Cleaning pump, sizing

The cleaning pump should be sized to handle 45 gpm per 8-inch pressure vessel to be cleaned at a pressure less than a 50-60 psig (see Chapter 13.2.4.2). For example, given an 8 4-6M array, the pump would have to provide cleaning solution for a maximum of 8 pressure vessel at one time. At 45 gpm per pressure vessel, the pump needs a discharge flow of 360 gpm. 

In short process lines slurries are readily handled by centrifugal pumps with large clearances. When there is a distribution of sizes, the fine particles effectively form a homogeneous mixture of high density in which the settling velocities of larger particles are less than in clear liquid. Turbulence in the line also helps to keep particles in suspension. It is essential, however, to avoid dead spaces in which solids could accumulate and also to make provisions for periodic cleaning of the line. A coal-oil slurry used as fuel and add waste neutralization with lime slurry are two examples of process applications. 

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