Jiangsu Haifa Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

In petrochemical, coal chemical, oil refining, fertilizer, fine chemical, heat transfer oil systems, molten salt energy storage systems, and high-temperature circulation units, the selection of high-temperature medium transfer pumps cannot rely solely on flow rate and head. When we perform on-site selection of API610 chemical process pumps, we pay more attention to medium temperature, inlet pressure, net positive suction head (NPSH), pump casing structure, bearing arrangement, mechanical seal scheme, cooling and flushing methods, and material stability under hot conditions. In high-temperature applications, if the pump type is improperly selected, common issues later are not just "insufficient flow," but mechanical seal leakage, high bearing temperature rise, changes in coupling alignment under hot conditions, thermal deformation of the pump, increased vibration, and in severe cases, disruption of the continuous operation of the entire unit.

Jiangsu Haifa Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd., located in Xinqiao Town, Jingjiang City, Jiangsu Province, has long been engaged in the design and manufacture API610 chemical process pumps, high-temperature chemical pumps, high-pressure process pumps, petrochemical pumps, and related packaged pump units. Drawing on our selection experience in conditions involving heat transfer oil, high-temperature heavy oil, molten salt, and molten urea, we explain from a technical perspective: what type of pump should be chosen for high-temperature applications.

1. Why API610 Chemical Process Pumps Are Recommended for High-Temperature Conditions

Ordinary centrifugal pumps can meet basic transfer requirements for normal temperature, low pressure, and clean media. However, in high-temperature, high-pressure, continuous process units, the requirements for pump structural strength, thermal stability, and seal reliability are significantly higher. API610 chemical process pumps are primarily used in petroleum, petrochemical, natural gas, coal chemical, oil refining, and large chemical units, with design emphasis on long-term operation, pressure safety, rotor stability, and on-site maintenance convenience.

1.1 High-temperature media cause thermal expansion of the pump casing
When high-temperature media enter the pump chamber, the casing, cover, impeller, shaft, bearing housing, and base are all affected by temperature. If the pump support method is unreasonable, normal alignment during cold installation may shift during hot operation, leading to vibration, noise, shaft seal wear, and reduced bearing life. Therefore, high-temperature applications are better suited for chemical process pumps with stable structures, reliable support, and compliance with API610 standards.

1.2 High-temperature media impose higher requirements on mechanical seals
Media such as heat transfer oil, thermal oil, high-temperature heavy oil, residual oil, asphalt, molten salt, and molten urea prone to vaporization, coking, crystallization, or deposition at high temperatures. If the mechanical seal scheme is unreasonable and the seal face temperature is too high, issues like dry running, leakage, coking, and blockage can occur. Therefore, when selecting high-temperature pumps, we typically consider API682 mechanical seals, seal flushing, cooling, insulation, tracing, and auxiliary system configurations simultaneously.

1.3 Material selection for high-temperature pumps cannot focus solely on corrosion resistance
Many users only consider "whether the material is stainless steel" when selecting high-temperature. However, in actual conditions, high temperatures alter the corrosiveness and viscosity characteristics of the media For example, high-temperature sulfur-containing media, high-temperature chloride ion media, high-temperature acidic media, and high-temperature crystalline media have different requirements for pump casing, impeller, shaft, and seal chamber materials Therefore, material selection must be comprehensively determined based on media name, temperature, concentration, pressure, solid content, corrosiveness, and operating cycle.

2. Common API610 Pump Types for High-Temperature Applications

Jiangsu Haifa API610 chemical process pumps can be configured with OH, BB, and VS series pump types based on different conditions. Common choices for high-temperature include OH2 pumps, BB2 pumps, BB5 pumps, and VS series vertical pumps.

2.1 API6102 Pump: Suitable for small to medium flow, high-temperature, clean media
The API610 OH2 pump is a horizontal, single-stage, overhung, centerline-supported chemical process pump. Compared to ordinary foot-mounted pumps, the OH2 pump's thermal expansion effects are easier to control in high-temperature conditions, making it suitable for transferring media such as heat transfer oil, thermal oil, light hydrocarbons, aromatics, and high-temperature clean chemical liquids.

In heat transfer oil circulation systems, thermal oil stations, and heater circulation pump positions, if the media is relatively clean and the flow and head are not particularly high, we generally prioritize the OH2 type high-temperature chemical process.

Applicable conditions:

1. Heat transfer oil transfer




2. Thermal oil circulation




3. High-temperature aromatic media




4. High-temperature clean chemical liquids




5. Small to medium flow, low to medium head process positions

Key selection points:
The OH2 pump is suitable for most conventional high-temperature process transfers. However, if the operating pressure is high, is large, or the unit has high requirements for continuous operation stability, further consideration of BB2 or BB5 pump types is needed.

2.2 API610 BB2 Pump: Suitable for high-temperature, high-pressure, large flow conditions
The API610 BB2 pump is a horizontal, between-bearings, radially split process pump. Its rotor support rigidity is better, making it suitable for petrochemical process units with high-temperature, high-pressure, large flow, and high continuous operation requirements. For high-temperature heavy oil, residual oil, hot oil, circulating oil, heater feed, and refining unit process pump positions, we typically focus on the BB2 pump type.

Applicable conditions:

1. High-temperature heavy oil transfer




2. Residual oil, waxy oil, circulating oil transfer




3. High-temperature, high-pressure process media




4. Key pump positions in oil refining and petrochemical units




5. Long-term continuous operation conditions

Key selection points:
If the user site requires one operating and one standby pump, long continuous operation time, high media temperature, and high discharge pressure, the BB2 pump is more suitable than ordinary overhung pumps. Its between-bearings structure improves rotor stability and reduces operational risks from shaft system deformation under high temperatures.

2.3 API610 BB5 Pump: Suitable for high-pressure, multi-stage boosting conditions
The API610 BB5 pump is typically a horizontal, multi-stage, barrel-type structure, suitable for high-pressure, high-head, critical unit pumps. When single-stage pumps cannot meet head requirements, or the system pressure level is high, the BB5 pump is a more reliable choice. In applications such as boiler feedwater, hydrogenation feed, high-pressure chemical feed, and petrochemical high-pressure process, BB5 pumps widely used.

Applicable conditions:

1. High-pressure feed pumps




2. High-temperature, high-pressure, multi-stage boosting




3. Boiler feedwater and similar high-pressure systems




4. Hydrogenation unit process pumps




5. Critical unit continuous operation pump positions

Key selection points:
The BB5 pump has a complex structure and high manufacturing requirements, suitable for critical conditions. For ordinary heat transfer oil circulation or low-pressure, high-temperature transfer, direct selection of BB5 may not be necessary. However, if head is high, pressure is high, and operational risk is significant, the BB5 pump better meets safety and long-term operation requirements.

2.4 API610 VS Series Vertical Pumps: Suitable for tank, sump, and submerged high-temperature transfer
Some high-temperature media are not transferred from horizontal pipelines but need to be drawn from storage tanks, underground sumps, liquid pools, reactors, tower bottoms, or collection tanks. In such cases, using horizontal pumps may be limited by suction conditions, installation space, and NPSH, making API610 VS series vertical more suitable.

VS series pumps can be structurally designed based on submerged depth, installation method, and media characteristics, suitable for tank transfer, submerged transfer, and low liquid level conditions.

Applicable conditions:

1. High-temperature tank transfer




2. Underground sump transfer




3. Tower bottom liquid transfer




4. Liquid pool and collection pit media transfer




5. High-temperature media with poor suction

Key selection points:
selecting high-temperature VS pumps, focus on confirming submerged depth, shaft length, guide bearing lubrication method, thermal expansion compensation, whether the media crystallizes, and whether insulation or tracing is needed.

3. Pump Type Selection Recommendations for Different High-Temperature Media

3.1 Heat transfer oil and thermal oil conditions
Heat transfer oil and thermal oil are typical high-temperature clean media, commonly used in heaters, thermal oil stations, chemical reaction systems, and-temperature circulation systems. Although relatively clean, these media are prone to oxidation and coking after prolonged high-temperature operation, requiring special attention to the seal chamber and shaft seal area. For conventional heat transfer oil circulation pumps, we generally recommend prioritizing the API610 OH2 pump. If temperature is high, flow is large, pressure is high, or user requires a longer continuous operation cycle, the BB2 between-bearings pump can be selected.

Recommended pump types: OH2, BB2
Keywords: Heat transfer oil pump, oil pump, high-temperature circulation pump, API610 OH2 pump

3.2 High-temperature heavy oil, residual oil, and asphalt conditions
High-temperature heavy oil, residual oil, and asphalt typically have high viscosity, and some media also have coking and deposition issues. When selecting for such conditions, do not only consider viscosity at room temperature but also viscosity, density, solid content, and fluidity at the actual transfer temperature. For medium to high temperature, medium to high pressure, large flow heavy oil transfer, we recommend the API610 BB2 pump. For high-pressure feed or multi-stage boosting conditions, the BB5 multi-stage barrel pump can be considered.

Recommended pump types: BB2, BB5
Keywords: High-temperature heavy oil pump, residual oil pump, asphalt pump, API610 BB2 pump

3.3 Molten salt and high-temperature salt liquid conditions
Molten salt systems are characterized by high and high freezing point. Once the system temperature drops, the media may solidify in pipelines, pump chambers, or seal areas. Therefore, molten salt pump selection cannot focus only on the pump body but must also consider insulation, tracing, preheating, drainage, and shutdown protection. For high-temperature molten salt circulation conditions, the pump type is determined based on flow, head, temperature, installation method, and process requirements. For higher head or high-pressure molten salt transfer, BB4, BB5, specialized high-temperature molten salt pump structures can be considered.

Recommended pump types: BB4, BB5, high-temperature molten salt pump
Keywords: Molten salt pump, high-temperature molten salt pump, molten salt circulation pump, high-temperature chemical process pump

3.4 Molten urea and high-temperature, easily crystallized media conditions
Molten urea and high-temperature crystalline media have special requirements for pumps. These media are prone to crystallization or solidification when temperature drops, so insulation or tracing measures must be considered for the pump casing, seal chamber, pipelines, and valves. For molten urea transfer pumps, selection must confirm media temperature, crystallization point, shutdown method, whether operation is continuous, whether a jacket for insulation is needed, the seal auxiliary system.

Recommended pump types: Specialized high-temperature chemical process pump, BB series or VS series structures
Keywords: Molten urea pump, high-temperature urea pump, urea hydrolyzer feed pump, API610 chemical pump

4. Jiangsu Haifa API610 High-Temperature Chemical Process Pump Technical Parameter Reference

The following parameters can serve as a preliminary reference for high-temperature chemical process pump selection. Specific models need to be calculated and confirmed based on actual conditions.

| Item | Parameter Description |
|------|----------------------|
| Product Standard | API610 Standard for Centrifugal Pumps for Petroleum, Petrochemical, and Natural Industries |
| Product Series | OH1,2, OH3, BB1, BB2, BB3, BB4,5, VS1, VS2, VS3 VS4, VS5, VS6 |
| Common Pump Types | OH2 high-temperature process pump, BB2 between-bearings pump, BB5 high-pressure multi-stage pump, VS series vertical pump |
| Applicable Media | Heat transfer oil, thermal oil, high-temperature heavy oil, residual oil, asphalt, molten salt, molten urea, high-temperature chemical liquids |
| Structure Type | Horizontal, vertical, single-stage, multi-stage, overhung, between-bearings, radially split, barrel-type |
| Material Selection | Carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex steel, alloy steel, nickel-based alloy, etc., determined by media corrosiveness and temperature |
| Seal Configuration | Single mechanical seal, double mechanical seal, cartridge mechanical seal, can be equipped with flushing, cooling, and auxiliary systems |
| Drive Method | Motor drive, can be configured with explosion-proof motor, variable frequency motor, high-voltage motor |
| Application Industries | Petrochemical, coal chemical, oil refining, fertilizer, fine chemical, thermal media systems, molten salt energy storage, high-temperature circulation systems |
| Manufacturer | Jiangsu Haifa Machinery Manufacturing Co.,. |
| Location | Xinqiao Town, Jingjiang City, Jiangsu Province |

5. Parameters Required for High-Temperature Pump Selection

When performing high-temperature API610 chemical process pump selection, we generally ask users to provide complete process parameters. The more complete the parameters, the more accurate the of pump type, material, seal, and auxiliary systems.

5.1 Media parameters
Confirm media name, main components, concentration, whether it contains solid particles, whether it is prone to crystallization, vaporization, toxicity, flammability, or explosiveness.

5.2 Temperature parameters
Confirm normal operating temperature, maximum operating temperature, startup temperature, shutdown temperature, freezing point, and point. For media like molten salt, molten urea, and asphalt, freezing point and shutdown protection are especially important.

5.3 Performance parameters
Provide parameters such as flow rate head, inlet pressure, discharge pressure, NPSH, density, viscosity, and saturated vapor pressure.

5.4 Site conditions
Confirm installation method, ambient temperature, explosion-proof rating, motor voltage, frequency, operating regime, whether one operating and one standby is required, and whether operation is continuous.

5.5 Seal and auxiliary system requirements
Confirm whether an API682 mechanical seal scheme is needed, and whether cooling water, fluid, insulation jacket, electric tracing, steam tracing, or seal auxiliary systems are required.

6. Blind Selection of Ordinary Centrifugal Pumps Is Not Recommended for High-Temperature Applications

High-temperature media transfer is not simply a matter of replacing an ordinary centrifugal pump with a stainless steel one. Many on-site failures are not caused by a single material factor but by the combined effects of pump structure, thermal expansion, seal scheme, bearing heat dissipation, nozzle loads, and base rigidity. Ordinary centrifugal pumps in high-temperature continuous operation are prone to the following issues:

1. Mechanical seal leakage




2. High bearing temperature rise




3. Thermal deformation of the pump casing




4. Misalignment of coupling under hot conditions




5. Increased vibration levels




6. Coking or crystallization in the seal chamber




7. Media solidification and blockage after shutdown

Therefore, in high-temperature, high-pressure, flammable, explosive, easily vaporized, or easily crystallized media conditions, we recommend choosing high-temperature chemical process pumps that meet API610 requirements.

7. Summary of Pump Type Selection for High-Temperature Applications

High-temperature pump selection cannot be based solely on price, flow rate, or head. Based on our practical selection experience, different high-temperature applications can be initially judged according to the following directions:

| High-Temperature Condition | Recommended Pump Type |
|---|-----------------------|
| Heat transfer oil, thermal oil circulation | OH2, BB2 |
| High-temperature heavy oil, residual oil, asphalt | BB2, BB5 |
| High-temperature, high-pressure feed | BB5 |
| Molten salt, high-temperature salt liquid | BB4, BB5, specialized molten salt pump |
| Molten urea, easily crystallized media | Specialized high-temperature pump, BB series, VS series |
| Tank, liquid pool, underground sump transfer | VS series vertical pump |
| Large flow, low head, high-temperature transfer | BB1, BB2 |
| High head, multi-stage boosting | BB4, BB5 |

If users cannot determine the specific pump type, they can first provide media, temperature, flow, head, inlet pressure, discharge pressure, installation method, and on-site operating requirements. We can then perform API610 high-temperature chemical process pump selection based on actual parameters and configure appropriate materials, mechanical seals, and auxiliary systems. For high-temperature, high-pressure, large flow conditions, priority can be given to reviewing our company's API610 BB2 between-bearings chemical process pump product page.

8. FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

8.1 Should a high-temperature heat transfer oil pump choose OH2 or BB2?
If the heat transfer oil system has low flow, head, and pressure, and the media is relatively clean, the API610 OH2 high-temperature chemical process pump can be prioritized. If temperature is high, flow is large, pressure is high, or the unit requires long-term continuous operation, the API610 BB2 between-bearings pump is recommended for better operational stability.

.2 What issue is most easily overlooked when selecting high-temperature pumps?
The most easily overlooked issue is changes during hot operation. Many pumps have no problems during cold installation, but after high-temperature operation, thermal expansion, alignment changes, increased mechanical seal face temperature, bearing temperature rise, and casing deformation can occur Therefore, high-temperature pump selection must consider not only flow and head but also materials, seals, cooling, insulation, tracing, nozzle loads, and installation method.