PR-586-15213-R01 Pipeline Vertical Booster Pump Design Operation and Maintenance Best Practices

Abstract

The vertical can booster pump is used extensively in pipeline service where low suction pressures prevent the use of above-grade horizontal pumps. These typically appear at storage terminals for transferring oil from storage vessels (tanks) to large pipeline pumps or to other storage vessels. The pump is capable of moving oil with very low inlet pressures by virtue of placing the motor at the top and the impellers at the bottom of the pump often well below grade and using the static pressure generated by the oil through the vertical elevation difference to ensure that the suction requirements of the pump is met. The booster pumps are often improperly designed or selected and further are misapplied or inappropriately used. The industry standards for vertical can booster pumps, are generic and do not consider all of the special requirements and service needs in pipeline applications. The missing information must be considered if a long life is expected from the pumps. This study examines and reports on the best booster pump practices considering the unique design issues for pipelines and further how the pumps should be specified, operated and maintained to ensure long term service. This report has a related webinar.