HMD Kontro’s latest Magnetic Drive Sealless Pump Solution Offers Safe Transfer of Hydrofluoric Acid During the Alkylation Processces
Eastbourne, East Sussex UK, November 4, 2021 – Specialist in magnetic drive sealless pumps HMD Kontro, has introduced a new pump option specifically designed for use in hydrofluoric acid (HF) alkylation.
Developed in collaboration with HF Unit Operators and working closely with UOP (Honeywell), the leading licensor of HF alkylation technology, the sealless pump features a casing manufactured from C22/C276.
HF alkylation combines olefins (primarily a mixture of propylene and butylene) with isobutene in the presence of a hydrofluoric acid catalyst. The result is a product called alkylate, which is a high-octane additive that is responsible for the anti-knocking property of unleaded gasoline.
“The continual tightening of clean fuels legislation has increased the demand for HF alkylation, with alkylate a critical safety component that offsets the high vapour pressure of the ethanol mandated in modern low-sulphur unleaded gas supplies,” said HMD Business Development Manager Charlie St Laurence. “Placing an HF alkylation unit downstream of the FCC (fluid catalytic cracking) process allows a refinery to maintain gasoline value and quality while satisfying fuel emissions requirements.”
Safe containment is of paramount importance. The potential for acid runaway, accelerated equipment corrosion and associated HF release requires alkylation units to be operated with extreme care using fluid handling solutions of the highest standards.
HF acid, by its very nature seeks out and attacks imperfections in cast components that will ultimately lead to reduced life and, worse still, product leakage. This places importance on the choice of cast components, particularly with regard to the pump casing and impeller. Built into the design of the HMD Kontro HF Pump are features which meet operator-specific needs for the HF alkylation process:
- Corrosion Resistant – Pump casing in alloy C22/C276 materials – proven over many years to offer the necessary resistance to corrosion, combined with a unique new method of NDE specifically for HF acid.
- Safer for People and the Environment – Secondary containment rated to 40 bar – eliminates the possibility of leakage into the environment, reducing operational risks and the associated costs to meet stringent EH&S goals.
- Less Down Time – Continuous monitoring to ensure reliable sealless pump performance including leak detection instrumentation and protection against dry pump running (power control monitor also recommended).
Mechanical seals are challenged in alkylate applications and can leak harmful process fluids. Designed for resistance against highly corrosive fluids, the new HMD Kontro application-specific sealless pump ensures conformity with all environmental health and safety standards, protecting people, plant and the environment through complete fluid containment.
As pioneers in sealless pumps, HMD Kontro continues to lead the field in product development. With no seals to leak, no buffer systems to support and maintain and no supporting systems for cooling water, venting or vapour recovery, HMD Kontro magnetic drive sealless pump technology also offers lower end-user installation costs and simplifies maintenance requirements.
To learn more about how HMD Kontro is helping to meet the rising demand for alkylate safely, please complete the HF Alkylation inquiry form or download the literature on the dedicated page of the HMD Kontro website at www.hmdkontro.com/hf.
About HMD Kontro:
Sundyne’s HMD Kontro Sealless Pumps are recognised as the pioneer of magnetic drive pumps and as a leader in the field of magnetic drive pump engineering and manufacturing, with more than 100,000 pumps operational in the field. A commitment to continued product development and specialisation in sealless pump solutions, backed by over seventy years of experience, having been the first to pioneer the technology in 1947, ensures customers benefit from the latest developments in drive, materials and fluid technologies. The HMD Kontro product family has been created to meet the specific challenges of the process industries for reliability, regulatory compliance, safety and environmental needs plus cost-efficiency. For further information please see: www.hmdkontro.com.
About Sundyne:
Headquartered in Arvada, Colorado with operations and presence in Europe, the Middle East, India, Asia, Japan and China, Sundyne is a global manufacturer of precision-engineered, highly reliable, safe and efficient centrifugal pumps and compressors for use in chemical, petrochemical, hydrocarbon, hydrogen, pharmaceutical, power generation and industrial applications. Sundyne is the world leader in delivering low-flow, high-head integrally geared centrifugal pumps and compressors, safe and leakage-free sealless magnetic drive centrifugal pumps and diaphragm compressors. Sundyne pumps and compressors are also available in API, ANSI/ASME, ISO, and other industry compliant designs. To learn more about the Sundyne family of precision-engineered pumps and compressors, please visit www.sundyne.com.
Contact:
Mike Dean
mike.dean@sundyne.com
