Efficient, Reliable Fuel Transfer – Roto-Prime

“Efficiency, Reliability, and Innovation Combined in One Pumping Solution”

Diesel Fuel Pumps

The pumping of diesel fuel plays an important role in keeping machinery operating or filling [or off-loading] transport tankers. Diesel fuel pumps can range from small dispensing pumps to larger bulk transfer pumps.

The use of vane pumps is very common in pumping smaller volumes, as they are very reliable, are purpose-built for the task, and provide very good vacuum [ideal for self-priming].

Centrifugal pumps are the “go-to” pumps for bulk transfer because of their capacity to pump volumes quickly. These pumps are generally water pumps, with altered seals, gaskets and O-rings to enable the pumping of fuel.

One manufacturer, Gorman-Rupp, has combined the benefits of the vane pump and the centrifugal pump. It is called the “Roto-Prime pump. It has been specifically designed for pumping petroleum products, petrochemicals and solvents. The Roto-Prime centrifugal pump design incorporates a variable capacity vane pump, which quickly and automatically evacuates air and vapor, making them ideal for loading, off-loading transports and stripping hoses.

Automatic Priming and Positive Pumping

Whenever air or vapor is present at the start of the pumping operation, or when there is a loss of suction because of air or vapor during pumping, the priming pump automatically moves air and vapor from the suction line to the discharge line. Once the flowing liquid from the centrifugal side of the pump builds up sufficient pressure in the discharge system, the pressure backs through a tube to act on the bottom of the priming pump’s movable side block, placing it in the “neutral” position, where it remains until air and vapor again appear in the system.

Self-priming

Thanks to the small, powerful priming pump, the Roto-Prime is able to operate on suction lifts without the need to prime the pump or the suction line, enabling asset owners to utilize below-ground storage tanks. Roto-Prime pumps will quickly and automatically prime the system and deliver the required flow.

Materials of Construction

Roto-Prime pumps have rugged ductile iron or cast steel casings, heavy-duty steel or stainless-steel shafts, fluorocarbon fitted mechanical shaft seals, and aluminium impellers.

Sizes range from 3”x2” up to 6”x5”, with capacities to 90 litres per second and heads to 118 metres. Single volute pumps operate at 1450rpm [4-Pole], while double volute pumps operate at 2900rpm 2-Pole].