Centrifugal pumps have temperature limits based on their design, materials, and sealing system. Exceeding these limits can cause cavitation, seal failure, thermal expansion issues, or material degradation.
| Pump Type / Material | Minimum Temp. (°C) | Maximum Temp. (°C) | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Cast Iron | -20 | 120 | Brittle below -20°C, limited by seal material |
| Ductile Iron | -30 | 150 | Better low-temp toughness |
| Stainless Steel (SS 316) | -200 | 400 | Corrosion-resistant, handles cryogenics |
| Carbon Steel | -50 | 350 | High-temp strength, used in boiler feed pumps |
| Thermoplastics (PP, PVDF) | -40 | 100 (PP) / 140 (PVDF) | Chemical resistance but limited temp range |
| Ceramic-lined | -50 | 200 | Corrosion-resistant but brittle |
Seal & Packing Limits
Standard elastomers (NBR, EPDM) → -20°C to 150°C
High-temp seals (Viton, FFKM) → Up to 230°C
Graphite packing → Up to 450°C (but requires flushing).
Mechanical Seals:
Magnetic Drive Pumps: No seals, good for -100°C to 300°C (depends on material).
Cavitation Risk
High temps lower NPSHₐ (Net Positive Suction Head Available) due to higher vapor pressure.
Requires proper NPSHₐ > NPSHᵣ (Required) to avoid vapor bubbles.
Thermal Expansion
High temps can distort casings, impellers, and bearings.
Warm-up protocols needed for very hot/cold fluids (e.g., boiler feed pumps).
Cold Temperature Risks
Below -30°C, standard materials become brittle.
Cryogenic pumps (e.g., LNG) use stainless steel or specialty alloys.
Boiler Feed Pumps: Up to 200–230°C (carbon steel).
Refinery Pumps: Up to 400°C (special alloys like Inconel).
Cryogenic Pumps: Down to -200°C (stainless steel).
✔ Cooling Jackets: For high-temp pumps (e.g., API 610 pumps).
✔ Heat Tracing: Prevents freezing in cold climates.
✔ Material Upgrades: Use SS316, Hastelloy, or ceramics for extremes.
✔ Seal Support Systems: Barrier fluids for high-temp seals.
API 610: Covers refinery pumps (high-temp limits).
ISO 5199: General industrial pumps.
ASME B73.1: ANSI process pumps (moderate temps).
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