The normal life cycle for a hardworking and crucial asset such as a boiler feed pump is 20 years. However, a Sulzer BB3 pump removed from a refinery in Argentina has been given a new lease of life at 40.
The BB3 pump is one of the most widely used high energy pumps in the world, operating throughout the oil & gas industry as well as the hydrocarbon sector. In this case, one example was running as one of a pair of boiler feed pumps in a refinery in Argentina.
The BB3 pump was sent as a critical repair to enable it to return to active duty at the earliest opportunity. This would minimize any downtime and secure the reliable service of the pump for years to come.
Throughout the repair project, constant contact with the customer was maintained explaining the findings and the proposed resolutions. The customer was happy with the quality of the work completed and the attention to detail that ensured a robust repair.
Image credit: Sulzer