Rotating machines services provider Sulzer last month launched its innovative SNS end-suction single-stage process pumps range, which is designed to exceed the highest standards of performance and reliability, as well as the design requirements of the ISO 5199 standard. For end-users, this means significant savings in total life-cycle costs and a reduced environmental footprint.

The new pumps range was developed for pumping applications in the pulp and paper, water and wastewater, chemicals processing, power, oil and gas, and hydrocarbon processing industries, among others.

The SNS process pumps are designed to pump clean and slightly contaminated liquids, viscous liquids and fibrous slurries. The unique hydraulic design ensures efficient pumping with a low net positive suction head required across the whole pumps range.

State-of-the-art simulation technology was used to design the reliable and highly efficient impellers, casings and shaft sealings of the SNS range. This resulted in very efficient hydraulics with improved shaft sealing conditions to ensure high reliability. Improved patent-pending balancing holes in the impeller, together with a new design for the sealing chamber, guarantee ideal conditions for improving the lifetime of the seal.

The innovative patent-pending Sulzer mechanical shaft seal solution provides easy assembly and maintenance. At the same time, it reduces the total cost of ownership by cutting operation, maintenance and downtime costs to a minimum.

The compact pump design limits shaft deflection and extends the shaft seal lifetime while decreasing unexpected shutdowns and overall maintenance costs.

Sulzer’s heavy-duty, rigid and compact bear- ing units are leak-free, which further limits unexpected shutdowns and maintenance costs. Standardised base plate, back pull-out design and flexible spacer coupling with an electric motor of standard size make the installation quick and easy, thereby reducing installation costs.

Owing to the unique design, innovative features and inventive standardisation of the SNS series, the service and spare parts inventory also costs significantly less than before.

The SNS process pump is the most efficient process pump range on the market. It exceeds the European Union’s (EU’s) requirements for energy-related products (ErP), which specify the minimum efficiency values for water pumps to reduce energy consumption.

The minimum efficiency index (MEI) for standardised water pumps was set at ≥ 0.4. This means that 40% of the pumps currently on the market do not comply. However, only the pumps and motors that satisfy the energy efficiency requirements of the EU’s ErP Directive, may be sold. The SNS process pump range not only meets the criteria, but breaks all records by exceeding the MEI 0.7 requirements.

“With the new SNS product line, Sulzer provides its customers with very cost-effective pumping solutions, both on initial investment and – even more importantly – on energy consumption. This represents a significant contribution to improve our customers’ profitability and environmental footprint,” states Sulzer pumps equipment president Cesar Montenegro.

Meanwhile, at this year’s Turbomachinery and Pump Symposium (TPS), which was held in Houston, Texas, Sulzer showed the benefits of investing in the latest technology to deliver long-term performance and reliability.

Industry experts from the company were involved in discussion groups where visitors and exhibitors learned more about a range of current issues.

The symposium, which ran from September 14 to 17 at the George R Brown Convention Centre, represented an excellent opportunity for all those involved with rotating equipment to meet with industry leaders and to discuss both current and future issues. Sulzer shared its worldwide engineering experience with visitors to the symposium.

Sulzer provides industry-leading solutions, including specialist coatings that can resist corrosion and fouling, delivering improved performance in pumps and compressors. At this year’s symposium, visitors saw these innovative solutions applied to a compressor rotor assembly in the form of Sulzer’s HICoat A24 Coating. This metallic-ceramic-polymer coating has been specifically formulated to provide extended service and prevent loss of efficiency.

Meanwhile, Sulzer’s pumps division, Pumps Equipment, has developed a single-stage, radially split pump that offers the broadest performance range in the industry. Designed for heavy-duty applications in refineries, petrochemicals plants, gas processing and offshore oil production, the overhung, horizontal, centreline-mounted pump is ideal for high-head applications.

In addition, the low-flow variant of the pump uses a unique low-flow impeller diffuser design that provides gap-free coverage for improved performance.

Sulzer petroleum global portfolio manager Ron Adams, a member of the Pump Advisory Committee, on September 15, took part in the first discussion group at the symposium, titled Monitoring Vibration and Other Critical Machine Conditions, as well as the Subsea Pumps and Drivers panel discussion, which took place the following day. In addition, Sulzer advanced engineering manager Bob Davis took part in a Vertical Pump Problems and Solutions group discussion, which also took place on September 15.