Technical evaluation criteria for centrifugal pump selection in the petrochemical industry

MEng (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusMany users are faced with the difficulty of technically evaluating and selecting the most appropriate centrifugal pump for the specific operating condition, due to its required specialised field within mechanical engineering. The study is unique and positive towards the petrochemical industry in the sense that important technical evaluation criteria, based on all influencing factors, is identified in order to be used in the selection of centrifugal pumps in the petrochemical industry. This study is undertaken to provide guidance to users in the petrochemical environment on the selection of centrifugal pumps in order to have the most advantageous performance in terms of safety, reliability, integrity, process operability and maintainability, in order to reduce total cost of ownership. The aim and objective of the study is to assist users in making the best selection of the most appropriate centrifugal pump for a particular service in the petrochemical industry, by means of identifying and considering all necessary aspects during the selection process. Against the background of the relevant literature regarding technical evaluation of the most appropriate centrifugal pump within the petrochemical industry, the dissertation objective driving this study was: - To identify the important technical criteria in evaluating and selecting centrifugal pumps, based on experienced opinions within the mechanical engineering discipline in the Petrochemical Industry. The study is mainly quantitative with qualitative elements. It includes the selection of celestial bodies and subjects, collection and the analysis of the data, conclusion and recommendation on relevant technical evaluation criteria for centrifugal pump selection in the petrochemical industry, which was tested and summarised by means of a case study. The study proved to be successful in its objective.Master