Reciprocating plunger pumps, designed as a compact bespoke arrangement, have been commissioned at the La Pampilla refinery, in Callao, Peru. Well operator Respol installed the pumps to replace aging and unreliable equipment that pump light cycle oil. The oil is produced during the fluid catalytic cracking reaction.

Well operator Respol installed the pumps to replace aging and unreliable equipment that pump light cycle oil. The pumps, API 674 triplex reciprocating plunger pumps engineered by Ruhrpumpen, use an in-line gearbox and B5-flange mounted motor. During installation, the pumps required a single coupling for alignment. These features were said to be critical to the project’s success as space in the refinery was at a premium and delivery was required on a tight deadline.

The equipment offered a seal system configured to minimize leakage and included a front pull-out design to give maintenance teams access to the seals without removing the entire head unit. The pump also uses removable covers at the power end and fluid head, enabling inspection and maintenance tasks.

The La Pampilla Refinery has a capacity of 102,000 barrels/day and supplies nearly half of the domestic market's fuel consumption. It also exports other fuel products. Its main products include LPG, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, industrial oil, asphalt cement and liquid asphalt.