Feed pumps (BB4 design)
Feed pumps (BB4 design) are horizontal, multi-stage centrifugal pumps with a single radially split casing mounted between bearings. Also referred to as ring pumps.
The design of these pumps provides a reliable solution in high-pressure and high-temperature applications in many industries around the world. The design and highly efficient hydraulics ensure reliability combined with easy maintenance and minimal operating costs.
The range (Z, YS, WN, W) is available in API-free versions for power plant requirements and general industrial specifications and in the API 610 version (type BB4) for the oil and gas industry and the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU (in the scope of Group II , category 2G and 3G).
parameters
Horizontal, centrifugal, multistage pumps with rotating unit bearings on both sides of the shaft. Depending on the purpose and operating conditions, BB4 designs have feet located at the height of the pump axis or at the bottom of the body.
The location of the pump stubs is directed upwards. To balance the axial thrust, there are design variants of relief and bearings:
- with a relief disc and an angular or spherical thrust bearing,
- with a relief drum and a double, oil-lubricated angular or spherical thrust bearing,
- with relief holes in the impellers and a double angular contact thrust bearing.
Depending on the application, stuffing boxes can be equipped with various types of shaft seals, including mechanical seals (single, double, cartridge) in accordance with the API 682 standard.
Operating Limits & Specifications
Standards & Certifications
Applicable Standards
API 610 / ISO 13709
Last editions
Full compliance with the latest edition of API 610 (ISO 13709) standards for heavy-duty BB4 ring-section process pumps.
ANSI / ASME & DIN / EN
Connection stubs
ANSI/ASME (#600; #900; #1500) or DIN/EN (PN110; PN150; PN320) high-pressure flange connections.
API 682 Mechanical Seals
Latest edit
Accommodates advanced cartridge mechanical seal plans and cooling piping according to API 682 latest edition.
ATEX Directive
2014/34 / EU
ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU certified (Group II, category 2G and 3G) for volatile petrochemical environments.
Product Features & Key Highlights
Working slots
Secured with replaceable, high-durability sealing rings to sustain optimal clearances under high pressure.
Sealing of bodies and rings
Precision metal-to-metal interstages preventing leakage under extreme cyclic thermal and pressure stress.
Stuffing boxes
Fully compatible with mechanical seal cooperation according to API682, latest edition.
First stage rotor with improved NPSHr
Specially contoured first-stage suction impeller with exceptional anti-cavitation properties.
Hydraulics optimization
CFD-optimized flow channels designed to maximize operating efficiency and reduce overall lifecycle energy consumption.
Rigid shafts
Robust shaft stiffness delivering optimal and long-lasting operation of bearings and mechanical seals.
API 610 / ISO 13709
Full compliance with the latest edition of worldwide refining and high-pressure boiler feed pump standards.
Body supported in the axis
Centerline mounted feet guaranteeing maximum operational stability and precise alignment at high temperatures up to 230 °C.
“Axial Force Balance Optimization”
When using various design variants of relief and bearings — relief disc, relief drum, relief holes, or dual thrust bearings.
Superbolt multi-screw tensioners
Possibility of using multi-screw tensioners for reduction of torsional stresses on tie rods, even tightening, and fast maintenance without specialized tooling.
Material Versions (API 610 Table H.1)
API material classes for Feed pumps (BB4 design):
| Part name | S-5 | S-6 | S-8 | C-6 | A-8 | D-1 and D-2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pump body/cover | CS | CS | CS | 12%CR | 316L AUS | Duplex/Super Duplex |
| Rotor / vanes | CS | 12%Cr | AU$316 | 12%CR | 316L AUS | Duplex/Super Duplex |
| Sealing ring | 12% CR+H | 12% CR+H | 316 AUS+HF | 12% CR+H | 316L AUS +HF | Duplex / Super Duplex + H |
| Shaft | AISI 4140 | 12%CR | 316L AUS | 12%CR | Duplex | Duplex/Super Duplex |
| Bearing housing | CS | CS | CS | CS | CS | CS |
Legend: CI – Cast iron; CS – Cast steel / carbon steel; AISI 4140 – alloy steel; 12% CR – cast steel / chrome steel; 316 AUS – Cast steel / austenitic steel >2% Mo; +H – hardened; +HF – hard faces.
* Possibility of making other alloys, including NACE-compliant materials.
High Pressure & High Temperature Applications
High pressure and high temperature applications in various industries:
Order or request sizing for Feed pumps (BB4 design)
Geomatics Middle East is the official dealer of Grupa Powen in Oman. Contact our technical engineering team for multi-stage pump sizing, boiler feed parameters, and quotations.