Energy-efficient and durable slurry filter feed pump for a phosphoric acid plant

“By selecting wear-resistant hydraulics, low operating speed and a proper material of construction for the wetted components, the average pump lifetime in this very demanding position could be extended considerably. This allows the customer to run the process without frequent interruptions.” Hannu Makkonen, Head Tendering Support, Sulzer

Severe conditions for rotating equipment

Phosphoric acid is produced with a hemihydrate process, which is considered to be very severe for the rotating equipment installed in the reactor. The relatively high concentration of phosphoric acid and the presence of impurities combined with the elevated reaction temperature create a very aggressive environment.

The constraints for the slurry filter feed pump consist of multiple factors:

• 41% P2 O5 acid with corrosive contaminants (HF, H2 SiF6 , H2 SO4 , Cl-)
• 33% of solids (CaSO4 .0,5H2 O)
• Presence of gas
• Operating temperature 95-100°C
• High total head (>30 m)
• Low rated power

Highly wear-resistant pump was tailored for the application requirements

A slurry filter feed pump is in a very critical role at a phosphoric acid plant. A failure would have a direct deteriorating impact on the production rate of the plant, which is why robust and reliable equipment with the longest possible lifetime was considered to be of prime importance.

Sulzer selected an AHLSTAR WPP53-100 single-stage process pumps for the site. The WPP pumps are designed to be extremely wear-resistant and especially suitable for abrasive and erosive industrial applications. The series offers a comprehensive material selection, and the pumps can be tailored to suit the most demanding industrial applications with accessories such as shaft sealing solutions and heavy-duty bearing units.

Less obvious material of construction meets the targets

The earlier pumps were made of a material that is very commonly used in phosphoric acid applications, CD4MCuN. This duplex stainless steel can give acceptable results in some applications of a dihydrate process, but it is not one of our solutions in a hemihydrate process. In this case, our preference was a higher-grade alloy, 654 SMO®. This material, classified as 6%Mo super austenitic stainless steel, has an excellent resistance to corrosion by hot acid with a high chlorides content. It is more and more commonly used in the phosphate industry because it combines a very good resistance to corrosion and better erosion resistance than some more common austenitic stainless steels.

Increased durability with innovative pump design and lower rotating speed

The previous pump at the site was rotating at a speed of around 1’800 rpm, which is too high for this application. A pump with a low speed of rotation and a full-diameter impeller was sought after. An AHLSTAR WPP53-100 with a significantly bigger impeller diameter than in the previous pump was selected. Although the head is fixed, a lower rotation speed contributes to reduced wear. Other features adding to the prolonged lifetime of the pump are the wear-resistant design of a semi-open impeller and a casing fitted with a front wear plate.

Increased productivity with significantly less maintenance

Due to the modular construction of the new AHLSTAR WPP, only worn parts of the pump must be replaced. In the earlier pumps, the lifetime of the parts subject to the highest erosion and corrosion was very short, between 3 and 6 months. Along with the pump replacement, the average lifetime of the parts was increased to 12 to 24 months, reducing the maintenance frequency by up to 75% from what it used to be.

Given the harsh operating conditions and the vast improvements compared to the former installation, the replacement is considered to be very successful. After a few years in operation, the pump has proven to be such a major upgrade that more pumps at the site are replaced with AHLSTAR pumps.

Technical details

The pump is installed in the attack reaction unit where it is connected to the digestor. It feeds the slurry filter with phosphoric acid slurry produced in the reactor.

• Application – HH slurry filter feed pump
• Liquid – Reaction slurry with HH solids
• Flow / head – < 170 m³/h/< 35 m
• Pump type – AHLSTAR WPP53-100
• Material of construction – Cast wetted parts in 654 SMO®
• Nominal speed – < 850 (rpm) (VSD)
• Lubrication – Oil
• Installation – Horizontal (common baseplate)
• Motor – 75 kW – 440 V – 60 Hz
• Transmission – Flexible coupling
• Mechanical seals – Dual mechanical seal SE2

Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering and chemical processing applications. We specialize in energy-efficient pumping, agitation, mixing, separation, purification, crystallization, and polymerization technologies for fluids of all types. Our solutions enable carbon emission reductions, development of polymers from biological sources, recycling of plastic waste and textiles, and efficient power storage. Our customers benefit from our commitment to innovation, performance, and quality and from our responsive network of 180 world-class manufacturing facilities and service centers across the globe. Sulzer has been headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, since 1834. In 2022, our 12’900 employees delivered revenues of CHF 3.2 billion. Our shares are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: SUN). www.sulzer.com