Case study: Sulfuric acid and oleum solutions
Subject: Oleum Vertical Pumps
Application: Oleum
Pumping Fluid: Oleum = fuming Sulfuric acid H2SO4
Pump design: Vertical Pump VS4
Length of the Pump ~ 11 m
Shaft seal: Magnet Drive
Main Pump material: Special Rheinhuette material 1.4136S
The Focus on safety, health and environment plays an essential role in the chemical industry and ITT Rheinhuette Pumpen helps provide solutions to operators in order for them to reach their business goals.
A major sulfuric acid producer is having the following Oleum Production issues:
- Seal Leakage
- Material Corrosion
- Frequent pump shutdown and high maintenance cost
Oleum is a liquid that permanently releases toxic SO3 gas and when a seal leakage appears those gases are very dangerous for operators.
The ITT Rheinhütte solution is the magnet drive sealing system on a vertical pump (VS4), which completely seals the pump. It makes it more reliable and economical comparing to a pressurized double mechanical seal with a gas panel and its required monitoring.
An additional challenge is the submersion depth of the pump. The compact design of the GVSO pump enables a simple and easy process for pump replacement. The Rheinhütte test field capability (pit depth 20 m) shows us how the pump will perform.
The proposed material from Rheinhütte 1.4136S offers a high resistance against erosion, corrosion and abrasion. It is fully resistant in high concentrated H2SO4 as well in Oleum.
The material is to be defined as high alloyed ferritic cast steel.
Material description:
ITT Rheinhütte has received the 1st P.O. in 2016 for 1 pump, continued with 2 pumps in 2017, further 3 pumps in 2019 and 1 pump in 2021
We have been able to upgrade the complete Oleum plant with this design to reach safety, reliability and cost saving for our valuable customers.
ITT Rheinhütte provides solutions that others can’t.
