Abstract
The need for totally reliable boiler feed pumps for modern large generating sets has led to the specification of pumps capable of surviving dry run and thermal shock conditions. Special design features, introduced with the object of improving reliability with minimum effect on performance, are described. The development work leading to the adoption of these features and the reasons for the choice of materials and methods of manufacture are reviewed. Details of construction to accommodate rapid dismantling and replacement of the internal pump assembly are given. A comparison is made between glandless and geared suction booster pumps, and the relative advantages are discussed. Recent developments are described, which include the use of a suction inducer to improve the performance of the suction stage pump and the possibility of an integrated turbo-feed pump running at high speed without a separate booster pump.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.