Problem No. 19: High pressure pumps – which is better reciprocating or centrifugal?

In every urea plant, high-pressure pumps are used to pump the feedstock ammonia and carbon dioxide to the high-pressure synthesis section and in most urea plants carbamate liquid is recycled from the recirculation section to the synthesis section. Traditionally, plant capacities were small, synthesis pressures were high and reciprocating pumps were typically applied. With larger plant capacities, stripping urea technologies and the development of centrifugal pumps, more and more centrifugal pumps are being applied.

This discussion looks at the various advantages and disadvantages of reciprocating and centrifugal pumps, based on operating experience in the urea industry.