Wherever corrosion creates a problem in a fluid flow system, MCOR’s advanced and high build polymer compounds deliver the perfect solution.
High flow velocities encountered in fluid handling equipment adds to the quick degradation of the pump and corresponding components. In some cases, high fluid velocities occur due to high pressure to low pressure leakage. In other cases, silts and gravels can be carried in the fluid stream with the resultant factor accelerating erosion and material loss.
The effects of moving abrasive liquids or materials are similar to corrosive liquids. Handling abrasive liquids is a difficult application for any pump, because the abrasive particles promote pump wear. Both corrosion and abrasion remove some of the material the pump itself is constructed of. Heavy wear systems, such as sludge or sewage pumps are particularly prone to abrasion wear.
Flow velocity, corrosives and abrasives are typically at the root of accelerated wear and eroded metal, when coupled together, metal loss is rapid. To tackle these culprits requires coating technologies usually armed with ceramic and other anti-abrasives.
Cavitation can also occur as a result of a pressure difference in the fluid and is most often found on either the pump body or impeller, in particular the low pressure surfaces. Vapor bubbles formed by the pressure drop at the eye of the impeller have the potential to abruptly collapse – this process of formation and subsequent collapse of vapor bubbles results in small pits or divots which build up over time and begin to damage the pump equipment.
Cavitation bubble imploding close to a fixed surface. The bubble generates a jet with surrounding liquid which blasts away at metallic surfaces. Multiplied by constant bubbles generating in fluid flow systems equates to a highly erosive effect.
Cavitation in a centrifugal pump has a significant effect on pump performance. Cavitation degrades the performance of a pump, resulting in a fluctuating flow rate and discharge pressure. It can be destructive to a pump’s internal components. Cavitation can also cause excessive pump vibration, which could damage pump bearings, wearing rings, and seals – not to mention the foundation on which they are secured or anchored.
The solution to pump impellers suffering from cavitation is finding a material that can withstand high pressure levels and endure harsh environments. Materials such as MCOR’s polymer repair pastes will rebuild the cavitated metal, while MCOR’s ceramic coatings will provide lasting protection against future erosion.