ClydeUnion Pumps takes long distance runner award18 September 2014

An SPX ClydeUnion Pumps advanced class boiler feed pump FK3C44 has run for more than 14 years equivalent without an overhaul at the Matimba plant, making it the longest running unit across all Eskom's power stations in South Africa.

ClydeUnion Pumps received the Long Distance Runner Award from Eskom for the performance, which has seen the pump handle 124,671 running hours.

Eighteen of this Advanced class of boiler feed pumps were manufactured and supplied from the SPX CUP facility in Glasgow to Matimba power station, the first dry-cooling, coal-fired station in South Africa.

Installed as six sets of three 50% duty pumps per unit, they supply feed water to each of six 665MW boiler-turbine units, and were commissioned between 1987 and 1991.

Running at 6,000 rpm, the award-winning pump delivers 1,330 m3/hr of feedwater at 170°C and 2,700m head.

Accordng to SPX, the Advanced Class BFP was designed and engineered for a minimum of five years between overhaul periods.

It can withstand power plant conditions including the high thermal shocks on start-up and severe transient conditions, including complete loss of water on the suction side.

Brian Tinham

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