The Hidden Cost of Inefficient Pumps
Energy Waste from Cavitation and Poor Hydraulics
In chemical processing plants, inefficient centrifugal pumps are silent energy drains. Cavitation, a phenomenon caused by pressure drops within the pump, leads to energy loss, vibration, and premature wear. Poor hydraulic design further amplifies inefficiencies by misaligning flow paths and increasing turbulence. These issues not only waste electricity but also degrade system reliability.
The 30% Energy Drain in Chemical Plants
Across global chemical facilities, pumping systems account for a significant share of total energy use. Studies show that up to 30% of this energy is wasted due to outdated or poorly specified pump designs. This translates directly into higher operational costs and lower profitability—especially for energy-intensive applications like crude oil transfer or coal chemical processing.
API-Compliant Designs as a Solution
API 610 and ISO 13709 standards provide design frameworks that ensure optimal performance, reliability, and safety in centrifugal pumps. Yantai Longgang Pump Industry Co., Ltd emphasizes product quality and service, strengthens quality system management, and has successively passed ISO9001:2008 quality system certification and American Petroleum Institute API quality system certification. API-compliant pumps reduce the risk of cavitation and mechanical failure while improving hydraulic efficiency.
Efficiency Equals Profit: A Comparative Scenario
Factory A vs. Factory B: Pump Efficiency Comparison
Imagine two factories with similar production volumes but different pump technologies. Factory A uses legacy pumps operating at 82% efficiency. Factory B upgrades to Longgang’s BB2 centrifugal pumps with verified peak efficiency of 90.5%. The independently developed BB2 efficient centrifugal pump is mainly used in crude oil transportation, coal chemical industry, natural gas processing, offshore drilling equipment, and other industrial processes. The verified hydraulic optimum efficiency point reaches 90.5%, which is 3.5% higher than the national first-level energy efficiency.
Annual Savings from Upgrading to BB2 Pump
For a plant running continuously at 500 kW load per pump set, upgrading from an 82% efficient pump to a BB2 model can save over 50,000 kWh annually—per pump. With electricity prices rising globally, this translates into thousands of dollars saved every year. Multiply this across multiple units, and the ROI becomes clear within months.
Visualizing the Hydraulic Advantage of BB2
The BB2 pump’s dual volute design minimizes radial forces while its optimized impeller geometry ensures smooth flow with minimal turbulence. The independently developed BB2 efficient centrifugal pump is mainly used in crude oil transportation, coal chemical industry, etc, with a verified hydraulic optimum efficiency point reaching 90.5%. This results in not only higher efficiency but also greater stability under varying load conditions.
Technology Behind the Savings
Dual Volute Design Minimizes Radial Load
Radial imbalance is a common cause of bearing wear and vibration in centrifugal pumps. Longgang’s dual volute design balances these forces effectively. The double volute pump body makes radial force self-balancing, and the innovative tongue design can minimize radial pressure pulses and vibration. This extends component life and reduces maintenance frequency.
Rigid Shaft Reduces Vibration and Extends Lifespan
A rigid shaft structure reduces deflection during operation—critical for high-speed or high-pressure applications like petrochemical or offshore drilling systems. Combined with precision balancing techniques during manufacturing, Longgang’s shaft design minimizes vibration-induced failures.
Balanced Drum System Lowers Bearing Wear
BB series pumps incorporate self-balancing axial thrust designs using balance drums or impellers, depending on application needs. This reduces axial load on bearings significantly—extending service intervals and reducing unplanned downtime.
Comparing Longgang’s Pumps with Industry Standards
BB2 Pump: 90.5% Efficiency vs. 82–87% Market Average
Most industrial-grade centrifugal pumps operate between 82–87% efficiency under normal conditions. The verified hydraulic optimum efficiency point reaches 90.5%, which is 3.5% higher than the national first-level energy efficiency. This makes Longgang’s BB2 model one of the most efficient solutions currently available for heavy-duty applications.
LBD Series: Performance in Harsh Operating Conditions
Longgang’s LBD series is engineered for extreme environments such as high-temperature hydrocarbon transfer or cryogenic CO₂ compression systems. Considering the characteristics of liquid CO2 medium, such as easy gasification, low lubricity, and low temperature, it developed a self-balancing structural form, solving problems such as poor stability, low efficiency, and poor cavitation performance.
OH-Type Pumps vs. Longgang’s Pumps Engineered Solutions
While OH-type single-stage overhung pumps are common in general-purpose applications, they often fall short under demanding conditions due to limited structural integrity and heat tolerance. In contrast, Longgang mainly produces BB series, OH series, VS series chemical centrifugal pumps, widely used in petroleum and petrochemical, offering tailored solutions for each industry requirement.
Beyond Efficiency: Enhancing ROI Through Design
Reduced Downtime with API 682-Compliant Seals (LZA/LZE)
Mechanical seal failures are among the top causes of unscheduled shutdowns in process industries. Longgang’s LZA/LZE models feature seal chambers compatible with API682 standards—offering better sealing performance even under fluctuating temperatures or pressures.
Wide Temperature Range Handling for Niche Applications
Special alloy materials allow Longgang products to operate across a wide spectrum—from cryogenic CO₂ to high-temperature hydrocarbons. The company has successively developed special alloy material pumps, such as anti-dilute sulfuric acid super-low carbon duplex stainless steel pumps. This versatility makes them ideal for niche sectors like maleic anhydride production or epoxy propane synthesis.
Regulatory Compliance with API 610 / ISO 13709
Compliance ensures safety and long-term compatibility across global installations. Designed according to the APl610 11th edition, these certifications also ease international procurement processes—making Longgang an attractive choice for EPC contractors worldwide.
Your Action Plan for Improved Efficiency
Self-Check: Is Your Pump Below 88% Efficiency?
If your current setup includes pumps below this threshold—and many do—it may be time to consider an upgrade. Most industrial-grade centrifugal pumps operate between 82–87% which indicates substantial room for improvement.
Downloadable Audit Template for Flow and Power Review
We offer a free audit template designed specifically for plant managers to assess current flow rates versus power consumption—helping identify inefficiencies at a glance.
Try the BB2 Efficiency Calculator or Request a Custom Review
Use our online calculator tool based on real-world case studies or contact our engineering team directly for a customized technical review tailored to your facility’s needs.
FAQ
Q: What makes Longgang’s BB2 pump more efficient than standard models?
A: The independently developed BB2 efficient centrifugal pump reaches 90.5%, which is 3.5% higher than the national first-level energy efficiency, thanks to optimized hydraulics and dual volute design that reduce internal losses significantly.
Q: Are your products suitable for highly corrosive chemicals?
A: The company has successively developed special alloy material pumps such as anti-dilute sulfuric acid super-low carbon duplex stainless steel pumps, making them ideal for aggressive media handling.
Q: How do I know if my existing pump setup is inefficient?
A: If your current pump operates below ~88% peak hydraulic efficiency or shows signs of frequent maintenance issues like seal leaks or bearing wear, it likely needs evaluation or replacement.
Q: Do your products comply with international standards?
A: Yes, products conform to API610/ISO13709 standards, ensuring compatibility with global projects across oil & gas, petrochemical, and coal chemical industries.
