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PUMP TYPE SELECTION GUIDE

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Important Notices
1. This write-up intended to provide general guide for pump type selection. It has to be noted that
the actual selection depends on many factors including the specific application which will
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require proper engineering judgments, as well as commercial considerations which are beyond
the scope of this guide.
2. This write-up is intended to be the first draft and is intended to promote discussions and
comments. Comments are highly encourages from all stake holders and will be required to
ensure the universal acceptance and implementation.
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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 SCOPE
This write up presents guidelines and provides recommendations for the type selection
and basic design of pumps. It is intended for pumps in critical and essential duties.
It is intended for use in exploration and production facilities, oil refineries, chemical
plants, gas plants, and, where applicable, supply/marketing installations.
Excluded from the scope of this g u i d e are pumps i n c r y o g e n i c o r refrigerated
product service.
If C l i e n t , national and/or local regulations exist in which some of the requirements

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may be more stringent than in this g u i d e , t h e E n g i n e e r i n g Contractor shall
determine by careful scrutiny which of the requirements are the more stringent and
which combination of requirements will be acceptable as regards safety, environmental,
economic and legal aspects.

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1.2 DEFINITIONS

1.2.1 Definitions of Shall, should and May

Shall: Denotes a minimum mandatory requirement.
Should: Denotes a recommendation or that which is advised but no mandatory.
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May: Denotes an option.

1.2.2 General definitions

The Engineering Contractor is the party which carries out all or part of the design,
engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning or management of a project or
operation of a facility. The Client may undertake all or part of the duties of the Contractor.
The Seller/Supplier/Manufacturer is the party which manufactures or supplies equipment
and services to perform the duties specified by the Engineering Contractor.
Client/Purchaser is the party that initiates the project work and ultimately pays for its
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design and construction. The C l i e n t will generally specify the technical requirements
and is the party that has accountability for critical technical decisions.

1.2.3 Specific definitions

[Link] Abrasive service

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Any service in which there is an expected wear rate of 0.1 mm per year or more, or
where particle sizes exist larger than 1.00 mm in quantities exceeding 100 mg/kg.

[Link] Alternative design pumps

Pumps other than heavy-duty pumps and light-duty Pumps.

Examples:
• Specially engineered pumps, such as slurry pumps, vortex pumps, and self-priming pumps
• Firefighting pumps according to NFPA 20.

[Link] Continuous operation

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 Uninterrupted operation for a period of at least 24,000 hours at the specified
operating conditions.

[Link] Hazardous service

Any service in one or more of the following categories:

Category 1
• Liquids containing hydrogen sulfide in concentrations above 600 mg/kg (600 ppm wt.)
• Liquids consisting of or containing lethal or carcinogenic substance(s) as indicated on the
data/requisition sheets.

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Examples of lethal substances are c o n c e n t r a t e d s u l f u r i c a c i d , phenol,
ethylene oxide and HF acid.
Examples of carcinogenic substances are Benzene, Toluene and 1, 3-Butadiene.

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Category 2
• Liquids consisting of or containing very toxic substances as indicated on the
data/requisition sheet.
• Hydrocarbon liquids at an operating temperature above their auto-ignition temperature.

Category 3
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• Hydrocarbon liquids with a seal chamber vapor pressure, higher than 500 kPa (abs)
• Hydrocarbon services of butane or lighter.

[Link] Heavy-duty pump

A pump complying with API610 / ISO 13709, API 674 / ISO 13710, API 675, API 676,
API 685 and/or BS 4082 class R.

[Link] Intermittent operation

Any operation that is not classified as continuous operation. Examples are:
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• Pumps started up and stopped manually for batch transfer.

• Pumps started up and stopped automatically at intervals by process-operated controls.

[Link] Light-duty pump

Process pumps built to a standard other than those listed under heavy-duty pump, e.g., pumps
complying with ISO standards for light duty pumps, ASME, DIN, CHEM.
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[Link] Minimum continuous flow

The greater of minimum continuous stable flow and minimum continuous thermal flow.

[Link] Non-corrosive or mildly corrosive service

• Streams with no corrosive elements and with a service temperature not exceeding 400 0C.
• De-aerated boiler feed water and condensate.
• Stripped sour water.
• Caustic soda at a service temperature not exceeding 50 0C.
• Caustic soda with a concentration up to but not exceeding 10% by mass at a service
temperature not exceeding 70 0C.
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 • All concentrations of lean ADIP/DEA/MEA (Sulfinol) at a service temperature not
exceeding 70 [Link], Essential and non-essential services.

These Terms are defined as follows:

SAFETY OTHER EQUIPMENT

EQUIPMENT
SERVICE CATEGORY
ESSENTIAL
CRITICAL NON-
Non-spared ESSENTIAL
Spared equipment

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equipment
A service in which A service in which A service in which All other services.
failure of failure of failure of
equipment causes equipment renders equipment renders
an unsafe a plant or process a plant or process

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condition of the unit inoperable or unit inoperable or
Definition plant or installation reduces reduces
resulting in performance to a performance to a
jeopardy to life level unacceptable level unacceptable
and/or major to the Client. to the Client.
damage (fire,
explosion etc.).
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Equipment shall be A decision not to Installed spare Economic evaluation
adequately spared install spare equipment is required to justify
to ensure 100% equipment is based normally selected spared equipment.
availability of the upon economic where potential
service under all considerations and losses due to
circumstances proven equipment equipment outage
Selection availability. Non- greatly outweigh
Criteria spared equipment equipment Capex.
availability may be Sparing philosophy
upgraded by means shall be
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of additional Capex economically

to match required evaluated and is
plant availability. typically 2x100% or
3x50%.
Independent power Independent power
Driver sources shall be sources may be
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Selection selected to ensure selected, for start-up

Criteria near 100% service and utility
availability availability reasons
• Firewater • HCU feed pump; • BFW pumps; • Drinking water
pumps with • HCU recycle • Fractionator
pumps;
diesel and compressor; bottom pumps; • Sewage pumps.
Examples motor drives; • FCCU main air • Fresh gas
• ESD systems; compressor; compressors
• Instrument Air • FD and ID fans. (HCU).
Compressor.

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2. GENERAL

2.1 BID EVALUATION

2.1.1 Procedure
Separate datasheet exist for pumps and seals; these shall be used so that pump and seal duty
can be dealt with independently. The applicable datasheets are found in API
610/ISO13709 for centrifugal pumps and in API 682/ISO 21049 for seals.
Initial bids for pumps shall not include the seals; the sealing method shall be evaluated
and selected separately. In a final bid the selected pump Seller(s) shall include the
selected sealing method. The seal Seller shall supply all hardware, seal and systems to

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the pump Seller.
2.1.2 Seller selection
Typically, Client furnishes the project with a project specific “Suggested Manufacturers
and Fabricators List” (SMFL). The Engineering Contractor shall make a recommendation

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to the Client which Sellers the Contractor intends to procure pumps and seals, subject to
Client approval.
If the Client has supply agreements in place, they shall be applied as a first choice. If so, the
Client shall provide copies of these agreements to the Engineering Contractor. The
Engineering Contractor shall then comply with his responsibilities stated in the supply
agreements. The use of alternative Suppliers besides or instead of agreement holders is
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subject to the approval of the Client.

2.2 VARIETY OF PUMPS

Every effort shall be made to optimize the spares stock levels needed to be kept by
the Client by rationalizing the variety of makes and types of pumps, drivers and auxiliary
equipment selected for any particular project. This rationalization shall be applied
stringently so far as it does not interfere with the selection of an optimal pump for the
specified operating conditions.

2.3 PROTOTYPE PUMPS

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In all respects selected pumps shall be within the range of the Manufacturer's proven
experience and shall not involve the use of any prototype design or components. In
selecting equipment, care shall be taken to ensure that prospective Sellers do not exceed the
ratings of their design in their efforts to offer competitively.
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2.4 OPERATING DATA

All necessary operating data shall be stated on the data/requisition sheet(s). This shall
also cover any special operating requirements such as mode of operation (parallel or
series), special startup conditions, or operating with fluids of different properties or at
different operating temperatures, or being required to operate at or below minimum
continuous flow (which will require minimum flow by- pass features).

2.5 NOISE CONTROL

The E n g i n e e r i n g Contractor shall comply with t h e r e l e v a n t p r o j e c t
specifications and special design requirements as stated in the
c o n t r a c t . T h e s e r e q u i r e m e n t s s h a l l b e u n - a m b i g u o u s l y communicated
to the Seller.
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 The E n g i n e e r i n g Contractor is responsible for assuring that these equipment noise
limitations have been specified.
The Seller shall supply the guaranteed sound pressure and power levels for:
• overall unit
• pump
• gearbox (if applicable)
• driver
• auxiliaries (if applicable)

3. TYPE SELECTION

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3.1 GENERAL
Process pumps in Critical service shall be of the heavy-duty type.
Process pumps in essential services may be of the light-duty type, if all the following
criteria are met:

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a. Discharge gauge pressure shall be not greater than 1,900 kPa.
b. Suction gauge pressure shall be not greater than 500 kPa.
0 0
c. Pumping temperature shall be between 0 C and 150 C.
d. Rotational speed shall be not greater than 3,000 rpm (3,600 rpm for 60 Hz locations).
e. Rated total head shall be not greater than 120 m.
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f. Maximum impeller diameter shall be not greater than 330 mm (13”).
g. Driver Nameplate power shall not exceed 55 kW (OH3), 75kW (OH1).
h. Specific gravity of the liquid shall not be less than 0.7.
All other process pumps in essential services shall be of the heavy duty type, except if this
type will not provide the required reliability and availability (24,000 hours continuous
operation). In such cases, an alternative design may be selected and the pump shall
always be spared.
Examples of such cases are:
• High capacity pumps, e.g., cooling water pumps
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• Low specified capacity, < 1 m3/h (centrifugal pump)

• Unavailability of suitable hydraulic design due to liquid properties, e.g., abrasive,
clogging, depositing
• Unavailability of suitable materials due to liquid properties.
Pumps in non-essential service may be of any type and shall be selected on the basis of an
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economic evaluation, except if they are in hazardous services.

3.2 LIGHT-DUTY PUMPS

Pumps shall be selected from the list below and are listed in descending order of preference,
unless otherwise specified:
Single-stage centrifugal pumps:
• Vertical, in-line, back-pull out pumps, with bearing bracket OH3
• Horizontal, single suction, foot mounted, back-pull-out pumps, OH1. Other pump types
such as rotary pumps or reciprocating pumps:
These types of pumps are not covered by the specifications for light duty pumps, hence
they shall be selected only as heavy duty pump types.
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3.3 HEAVY-DUTY PUMPS
Pumps shall be selected from the types given below. Within each group, the various types
are listed in descending order of preference.

3.3.1 Single-stage centrifugal pumps:

• Vertical, in-line, back-pull out pumps, OH3
• Horizontal, single suction, back-pull-out pumps, OH2
• Vertical, in-line, high-speed pumps, OH6
• Horizontal, double suction pumps, with impeller supported between bearings, BB1 and

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BB2.

NOTES:
1. Vertical, in-line rigidly coupled pumps, OH4, shall not be selected.

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2. OH3 pumps are preferred, where NEMA motors are applied and if the operating
conditions are within the following limits:
a. Driver power is not greater than 75 kW
b. Rotational speed is not greater than 3,000 rpm (3,600 rpm for 60 Hz locations).
c. Fluid temperature is between -25 0C and 200 0C
d. Maximum impeller diameter 330 mm (13”)
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e. Maximum head 200 m.

3.3.2 Two-stage centrifugal pumps:

• Horizontal radially split pumps, with impellers supported between bearings, BB2. Multi-
stage horizontal centrifugal pumps, maximum 12 stages:
• Single casing pumps axially split, BB3
• Double casing pumps with inner casing axially/radially split, BB5.
NOTE:
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Single casing radially split (ring joint) pump, BB4, shall not be used.

3.3.3 Vertically suspended centrifugal pumps:

• Vertically suspended, single-casing, volute, line-shaft-driven sump pumps (VS4)
• Vertically suspended, cantilever sump pumps. VS5.
NOTES:
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1. VS4 type may not be preferred by some Clients and its selection may be subject to the
Client’s approval.
2. In considering the above pump type, the selection of horizontal self-priming
pumps shall also be evaluated.

3.3.4 Wet pit single-stage, VS1, VS2 or VS3

• Wet pit, two-stage and multi-stage, VS1, VS2 or VS3
• Dry pit double casing multistage pumps, VS6.

3.3.5 Rotary pumps:

• Screw pumps. (Single, Double and Three screw pumps)

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 • Gear pumps.
• Lobe pumps.
• Sliding or flexible vane pumps.

3.3.6 Reciprocating pumps:

• Plunger type
• Diaphragm type.

3.4 CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS IN CRITICAL AND ESSENTIAL SERVICE

The choice of pump depends mainly on the operating pressure, differential head,
operating temperature, volumetric flow rate, physical characteristics of the pumped liquid,

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suction specific speed and NPSHA.
If more than one pump type is considered technically suitable, the final selection should
be based on a life cycle cost evaluation, taking into account standardization, efficiency,
suction specific speed, NPSH margin and minimum flow.

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3.4.1 Pressure
For design pressures above 7,000 kPa in hazardous service, or above 14,000 kPa in non-
hazardous service, an axial split casing pump, BB3, may be used if approved by the
Client.
3.4.2 Temperature
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Unless specifically requested by the Client, axially split casings shall not be used for
operating temperatures above 100 0C.
3.4.3 Flow
Rated flow shall be selected between 8 0% and 110% of best efficiency point (BEP) for
the rated impeller.
For pumps with high turn down requirements, preference shall be given with pumps having
their normal flow and rated flow straddle the BEP.
Pumps with rated capacities of 1,000 m3/h or greater shall be selected within 10% of the
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best efficiency point (BEP).

The curve shall run out at least 15% beyond the rated point, or the BEP, whichever is less.
3.4.4 Head
All one and two-stage pumps should be capable of a 5% increase in head via
impeller enlargement. Multistage pumps should have similar capability for head increase
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but alternative methods of accomplishing this may be acceptable. Back filing of impellers
for this purpose is not allowed for new pumps. The head increase capability is not
intended for expansion of the process unit. Rather, it is intended to cover changes in
hydraulic calculations between preliminary and final. Single stage overhung pumps (type
OH1, OH2 and OH3) with impellers 330 mm or larger in diameter at 3,000 rpm (3,600 rpm
for 60 Hz locations) may require Clients approval.
3.4.5 NPSH
The Net Positive Suction Head Required (NPSHR) shall be based on water [at a
temperature of less than 65 0C (150 0F) at the rated flow and rated speed; no reduction or
correction factors shall be applied for other liquids.

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 The Net Positive Suction Head Available (NPSHA) shall exceed the Net Positive Suction
Head Required (NPSHR) by at least 1 m (3 ft.) throughout the range from minimum
continuous stable flow up to and including the rated capacity, and by 0.3 m (1 ft.) at 120%
of rated flow.
For pumps in the following service:
• Vacuum
• Low temperature
• Boiler Feed Water (BFW)
• Cooling Tower Water (CTW)
• LPG.
• Liquids containing dissolved gases

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To avoid cavitation damage due to vapor-induced flow path restrictions, NPSHA shall be
1.5 x NPSHR, with a minimum margin of 5 m (15 ft.) between NPSHA and NPSHR
throughout the range from minimum continuous stable flow up to and including the rated
capacity and 1.25 x NPSHR with a minimum margin of 2 m (6 ft.) at 120% of rated flow.

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The maximum impeller tip speed in sulfinol and carbonate service shall be 45 m/s; for
these services the S e l l e r shall provide evidence of successful applications in similar
duties and the Client’s approval of pump selection is required.
3.4.6 Suction specific speed
The suction specific speed (S) shall be calculated by the Manufacturer from the formulae
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in ISO 13709 Annex A and shall be stated in the proposal.

NOTES:
1. The SI units in the formula used to calculate suction specific speed are as follows:
• Rotational speed, expressed in revolutions per minute;
• Flow rate, expressed in cubic meters per hour;
• NPSHR, expressed in meters.
2. For S in US Customary units, multiply the value in SI units (as above) by 0.8607.
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In SI units, the value of S shall be 12,800 or less. Selection of pumps with S greater
than 12,800 shall be subject to the approval.
If applied, any pump, exceeding the above S limit, shall be subject to the following:
1. The Manufacturer shall indicate the stable operation range in which recirculation effect
is absent.
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2. The pump shall be installed with appropriate low flow control and/or low flow
protection in order to maintain the pump in the stable operation range.
3. The pump shall be NPSH tested.
4. The presence of Suction and/or Discharge Recirculation shall be determined during the
shop performance test by monitoring the pressure pulsations in the suction and in the
discharge areas of the casing. Piezoelectric transducers installed as close to the impeller as
possible in the suction and in the discharge of the pump may be used to detect pressure
pulsations. The data shall be analyzed with a spectrum analyzer coupled to an XY plotter
to produce a record of the pressure pulsations versus the frequency for selected flows.
5. Shaft deflection shall be measured over the full pump operating range. During the pump

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 performance test there shall be no sign of cavitation, suction or discharge recirculation
(either vibration or noise) in the full operating range of the pump from minimum
hydraulically stable flow to at least 110% of best efficiency point of the rated impeller
(BEP).
3.4.7 Physical characteristics of pumped liquid
Corrosive and abrasive services.
The impeller tip speed shall be restricted to minimize the corrosive/abrasive effects. The
advice of the pump Manufacturer, based on his experience, shall be sought in this respect.
Pumps with bearings lubricated by the pumped liquid shall not be selected.

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3.5 ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS (CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS)
If operating requirements and/or liquid properties preclude the economic application of a
heavy- duty or light-duty pump, alternative designs may be offered if they have a lower
life cycle cost. The Manufacturer shall provide sufficient evidence of successful

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application and the selection shall be subject to the approval of the Client.
Alternative designs shall follow API 610/ISO 13709 design principles as far as
possible.

Examples of alternative designs are:

• Open impeller and vortex type pumps
• Propeller pumps
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• Self priming pumps
• Sealless pumps: magnetic drive, canned, wet motor
• Lined pumps
• Pumps with non-metallic wetted parts.
• Magnetic drive pumps shall not be selected if:
• The product temperature is higher than 150 0C
• The power is greater than 55 kW
• The service is hazardous.
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Canned motor and magnetic drive pumps may be selected only if all the following are
satisfied:
• The product shall not contain any solid particles.
• The product cannot crystallize or polymerize.
• The product kinematic viscosity shall not be greater than 40 mm2/s.
• The temperature difference between boiling point and suction temperature shall be at least
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20 0C (but, subject to pump cooling design, this may be reduced if approved by the
Client).
• A vapor pressure versus temperature curve is available for the full operating range.
• NPSH margin from 70% to 120% of flow shall be at least 2 m
• Maximum power, 55 kW.

4. DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

4.1 CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS

• Heavy-duty centrifugal pumps shall comply with the appropriate project specification.
• Light-duty centrifugal pumps shall comply with the applicable industry standard.
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 • Firewater pumps shall comply with NFPA 20.
Some additional requirements that should be considered when specifying a centrifugal
pump are specified below.
4.1.1 Bearings
Rolling element bearings shall be applied as first choice for all services up to the criteria
in Table 2.2 in Appendix 2 of this Guide.
Pumps shall not be disassembled after test for bearing inspections, unless requested by
the Client.
4.1.2 Lubrication

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The method of bearing lubrication shall be selected from the list below in descending order
of preference, taking due account of local site considerations:
• pure oil mist
• purge oil mist

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• Oil ring
• circulating oil system
• grease (not allowed for heavy duty pumps).
Vertical in line pumps, type OH3, shall preferably be supplied with pure oil mist.
If a circulating oil system is required the complete equipment train, consisting of pump,
driver and gearbox, if applicable, shall be lubricated by the system.
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Pump circulation oil systems shall not be shared between separate equipment trains.
Grease-lubricated bearings may be used only for light duty centrifugal pumps and only if
approved by the Client.
4.1.3 Mechanical seals
Mechanical seals and seal systems shall comply t h e a p p r o p r i a t e p r o j e c t
s p e c i f i c a t i o n a n d A P I 6 8 2 . Mechanical seals shall be selected and designed for
a guaranteed 3-year operating period. Mechanical seals shall be applied for all pumps
except firewater pumps and vertical cooling water pumps.
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Seals and seal systems shall be selected and engineered by the seal Manufacturer. Seals and
systems shall be evaluated and selected separate from the pump. The pump Manufacturer
is responsible for the co-ordination of engineering and installation of the selected seal and
seal system.
4.1.4 Operating temperatures
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For liquid temperatures below –25 0C, a vertical type pump with a dual mechanical seal and
an isolation chamber between the pump housing and sealing chamber shall be specified,
using methanol or another suitable fluid as the buffer/barrier medium.
Vertical high-speed pumps may be offered as an alternative provided proven experience
is available.
4.1.5 Cooling
Natural convection air-cooling is the preferred method.
The use of cooling water on the seal chamber jacket and/or bearing bracket is left to
the discretion of the pump and seal Supplier, but the ISO/API requirements for seal and
bearing life and prevailing oil sump temperatures shall be met (also for non-ISO/API
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 pumps). If considered necessary by the pump Manufacturer, additional pump pedestal
cooling may be applied.
If cooling water is required for the bearing housing and the cleanliness of the cooling water,
as required by the pump Manufacturer, cannot be guaranteed, a circulating closed loop
cooling system with tank and cooler shall be applied.
The cooling water piping arrangement shall conform to API 682/ ISO 13709, Figures B.2,
B.4, B.5, B.6, B.8 and B.9.
For pumps not supplied with circulating oil systems, bearing cooling is generally required
where the pumping temperature exceeds 200 0C. When cooling is required the following
shall apply:

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• Use of water-cooled bearing housings requires approval.
• Oil cooling coils in the lube oil sump are preferred over jacketed, water-cooled bearing
housing. The coils (including fittings) shall be of nonferrous material or austenitic
stainless steel and shall have no internal pressure joints.
• Fan cooled bearing housings are acceptable for pumping temperatures to 250 0C where

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liquid cooling is not available.
• Individual flow indicators shall be provided on each pump's cooling system.
4.1.6 Baseplates
The pump and driver shall be mounted and delivered on a common baseplate. Base plate
drains shall be connected to the open drain system.
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4.1.7 Vibration Monitoring System
A shaft displacement vibration monitoring system shall be provided for the following pumps:
• All pumps in Critical service and un-spared pumps in essential service.
• Pumps with hydrodynamic thrust bearings
• Pumps with drivers greater than 1,500 kW
• Pumps with drivers greater than 550 kW and speeds greater than 3,000 rpm (greater than
3,600 rpm for 60 Hz locations).
Continuous vibration monitoring shall be considered in pumps in hazardous service.
Pump location, seal flush system, deluge system, etc. are items to be taken into
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consideration.
4.1.8 Pump Casing Vents
All centrifugal pumps require a vent on the casing and/or on the discharge line. In
most applications a vent on the discharge line is sufficient to prime the pump. Pumps that
require a casing vent are as follows:
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• Vertical Inline (VI) pumps fitted with dry gas seals. The vent should come off the seal
chamber.
• Vertical Inline (VI) pumps that do not have an API seal flush Plan 13 (14 in some
arrangements) with the connection to the piping system above the level of the seal gland
plate. As long as the pump suction valve is open, this arrangement is self-venting
• Horizontal pumps with suction and discharge nozzles below the center line of the pump
• Horizontally split multi-stage pumps.

4.2 ROTARY POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT PUMPS

4.2.1 General

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 Rotary positive displacement pumps shall conform to API 676.
Some additional requirements, which should be considered when specifying a rotary pump,
are specified below.
4.2.2 Bearings
In order to keep the number of shaft seals to a minimum, rotary pumps handling clean,
abrasive-free, non-corrosive liquids with lubricating properties shall be provided with internal
bearings lubricated by the pumped liquid.
In all other cases, pumps shall be provided with oil-lubricated bearings and timing gears in
separate housings. Constant level sight feed oilers shall be provided.

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Bearing selection shall be made according to para. (4.1.1) above.
4.2.3 Mechanical seals
See (4.1.3).

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4.2.4 Pressure relief
A separate pressure relief valve in the discharge piping, upstream of the discharge check and
the first block valves, shall be provided to protect the pump and its associated piping system.
4.2.5 Baseplates
See (4.1.6).
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4.3 RECIPROCATING AND METERING PUMPS
4.3.1 General
Reciprocating positive displacement pumps shall comply with the appropriate project
specification.
The selected pumps shall be within the Manufacturer's actual field experience of
operating temperature, maximum working pressure, materials of construction, pump speed
and pumped liquid properties. Diaphragm pumps with direct mechanical actuation shall not
be selected.
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Plunger pumps shall at least three cylinders. On high-pressure applications, more cylinders
may be required to reduce pressure pulsations.
For metering pumps, provision shall be made in the pump suction piping to facilitate
capacity measurement and flow calibration.
Some additional factors, which should be considered when specifying reciprocating pumps,
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are specified below.

4.3.2 Distance pieces
Distance pieces with solid covers shall be provided with full-face gaskets.

4.3.3 Pulsation dampers

Pulsation dampers shall be used to reduce pulsations in the liquid flow entering and being
discharged from the pump. Acoustic-type pulse dampers shall be used for reciprocating
pumps whenever possible.
Suction stabilizer shall be considered to reduce the Acceleration Head, and to act as gas
separator (if no condensables are present).
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 Suction and discharge pulsations shall be no greater than 3 % of the normal suction
and discharge pressures. These pressures shall be taken upstream of the suction pulsation
bottle and downstream of the discharge pulsation bottle.
A pulsation study may be required to correctly size and locate suppression equipment.
The following guidelines are offered as assistance in the selection of these items:
It is generally recommended that all reciprocating pumps, except for small chemical pumps
and slow glycol pumps, have pulsation equipment.
Suction velocities should be held to 0.45 to 0.6 meters/second.
For applications below 75 kW, consider using bladder-type pulsation bottles. Discharge
pulsation bottles shall be located immediately at the pump flange and shall include an orifice

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downstream of the bottle. The orifice shall be sized to provide a 170 kPa pressure drop at the
design flow.
For applications from 75 kW to 220 kW, consideration shall be given to conducting a
pulsation analysis and the use of Helmoltz filters.

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For applications of 220 kW and higher, a pulsation analysis shall be conducted. r shall
review the results.
Suction lines between the suction vessel and the pump shall be kept as short as possible to
minimize acceleration head loss.
4.3.4 Pressure relief
See (4.2.4). Diaphragm pumps shall have an internal relief valve on the hydraulic drive
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system; this valve shall not be used as a protection device for the process side of the pump.
All other reciprocating pumps shall have a separate external pressure relief valve in the
discharge, inside the first block valve, to protect the pump and its associated piping system.
4.3.5 Baseplates
See (4.1.6).
4.3.6 Diaphragms
Pump diaphragms shall be of the double diaphragm type. Diaphragm failure indication shall
be provided.
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5. ACCESSORIES

5.1 DRIVERS
Pumps may be driven by electric motors, steam turbines, gas turbines or internal
combustion engines according to application, location, fuel, availability and economics. The
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required type of driver shall be indicated in the data/requisition sheet.

5.1.1 Electric motors
Electric motors shall be in accordance with the appropriate project specification.
If the pumps are supplied with mist lubrication, the same shall be extended to the electric
motors. WPII motors shall have oil ring lubrication without oil mist.
5.1.2 Steam turbines
Steam turbines shall be in accordance with the applicable project specifications.
The application of steam turbines for standby duties should be avoided.
Vertical turbines shall not be used without prior approval of the principal rotating equipment
Page 14 of 25
 engineer.
5.1.3 Gas turbines
Gas turbines shall be selected in accordance with the appropriate project specification.
5.1.4 Internal combustion engines
Internal combustion engines shall comply with EEMUA 107 if located in a Zone 1 or
Zone 2 hazardous area.

5.2 Rating of drivers

In view of possible operation on heavier or more viscous liquids, e.g. during start-up,

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electric motor drivers should be capable of developing adequate starting torque to handle
such cases.
The sizing of driver power for operation on water during commissioning shall be specified
only, if this type of operation is imperative for plant pre-commissioning and start-up.

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For small, low power pumps seal losses assuming dual pressurized seal(s) shall be taken into
account.

5.3 POWER TRANSMISSION

Order of preference:
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• Direct drive shall be selected whenever possible Gearbox
• VFD or VSDS shall be selected if a variation in speed demand is specified for electric
motor drivers
• Belt drives shall not be used for centrifugal pumps in Critical or essential service.
5.3.1 Gear units
Gear units in essential unspared service above 750 kW shall comply with the relevant
project specification.
5.3.2 Couplings
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Couplings for pumps shall be of the forged steel, flexible disc/membrane or diaphragm
type with spacers, unless the Client approves alternative designs and/or materials.
Flexible membrane couplings for steam turbine drivers shall not lose transmission
capability upon membrane failure.
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Page 15 of 25
APPENDIX-1 Pre-selected pump summary sheet

Table A-1.1

SELLER: PAGE
OF
Item No.
Spec. No.

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Service
Rated Capacity – m3/h
Diff. Head - m.
NPSHA - m.
Hyd Power - kW

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Pump type
Model No.
Flow at Best Efficiency
No. of stages
Speed – rpm
Imp. Dia-in - Rated / / / / / /
Imp. Dia-max/min
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NPSHR – m
Efficiency at rated point
Power - rated/max / / / / / /
Driver Nameplate Power
Driver Spec. No.
Mt’l code case/int / / / / / /
Seal
Seal code
Curve no.
Notes
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CONTRACTOR: JOB NO.:

FOR: SITE:
UNIT:
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Page 16 of 25
APPENDIX-2 Pump selection checker board and description of acceptable pumps

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Pump Selection Guide
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Notes
1. Pump coverage chart based on normal ranges of operation of commercially available
types.
2. Solid lines, use left ordinate for head scale.
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3. Dotted lines, use right ordinate for pressure scale.

Page 17 of 25
 The following guidelines are intended to indicate general limits within which these pumps
may be applied. Application of pumps beyond these limits needs to be evaluated with
proper engineering judgment.

A-2.1 STANDARD "ANSI" CHEMICAL TYPE PUMPS (OH1)

This includes horizontal end suction metallic centrifugal pumps, including self-priming
pumps. Pumps manufactured in accordance with ASME B73.1 are preferred. Non-

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metallic pumps, which are not covered by this Appendix, shall be considered only when
metallic pumps are not suitable.

Flow at 3000 rpm (3600 rpm) 120 m3/h

Head at 3000 rpm (3600 rpm) 120 m

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Temperature to 150 0C
Suction Pressure to 500 kPa
Speed to 3000 (3600) rpm
Power at 3000 rpm (3600 rpm) to 75 kW
Max. Impeller Diameter 330 mm (13”)
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A-2.2 CHEMICAL PUMPS, VERTICAL IN LINE (OH3)
This includes single-stage centrifugal pumps with vertical shaft, having suction and
discharge nozzles in-line. Pumps manufactured in accordance with ASME B73.2 are
preferred.

Flow at 3000 rpm (3600 rpm) 120 m3/h

Head at 3000 rpm (3600 rpm) 120 m
Temperature to 150 0C
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Suction Pressure to 500 kPa

Speed to 3000 (3600) rpm
Power at 3000 rpm (3600 rpm) to 55 kW
Max. Impeller Diameter 330 mm (13”)

Note: The use of this style of pump requires Oil Mist Lubrication or Sealed “Greased for
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Life” Bearings. Oil sump lubrication with a pumping ring is not permitted.

A-2.3 REFINERY PROCESS OVERHUNG CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS (OH2, OH3)

This includes horizontal, overhang, single-stage, single-suction, closed impeller pumps
meeting the requirements of ISO13709 Pumps shall be centerline mounted. In-line pumps
are preferred where they apply.
Overhung two-stage or overhung double-suction pumps shall not be used because of bearing
and shaft deflection problems.
The following guidelines are intended to indicate general limits within which these pumps
may be applied. Limits may be decreased or increased depending upon such factors as
materials of construction. Special designs are available which would permit higher
Page 18 of 25
 pressures, steam jacketing for pumps handling molten sulfur, etc.
Vertical In-Line Bearing Bracket Pumps (OH3) limitations

Flow at 3000 rpm (3600 rpm) 120 m3/h

Head at 3000 rpm (3600 rpm) 200 m
Temperature -25 0C to 200 0C
Suction Pressure to 1,725 kPa

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Speed to 3000 (3600) rpm
Power at 3000 rpm (3600 rpm) to 75 kW
Max. Impeller Diameter 330 mm (13”)

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A-2.4 Horizontal Single Stage Centerline Mounted (OH2)
Flow at 3000 rpm (3600 rpm) 340 m3/h
Head at 3000 rpm (3600 rpm) 200 m
Temperature to 425 0C
Suction Pressure to 1,725 kPa
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Speed to 3000 (3600) rpm
Power at 3000 rpm (3600 rpm) to 200 kW

A-2.5 DOUBLE-SUCTION, RADIALLY SPLIT CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS (BB2)

This includes horizontal, between bearings, one and two stage, double-suction, radially
split, centreline mounted, closed impeller pumps meeting the requirement of API 610.
Overhung, double-suction centrifugal pumps shall not be used.
These are used in high and cryogenic temperature services handling volatile, flammable
products.
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Flow at 3000 rpm (3600 rpm) 200 – 2,000 m3/h

Head at 3000 rpm (3600 rpm) 75 to 400 m
Temperature to 425 0C
Suction Pressure to 4,200 kPa
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Speed to 3000 (3600) rpm

Power at 3000 rpm (3600 rpm) to 2,000 kW

A-2.6 SINGLE-STAGE GEARED HIGH SPEED CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS (OH6)

This includes single-stage, high-speed pumps [nominally higher than 3000 (3600 rpm)
and ones which are designed for low flow/high head applications, normally orientated as a
vertical shaft in-line pump; with pump gear and driver assembled as one unit. Pumps
should be purchased in accordance with API 610 as applicable.
Flow to 95 m3/h
Head to 1,500 m
Temperature to 200 0C

Page 19 of 25
 Suction Pressure to 3000 kPa
Power to 3,000 kW

A-2.7 HORIZONTAL MULTI-STAGE PUMPS (BB3 & BB5)

Normally, these pumps are used for high heads and high flows, where single-stage pumps
will not meet conditions. Pumps should be purchased in accordance with API 610 as
applicable. Included configurations are:

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• multi-stage centrifugal, closed impellers, between bearings, radially split (double case,
or barrel); and,
• multi-stage centrifugal, closed impellers, between bearings, axially or axially split,
either volute or diffuser.

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A-2.8 VERTICAL TURBINE PUMPS
This includes vertical turbine pumps with one or more stages, either with or without
suction barrel. They are generally used where one or more of the following conditions exist:
• medium head, high flow conditions;
• limited NPSH available, so need to lower elevation of first stage impeller; and,
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• suction source liquid level is below the pump mounting elevation.
The actual limits of application are variable, depending upon such factors as temperature and
the materials of construction.
This type of pump is available for either process or ground water services and is available in a
wide range of sizes and number of stages.

A-2.9 DOUBLE SUCTION AXIALLY SPLIT CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS (BB1)

This is a large capacity pump for water and other non-process services and include double
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suction, between bearings, closed impeller, axially split, normally foot-mounted pumps.

Flow 20 to 20,000 m3/h

Head at up to 2,500 m3/h to 80 m
at up to 10,000 m3/h to 50 m
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at up to 20,000 m3/h to 40 m
Temperature to 95 0C
Suction Pressure to 350 kPa
Speed to 1800 rpm
Power to 300 kW

A-2.10 SUMP PUMPS (VS4 AND VS5)

This includes single-stage vertical centrifugal pumps for sump or tank services, with separate
discharge pipe. Pump shafts shall have steady bearings. In general, submersible sump pumps
should be avoided.

Flow at 3000 rpm (3600 rpm) 5 to 35 m3/h

Page 20 of 25
 Head at 3000 rpm (3600 rpm) to 40 m
Temperature to 80 0C
Speed to 3000 (3600) rpm
Power at 3000 rpm (3600 rpm) to 37 kW

A-2.11 METERING PUMPS

Adjustable flow, positive displacement pump, of either plunger or diaphragm construction.

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Diaphragm construction shall be specified if available. Flow shall be continuously adjustable
from pump maximum capacity to as close to no flow as possible.

Flow to 3.5 m3/h

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Discharge Pressure to 24,000 kPa
Temperature to 95 0C
Suction Pressure no limit, except must always be at least 140 kPa
less than discharge pressure
Speed Not higher than 80% of the Manufacturer's
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published maximum speed
Power to 7.5 kW
The previously noted guides cover the normal limits of simplex and duplex units, and will
cover most metering pump applications. Special metering pumps are available for higher
flows and for higher pressures.
For metering applications requiring flows above 2.0 m3/h at pressures less than 10,000
kPa where metering is automatically controlled by process, centrifugal pumps and control
valves shall be considered as an alternate.
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A-2.12 POWER FRAME RECIPROCATING PUMPS

This includes power frame with crankshaft, two or more cylinders, either plunger or piston
type, with or without integral reduction gear. Plungers shall be specified unless the service
requires piston type and should be used where constant flow with variable discharge pressure
is required, or where discharge pressures which are higher than those normally attainable with
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centrifugal pumps are required. For services which can be satisfied by both centrifugal and
reciprocating pumps, centrifugal pumps are preferred. Centrifugal pumps are normally less
expensive and require less maintenance.

Flow to 220 m3/h

Discharge Pressure to 68,000 kPa
Temperature to 250 0C
Suction Pressure no limit, except must always be at least 140 kPa
less than discharge pressure
Speed 20% to 70% of the Manufacturer's published
maximum speed
Power to 500 kW
Page 21 of 25
A-2.13 SCREW PUMPS
This includes double rotor pumps. Idling screws may be either directly driven or timing gear
driven when pumping lubricating liquids, but shall always be driven by external timing gears
when pumping non-lubricating liquids such as water or low sulphur fuel oil.
The following application guide is for heavy-duty double rotor, externally timed, opposed
flow pumps.

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Flow to 1,000 m3/h
Discharge Pressure to 10,000 kPa
Temperature to 350 0C
Suction Pressure to 3,500 kPa

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Viscosity to 30,000 cSt
Speed to 1500 (1800) rpm
Power to 750 kW
The previously outline limits are only general guidelines, because of the parameters, and
the pump construction features such as bearing span, are interrelated. The Sellers must be
consulted for proper application.
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Single-rotor, triple-rotor, and other than heavy-duty, double rotor, externally timed screw
pumps are considered "special", and must have the concurrence of the owne r a n d t h e
e n g i ne er ing c ontractor before the solicitation of bids.

A-2.14 GEAR PUMPS

This includes rotary positive displacement pumps with externally meshing gears (gears may
be straight tooth or herringbone design). These pumps are primarily used in lube or fuel oil
service.
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Application Guide:
Flow to 1,000 m3/h
Discharge Pressure to 3,500 kPa (3.5 MPa)
Temperature to 350 0C
Suction Pressure to 1,500 kPa
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Viscosity to 1,000,000 MPa

Speed to 375 kW
Power to 375 kW
The limits previously shown are only general guidelines, because all the parameters and
the pump construction features such as bearing span are interrelated. The pump sellers
must be consulted for proper application.
Other gear pumps such as those with internally meshing gears must be considered
individually as the need arises, using proper engineering judgment.

Page 22 of 25
 Table A-2.1 Design Limits for different styles of Centrifugal Pump

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FLOW POWER IMPELLER
PUMP PRESSURE HEAD TEMP SPEED
DUTY SP. GR DIAMETER COMMENTS
TYPE (Bar) (m) ( 0C) (m3/hr) (kW) (rpm)
(mm)
Light

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OH1 100
Latest edition
OH3 75 allows use of light
Any Ps <5 Pd<19 120 0 - 150 120 3000 330 duty pumps in
>0.7 (3600) hydrocarbon
service

Heavy
OH2

OH3

OH6
BB1
Any

Any

Any
Any
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70
200

1,500
425

-25 to
200

-25 to
200
100
340

2,000
200

300
75

2,000
3000
(3600)
3000
(3600)
330
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BB2 Any 2,000 2,000
BB3 Hazardous
Service 70 100
Non
BB3 Hazardous 140 100
Service
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BB5 Any
3000 For Sump Pump
VS4/5 Any 40 150 35 37 330
(3600) Applications

Page 23 of 25
 Table A-2.2 Pump Bearing and Lubrication System Selection

Rolling Hydro Rolling Hydro

Circulating Pressurized
Element dynamic Element dynamic
(Flood) Oil Lube Oil
Radial Radial Thrust Thrust
System System
Bearing Bearing Bearing Bearing
Pump Radial Bearing
dm x N < 500,000
Pump Thrust Bearing
dm x N < 500,000 X X

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Energy Density (d e )
< 4,000,000
(API 610 Table 10)
Pump Radial Bearing

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dm x N > 500,000
Pump Thrust Bearing If Driver has
dm x N < 500,000 X X Circulation
System
Energy Density (d e )
< 4,000, 000
(API 610 Table 10)
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Pump Radial Bearing
dm x N > 500,000
Pump Thrust Bearing
dm x N > 500,000 X X X
Energy density
< 4,000,000
(API 610 Table 10)
Energy Density (de)
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> 4,000,000 X X X
(API 610 Table 10)

Pump Bearing d > 150 mm X X X

Multistage Horizontal Pump

X X X
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> 300 kW.

Pumps @ 3000 ( 3600 rpm)
& > 550 kW
X X X
Energy Density (de)
≥ 2,000,000

dm = The mean bearing diameter (d+ D)/2, expressed in millimeters.

d = Rolling–element bearing inner race diameter the bearing inner race diameter.
D = Rolling–element bearing outer race diameter.
N = Pump rotational speed, expressed in revolutions per minute.
de = Energy Density is the product of pump rated power in kW, and rated speed in rpm.
Page 24 of 25
 Notes:
1. Rolling-element bearing life shall be determined in accordance with [Link] or [Link]. Of
API 610/ISO 13709.
2. The above values are for ball bearings, roller and spherical element bearings generally have
lower speed limitations. Consult the pump vendor for details of the specific application.
3. Bearing temperature limits in [Link] can limit the dm x N factors to even lower values, consult
the pump vendor for details of the specific application.

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tD
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Page 25 of 25