Pump & Air compressor: Suction & Discharge Piping

By:
Shailin Shah Batch-50(Piping) Roll no:10

Golden rules For proper pump piping design and installation

Rule No.1 Provide the suction side with a straight run pipe equivalent to 5 to 10 times the diameter of that pipe, between the suction reducer and the first obstruction in the line.

This will ensure the delivery of a uniform flow of liquid to the eye of the impeller ,which is essential for an optimum suction condition.

Rule No.2 The pipe diameter on both the inlet and the outlet sides of the pump should be at least one size larger than the nozzle itself. On the horizontal inlet side, an eccentric reducer is required to reduce the size of the pipe from the suction line to the inlet nozzle.

Rule No.3 Eliminate elbows mounted on, or close to, the inlet nozzle of the pump.

 There is always an uneven flow in an elbow, and when one is installed on the suction of any pump, it introduces that uneven flow into the eye of the impeller .This can create turbulence and air entrainment, which can result in impeller damage and vibration. The problem is even greater when the elbow is installed in a horizontal plane on the inlet of a horizontal double suction pump as shown in Fig. This configuration introduces uneven flows into the opposing eyes of the impeller, and essentially destroys the hydraulic balance of the rotating element.

Rule No.4 Eliminate the potential for vortices or air entrainment in the suction source. If a pump is taking its suction from a sump or tank, the formation of vortices can draw air into the suction line. This usually can be prevented by providing sufficient submergence of liquid over the suction opening.

Rule No.5 Arrange the piping in such away that there is no strain imposed on the pump casing. Piping flanges must be accurately aligned before the bolts are tightened and all piping, valves and associated fittings should be independently supported without any strain being imposed on the pump.

Consideration of Cavitation Cavitation occurs when NPSHr is larger than NPSHa. Cavitation reduces the performance of pump, causes vibration or noise and corrodes the materials. Therefore, minimize pressure loss on pump piping and, care shall be taken to avoid drifting on the nozzle. Minimum required straight pipe on suction nozzle to prevent drifting

Consideration of straight pipe at suction side is not necessary for straightup or straight down.

Figure 1. End suction piping

Figure 2-1. Side suction piping

Figure 2-2. Side suction piping

Figure 3. Top suction piping

Consideration of air pocket on suction line

Allow approximately 1/201/50 of slope on suction line toward suction resource if suction resource is lower than pump suction nozzle.

Allow 1/20 and over of slope on suction line toward pump at vacuum tower

Suction piping on tower or vessel : Vortex breaker is installed on tower or vessel nozzle connected to pump nozzle.

Typical Arrangement Drawing Pump suction line

Horizontal Vertical

Discharge Piping for Horizontal Pumps Line Size : Discharge nozzle size is normally smaller than the suction nozzle size. Discharge Line Fittings : Normally we use concentric reducers in the discharge. A pressure gauge is located in the discharge line, and should be upstream of the check and gate valves Check Valve is used in a pump discharge line to prevent backflow in to the pump causing the impeller to turn backwards and possible ruining the bearings. Block valve Isolate the pump from piping to provide maximum access for both in place for maintenance or removal.

Typical Arrangement Drawing

Pump Discharge line
1 NB and Under 2 NB and Larger

Use Swing / Ball Type Check valve

Use Hinged flapper Check valve

For Higher line size 8 and above

Golden rules
For proper Air Compressor piping design and installation

Suction Piping for Air Compressors

To reduce damage to a compressor by abrasion or corrosion, the air supply needs to be free from solids and . Air intakes are best located where the atmosphere is uncontaminated by exhaust gases, industrial operations or by traffic. For efficiency, the air supply should be taken from the coolest source such as the shaded side of a building, keeping to building clearances. If the air supply is from outside the building, locate the suction point above the roofline, and away from walls to avoid excessive noise.

 Keep suction piping as short as possible. If a line is unavoidably long and condensate likely to form, provide a separator at the compressor intake. Provide a rain cover and screen. Filters must have the capacity to retain large quantities of impurities with a low pressure drop, and must be rugged enough to withstand pulsations from reciprocating compressors. Avoid low points in suction lines where moisture and dirt can collect. If low points cannot be avoided, provide a clean-out. If the suction line is taken from a header, take it from the top of the header to reduce the chance of drawing off moisture or sediment. A line-size isolating valve is required for the suction line if the suction line draws from a header shared with other compressors.

Suction Piping for Air Compressors

Discharge piping should be arranged to allow for thermal movement and draining. Anchors and braces should be provided to suppress vibration. The outflow from the after cooler will usually be wet (from the excess moisture in the suction air) and this water must be continually removed. Provide an unloading valve and bypass circuit connected upstream of the discharge isolating valve and downstream of the suction isolating valve, so as to ensure circulation through the compressor during unloading, and to permit equalizing pressure in the compressor.

 Compressed air system distribution lines and risers should originate from a separate outlet connection on air receiver and sloped back to air receiver. Individual connections (Service Branches) should be taken off from the top of headers. Compressors lines headers from vertical risers should be sloped down 1/16" per feet minimum in the direction of flow. Use butt welding fittings wherever practical. Design the lines with velocities 8 to 12 m/s at discharge & 15 to 20 m/s at the headers. Install isolation valve and check valve in the discharge line near the compressor.