BFI Auxiliary Feed Water
Application: Auxiliary Feed Water
Pump Details: BFI Model 16” RX 2-Stage
Pump Type: Multi-Stage Barrel
Often there are cases where it makes good engineering and economic sense to modify, upgrade or reclaim existing components rather than replacing them. When a major utility sent an auxiliary feed pump to Hydro for inspection, Hydro’s engineers developed a unique solution which offered a cost effective alternative to purchasing a new element.
Hydro’s diagnostic inspection uncovered severe vane tip cracking on the first-stage diffuser. The base material of the diffuser was cast iron, and therefore, could not be weld-repaired. Hydro’s engineers worked with our repair technicians to machine out the existing diffuser vane set and replaced it with a fully machined forged stainless steel vane set.
By the utility’s own estimate, Hydro's creative solution resulted in cost savings of upwards of $300,000. In addition, the hydraulics on the first stage was improved and the likelihood of cracking was significantly reduced.