The pitot is positioned near
the periphery of the rotating casing, where the rotational velocity
of the liquid mass is the greatest. The liquid then flows through
the internal passageway of the pitot tube and is discharged.
The total head developed by this type of pump is the sum of
both the centrifugal head and the velocity head; in total, it is approximately 1.6 times the head produced by a single-stage centrifugal pump of the same size, if operating at the same speed.
The total maximum head (ignoring hydraulic losses) can be approximated by the following equation:

gear increaser unit, or V-belt drive. For applications that need


variable speed, switched-reluctance drives, variable frequency
drives (VFDs) or turbines could be considered, depending on
the end users specific situation and requirements.
Using a switched-reluctance drive, along with a pitot tube
pump, has resulted in a novel close-coupled design with numerous merits:
Variable speed capability to meet various load conditions
Compactness and a small footprint, comparable to the
HS pump, which eliminates the need for a rigid, large
and expensive base
Coupling guards and costly, time-consuming field
alignment eliminated
Gear unit and couplings eliminated, and the number
of mechanical components is reduced
Associated electronics allow feedback control, warnings
and/or shutdown.
All of these merits lead to the operating flexibility, safety and
reliability of this pump-drive configuration. Ref. 4 gives more
information on this closed-coupled configuration.
A variable frequency drive (VFD) can also be used for
pitot tube pumps to achieve the same merits mentioned previously. However, due to design issues pertaining to the combination of VFD and a pitot tube pump with a relatively large rotating casing, some manufacturers only use this arrangement for
smaller pumps with limited head and capacity (typically, head
up to 1,500 ft and flowrate up to 150 US gpm).

Ht = (r 2 N 2) 423,452 [Ft]
where:
r = Centerline radius of pitot tube inlet, in., as shown in FIG. 2
N = Pump casing rotational speed, rpm.
The effective conversion of velocity to pressure head by the
pitot tube, and the much lower friction between the rotating
casing and the liquid inside it, results in much higher heads at
relatively moderate speeds and at good overall efficiencies.
The pump capacity can be changed by changing the size of
the pitot tube, and the change in the head developed by varying the speed at which the pump is operated. When an electric
motor is the prime mover, the speed may be increased by the

FIG. 1. Pitot tube pumps main parts and its flow path.9
Hydrocarbon Processing|DECEMBER 201563

Rotating Equipment
Curves shape comparison. The capacity-head curves of pitot tube pumps are similar to conventional centrifugal pumps.
The curve rise is quite modestbelow 50% of the best efficiency point (BEP). FIG. 3 shows the typical performance
curves of the pitot tube pump and the HS centrifugal pump
with an open radial vane impeller (24 vanes).

Typical applications. The features of the pitot tube pump

make it well suited for many systems where the flow requirement continually varies, or for applications where the pump is
needed to operate against a closed valve, with a minimal bypass
flow, for an extended period of time.
Typical applications for pitot tube pumps include boiler
feed and desuperheating, hydrocarbon processing plants, oil
production units, hydraulic systems, nitrogen oxides (NOx )
control and others.
Key features of pitot tube pumps include:
Wide operating range with low minimum flow. The
pitot tube pump has a wide stable operating range over
its entire head capacity curve, from maximum flow to
low minimum flow. It can operate at minimum flow
continuously. These pumps are not sensitive to off-peak

FIG. 2. Rotating casing and pitot tube (pickup tube).2


200
Centrifugal, open impeller
Rotating casing, PITOT

160

Inducer operating range

120
Head, %

flow or upset conditions, and are capable of operating


where the flow required varies continually.
Operating speed. The lower operating speed of pitot
tube pumps compared to high-speed pumps leads to
longer life of the bearings (due to lower cycling), longer
seal life and reduced noise level.
Low hydraulic loads. The axial load on the pitot tube
pump depends primarily on the suction pressure, which
is relatively low and does not depend significantly on
changes in the discharge pressure, flowrate or speed.
Radial load is relatively low and constant, independent
of flowrate, and is primarily a function of the pump speed
and pitot tube size. These features allow pump operation
anywhere on the head capacity curve without causing
any detrimental effects on the pump bearing life.
Dry run. The pitot tube pump may be exposed to only
minor damage if run dry, because of the loss of suction
flow for an extended time. Seal faces of a single face pump
may be damaged due to excessive heat. A double seal
pump will not have any seal damage.
Long mechanical seal life. The mechanical seal is
located on the suction side of a pitot tube pump (FIG. 1);
therefore, it would have a relatively longer life because of
its exposure to low suction pressure. The mechanical seal
of the HS pump is exposed to the system pressure.
Inducer not required. In HS pumps, as impeller speed
increases and, consequently, the net positive suction
head required (NPSH r) for stable operation increases,
an inducer (axial impeller) is used to lower the NPSH r.
An inducer, if used, often reduces the stability window of
pump operation, as shown in FIG. 4. The pitot tube pump
does not require an inducer.
Low maintenance cost. This type of pump design has
fewer moving and wetted parts, lower required spares
inventory, and lower maintenance cost as a result of
its inherent simple design compared to the HS pump.
The single mechanical seal and pitot tubes are prone to
damage by fluids containing abrasive particles.
Simple capacity change. The capacity of the pump can
be easily modified by changing the pitot tube size, and a
wide range of flow capacity can be achieved. This feature
also maximizes the pump standardization. Each pitot
tube pump can adopt pitot tubes of several sizes.

Impeller NPSH
required

80

BEP

40

NPSH available
Inducer NPSH required

0
0

40

80
Flow, %

FIG. 3. Curves shape comparison.

64DECEMBER 2015|HydrocarbonProcessing.com

120

140
Q

FIG. 4. Typical inducer effect on a pump stable operating range.9

Rotating Equipment
Isolated bearings and gear unit. The bearings and the
gear unit are isolated from the pumped fluid chamber. In
the HS pump, if the liquid enters the gear side, the oil layer
is broken between the gears and vibration will increase.
Key features of HS pumps include:
Small footprint. This type of pump requires much
less floor space compared to the pitot tube pump with
external gear unit.
Reduced size and weight. The pump casing and its
impeller are relatively small, with reduced weight, due
to the high operating speed. As a result of this, the shaft
overhung ratio is minimized, leading to a smaller shaft
and low bearing loading.
Less sensitive to out-of-balance. These pumps are less
sensitive to out-of-balance vibration because of their
much lower rotor mass. The ratio of the impeller mass
to the total mass of the pump assembly is much lower in
comparison with the ratio of the pitot tube pump rotating
casing to the entire pump assembly.
API standard compliance. These pumps are used in both
API Standard 610 and general industrial applications. API
610, OH6-type pumps are used for heavy-duty or critical
services. However, some manufacturers also design heavyduty pitot tube pumps in accordance with API 610 for
critical services, with some exceptions to API 610 because
of their special designs.
Higher suction pressure capability. This pump type is

capable of higher suction pressure in comparison


with the pitot tube pump.
Pump mounting configuration. The pumps are
available in vertical inline, horizontal basement or direct
motor flange mount.
Higher maximum head. These pumps are typically
capable of producing up to 10% or 15% higher maximum
head compared to pitot pumps, as indicated in TABLE 1.
Dry running. Pumps with a radial vane open impeller
(SS: 150 to 850 US units) have no wear rings and no
close clearances, and will not seize because of dry
running. Pumps with higher flowrates typically have
Francis vane impellers (SS: 850 to 1,860 US units) with
wear rings and are subject to seizure if run dry. They also
have higher thrust loads.
TABLE 1 shows typical ranges of operating parameters pertaining to both types of pumps.
Case study. TABLE 2 shows operating data for each pump type

for six cases. The speed, efficiency and NPSH r data, as indicated
in TABLE 2, were extracted from available pump family performance curves based on liquid with a specific gravity of 1, a power of 50 Hz and HS pumps with closed impellers.
Note: For a number of given sets of head-flowrate points, generally an HS pump may show efficiency advantage over a pitot
tube pump, due in part to the ability to run at a higher speed and
higher SS. However, for some given head-flowrate points, a pitot

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Hydrocarbon Processing|DECEMBER 201565

Rotating Equipment
tube pump may show an efficiency advantage over an HS pump,
largely due to its lower disc friction effect and diffusion losses.
Obviously, the efficiency of a specific pump type varies depending on the pump manufacturers design, model and specifications.
Lifecycle cost evaluation. Lifecycle cost (LCC) is a critical de-

cision factor in a pump type selection process. In a comparison of a


pitot tube pump with an HS centrifugal pump of the same duty, the
LCC factors that are more influenced by the type of pump include:
Energy costs. Energy consumption cost is often the
largest cost element of a pumps LCC and may dominate
the LCC, especially when the pump operates more than
2,000 hr/yr.10 The energy cost varies depending on the
pump efficiency, pump duty, operating hr/yr, the pump
operating condition, present utility (e.g., electricity) cost
and the rate of increase of utility cost.
Maintenance costs. Many factors, such as pump type,
design, material of construction, pump quality and
operational maintenance may affect this cost factor.
However, selecting a pump with a simple design, few
moving parts and low spares inventory can contribute to
relatively low maintenance and repair costs.
Initial costs. The initial costs include the pump capital
cost; pumping system costs; and also the cost of relevant
engineering, ordering, testing, inspection and shipment.
The initial cost is generally a low percentage of a pump
LCC, as shown in FIG. 5.

Pump type evaluation. When seeking a centrifugal pump with


relatively low flow and high head within pitot tube pumps typiTABLE 1. Typical operating ranges
Pump
type

Flowrate,
US gpm

Total
head, ft

HS

Up to 400

Up to
6,300

7,000 to
25,000

Up to 65

150850
(radial open);
8501,860
(closed Francis)

Up to 400 Up to
(newly 800) 5,500

2,950 to
6,400

Up to 65

50360

Pitot
tube

Speed,
Maximum Impeller-type
rpm
efficiency, % SS, US units

TABLE 2. Case study results


Case

Flowrate,
m3/h

Total
Speed,
head, m Pump type
rpm

215

1,253

10

1,083

11.5

405

36

593

64

392

,
%

NPSHr ,
m

HS

10,655

17

Pitot

3,550

33

HS

15,467

26

Pitot

5,673

46

1.5

HS

15,467

27

Pitot

5,443

38

1.75

HS

13,670

42

2.7

Pitot

3,395

50

1.8

HS

17,521

59

11

Pitot

4,205

57

HS

10,655

61

3,913

59

11

Pitot

66DECEMBER 2015|HydrocarbonProcessing.com

cal operating range, it is worth considering a pitot tube pump,


as well as an HS pump. The pump materials of construction for
wetted parts, as well as the pump specifications and standards,
should be specified in the bid requests from vendors on an equal
basis for both pump types, as appropriate.
Upon receiving quotations from vendors, making a proper
decision on the pump type requires an evaluation process consisting of several steps:
Identifying the process system requirements, as well as
the proposed pump head-capacity performance curves
stable range of operation
Ensuring that the proposed pump meets process system
requirements for normal and any upset condition.
Identifying the efficiencies at the normal (duty)
point(s)higher overall efficiency at normal operating
point(s) means lower energy cost
Identifying the required safe NPSH margin and
comparing it to the available NPSH margin (NPSH
available/NPSH required by the pump) for each point
of operation and along the stable range of operation
on the head-capacity performance curve. Caution:
Often, a pump may run unexpectedly further out on the
performance curve where the NPSH available might
decrease, and the NPSH required increase, thereby
resulting in an unacceptable actual NPSH margin.
Estimating the energy cost over the pump lifespan based
on each pumps efficiency at normal operating points and
the fuel/electricity costs
Estimating LCC based on each pump type, within the
limits of the available data
Exploring and/or acquiring knowledge of field
experiences relevant to both pump types as far as
possible. Ref. 8 is an example of relevant field experience
Making a reasonable comparison between alternate
choices, considering the estimated LCC and true benefits
of both pump types special features, that affect the pump
proper applicability, availability and reliability, based on
the users specific situation, to make an effective decision
on the pump type selection.
Selecting of a pitot tube pump type. When choosing a
pitot tube pump type, consider the following:
Startup characteristics. Unlike all other centrifugal
pumps, a pitot tube pump startup requires the rotation
of a casing assembly with considerable mass, which
affects the starting characteristics of the pump. Therefore,
special consideration should be made when sizing the
pump prime mover. Pump startup against a closed
discharge valve and application of a soft start device are
recommended when an electric motor drive is used.
Light hydrocarbon service. Pumping light hydrocarbon
liquids or any liquid with low density or high vapor
pressure by a pitot tube pump requires consideration of
the following points:
o The pump containing a large volume of liquid can run
only for a short period of time against a closed discharge
valve without vaporizing the liquid in the pump.
o The suction flow absorbs heat before it gets into the
pump casing because of the restrictive inlet geometry

Rotating Equipment
of the pitot tube pump; consequently, a temperature
rise occurs and, as a result, available NPSH is reduced.
Therefore, if available NPSH is not sufficiently higher
than required NPSH, cavitation occurs. To prevent this
potential problem, a high minimum flowrate and/or a
special seal design or cooling is required.
Vibration. The ratio of the rotating casing weight of a
pitot tube pump to the total pump weight is greater than
that of a conventional centrifugal pump with equivalent
duty; therefore, any out-of-balance condition of the pitot
tube pump needs a precise dynamic balance of the pump
casing assembly.
Good results have been achieved by balancing the pump
casing below both API and ISO G 0.4 levels. The pump
should be balanced while filled with a liquid of specific
gravity that is almost equal to that of the pumped liquid.
Solid particles handling. The pitot tube pump has a
very limited solid handling capability and must be applied
with a great deal of caution when solids are present in the
pumped liquid. The solid particles can cause erosion and
an out-of-balance condition.
o The pitot tube is susceptible to erosion due to the high
speed of the fluid, which impacts the orifice of the pitot
tube. However, specific gravity, shape, size, hardness,
the amount of particles present in the fluid and the
material of construction of the pitot tube can affect the
level of abrasive wear.
o As long as solids are in suspension in the pumped
liquid, there would not be an out-of-balance condition
on startup. However, when the pump is shut down and
the solids come out of suspension and settle on the
bottom of the pump casing, then the pump is started
back up, an increased vibration may occur for a short
time. After startup, as soon as the solids come into
suspension through the mixing action of the rotating
casing, the vibration is decreased to the normal level
and the normal balance is resumed. Furthermore,
if the pump shuts down and the solids come out of
suspension and adhere to the inside wall of the rotating
casing, and do not come into suspension on startup,
an increased vibration will occur and will continue. In
such a situation, the pump will need to be shut down
and the rotating casing will need to be flushed out.
Note: When the HS pump type is chosen, some considerations should also be made to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the pump. However, the discussion of these considerations is beyond the scope of this article.
Takeaway. The pitot tube pump is a type of centrifugal pump
within the low SS classification (50 to 360 US units) and is suitable for low-flow, high-head applications. It has a simple design,
a wide stable operating range, few moving parts and a lowered
spares inventory. Pitot tube pumps are not sensitive to off-peak
flow or upset conditions, and are capable of operating continuously at the minimum flow. They are especially suited for applications where the required flow may continually vary.
The key features of pitot tube pumps, along with a comparison with HP pumps, have been discussed. Some evaluation steps have also been highlighted for pump type selection.

Initial costs
Maintenance costs

Energy costs

Other costs
FIG. 5. Typical
for acosts
medium-size
industrialindustrial
pump.10 pump
TypicalLCC
life cycle
for a medium-sized

Furthermore, operational considerations have been presented


when a pitot tube pump is chosen.
Pump type selection ultimately depends on the pump
users evaluation, which is based on several factors, including
given operating conditions, system requirements, key features
of each pump type, pump LCC, pump type field experience,
and/or other concerns of the pump user.
LITERATURE CITED
Mowrey, C. C., High-Head/Low-Flow Centrifugal Pumps, tutorial session,
Proceedings of the Fifth International Pump Users Symposium, Texas A&M
University, 1988.
2
Schiavello, B. et al Special-Purpose Pumps: Pitot, Progressing Cavity, AirOperated Diaphragm, and Hydraulically Actuated Diaphragm, tutorial session,
Proceedings of the 14th International Pump Users Symposium, Texas A&M
University, 1997.
3
Korkowski, F. and L. Glassburn, Low-Flow/High-Head Centrifugal Pump
Options, Calgary Pump Symposium, 2005.
4
Angle, T.L. et al., A New, Unique High-Pressure Pump System, Proceedings of
the 22nd International Pump Users Symposium, Texas A&M University, 2005.
5
Budris, A. R., Operating Pumps at Slower Speeds Increase Reliability,
WaterWorld, Volume 24, Issue 4. April 2008
6
Bloch, H. P. and C. Soares, Process Plant Machinery, Elsevier, 1998.
7
Bloch, H. P. and A. R. Budris, Pump Users Handbook: Life Extension, Fourth
Edition, Taylor & Francis Ltd., 2010.
8
Al-Shaye, A. and Y. Al-Shuhail, Exploring Alternative Designs to Integrally
Geared PumpsCase Study, Middle East Turbomachinery Symposium
(METS), Texas A&M University, 2013.
9
Fitch, G., A. Hopewell and J. E. Sidelko, High-Speed Pumps, API Types BB3,
BB5 and OH6, presentation/course, Calgary Pump Symposium, 2013.
10
Pump Life Cycle Costs: A Guide to LCC Analysis for Pumping Systems, collaboration between the Hydraulic Institute, Europump, and the US Department
of Energys Office of Industrial Technologies (OIT), December 2000.
1

ASGHAR ESKANDARLU, a mechanical engineering graduate


from Azad University, has been actively involved in the area of
rotating and packaged equipment engineering since 2005.
Since he joined Chagalesh Consulting Engineers in 2008,
he has been engaged in many hydrocarbon processing projects
as a machinery lead engineer. He holds a head position in the
machinery department of Chagalesh and is also an instructor
of pump and compressor courses.
FARAMARZ KHAZRAI has worked as a mechanical engineer
for 40 years in the areas of piping, static equipment and
machinery. In 1986, he joined Chagalesh Consulting Engineers
and has supervised mechanical engineering activities of several
hydrocarbon processing projects. At present, he is a rotating
equipment consultant. He graduated from Sharif University
of Technology with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1972.
Hydrocarbon Processing|DECEMBER 201567

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