By Ralf Loehe, CIRCOR | SCHROEDAHL Director, Product Management
In the power production or oil and gas industries, centrifugal pumps for fire protection or condensate systems and other large pumps are critical to operations. However, when unprotected, these units are at greater risk. Operation of these pumps below the minimum flow condition, specified by the manufacturer, can cause overheating—wreaking catastrophic damage to a pumping station. A twin threat, cavitation, can also occur because of operation below the minimum flow condition. These consequences are likely to reduce plant productivity and profitability. The standard pump protection solution, a control valve, offers only complicated functionality and limited economy for installation. For many large pump applications, an all-in-one automatic pump protection valve proves more effective and efficient when compared to a control valve alternative.