Investigation into Magnetic Drive Sealless Pump Failure at Flare Gas Recovery Unit (FGRU)

Failure investigation was conducted on magnetic drive centrifugal sealless pumps that had only been in operation for six months and were already struggling to rotate. It was discovered that hydrocarbon sludge and other debris had blocked the lubricating channel, which is meant to provide pathways for cooling and lubricating the inner magnetic and containment shell of the pump. Further investigation revealed service water had contaminated the process fluid, precipitating calcium carbonate upon contact with the amine solution and clogging the flushing line. An additional duplex strainer was installed on the repaired pumps, and adequate precautions were taken to prevent water contamination.