Analysis to Improve the Service Life of Condensate Extraction Pump

In the present scenario, Energy demand is increasing day by day. To meet that demand a lot of thermal power plants are being set up throughout the world. In thermal power plants one of the important role is played by condensate extraction pumps just place after the condenser. Condensate pump is a specific type of pump used to pump the condensate (water) produced in an HVAC (heating or cooling), refrigeration and condensing boiler furnace or steam system. While analyzing the design of condensate pump, it was observed that a cut-less rubber bearing was incorporated between the rotating (shaft sleeve) and stationary (Bowl ,bell mouth etc.) parts of the pump to increase the pump service life but due to the tendency of wear it lead to poor service life and wear and tear of the pump parts. In the present investigation, analysis was carried out on a rotary condensate pump of power rating 500 KW. In the pump, peek metal was introduced between the rotating and stationary parts and the design was analyzed. It was observed that the service life improved by 1.5 times(3 years). Also the wear and tear of parts reduced tremendously and unwanted replacement of parts was prevented.