The process of pumping salty sea water has always been associated among industrialists with the purchase of expensive equipment. However, modern raw water pumps require much less frequent repairs and are much less expensive.
What is this connected with? The main problem with using industrial equipment in seawater (liquids with a certain salt concentration) is that any materials in it are susceptible to corrosion to one degree or another. This also applies to pumping equipment in particular.
The placement of an ordinary pump, devoid of safeguarding measures and incorporating aluminum elements in its structure, within seawater guarantees its swift degradation, typically occurring within weeks if not days. This degradation is an assured outcome when such apparatus is positioned in water adjoining structures made of iron.
Why is this happening?
The problem is that the aluminum pump acts as a conventional anode in the appropriate environment. Being next to more “noble” metals, it simply acts as a “protector” for iron. In this situation, the rate of destruction depends only on how actively aluminum interacts with other metals, as well as on the concentration of salt in the water.
A sufficient quantity of zinc anodes on the body of the saltwater pump is required to protect the equipment against corrosion. With their capabilities, they can hinder the corrosion of an industrial pump placed a short distance from structures crafted from iron.
The reliability of pumping equipment in salt water is determined by the following factors:
- Ensuring the pump housing and its internal components are adequately shielded;
- Conducting tight quality control of pumping station production; and
- Position the equipment appropriately within the aquatic environment.
Employing a range of methodologies centered on the meticulous computation of installation parameters and strategic positioning of pumps for the conveyance of saline solutions can markedly decrease the chances of potential malfunctions in the future. This becomes particularly crucial when considering the utility of raw water pumps. In the intricate web of maritime diesel propulsion systems, the raw water pump plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal cooling. Any disruption in its operation could swiftly lead to engine overheating, posing a substantial risk of significant harm. Despite the inclusion of overheating warnings in most engines, a proactive approach involving visual inspections can provide early indications of imminent overheating attributed to pump failure.
Submersible raw water pumps offered by raw water pumps manufacturers have a wide range of applications. They are used as follows:
- On building sites near the water;
- Desalination stations;
- Fish farms and ships;
- Gas and oil stations, etc.
Specifics of raw water pumps
Under specific conditions, costly pumping installations made from bronze or stainless steel and exposed to seawater are utilized. While both metals exhibit considerable resistance to corrosion, the complexity of the manufacturing processes constrains the variety of models available. Furthermore, when dealing with maritime activities, it is vital to undertake extra precautionary measures to uphold the structural stability of stainless steel instruments.
Also Read:- Raw Water Pumps: What You Need to Know
Optimal for transporting saline solutions, it is advisable to employ more budget-friendly apparatus, like raw water pumps with substantial capacity made from cast iron, fortified with zinc, and coated with epoxy.
Important! Raw water pumps crafted from cast iron demonstrate an equivalent aptitude for dealing with saltwater when compared to more expensive alternatives. Furthermore, the low cost of such equipment is not their sole advantage. After all, their job is to assure the maximum efficiency indicators in a given area, which cast iron raw water pumps excel at.
Physics of the process
The galvanic interaction of metals of different natures is the primary cause of metal corrosion in water with a high salt content. Employing the galvanic effect discreetly shields equipment during operation. Achieving this requires attaching a protective anode to the equipment’s body, and the use of zinc in an anodic form effectively safeguards the pump casing against harm. Additionally, the multi-layer epoxy coating adds extra protection.
Important! The shaft seals in all conventional variants of pumping equipment used in contact with seawater are built of robust, corrosion-resistant metals to ensure the safety of the electric motor.
The above-mentioned safeguards enable the development of equipment whose cost, as well as maintainability indicators and service intervals, do not differ considerably from standard equipment.
Conclusion
Modern raw water pumps have evolved as efficient, cost-effective options for pumping salty saltwater, challenging the assumption of pricey equipment. Recognizing the vulnerability of materials to corrode in seawater, producers are including preventative measures such as zinc anodes and epoxy coatings. When combined with these precautions, the usage of high-capacity cast iron raw water pumps proved efficient in saltwater applications, providing dependability without sacrificing price. Thorough quality management, impeccable installation practices, and astute positioning are instrumental in mitigating the occurrence of failures.
As industries diversify applications—from construction sites to oil and gas platforms—a raw water pumps manufacturer in India showcases a commitment to delivering equipment with competitive costs, maintainability, and service intervals, marking a transformative era in seawater pumping technology.
Flowmore Pumps 