Celebrating Success: Special HDA Pumps for Kuwait Oil Company
The project
ENY: Thermax–Spetco Order
KSB has once again demonstrated its strength in innovation and teamwork by securing a prestigious order from Kuwait Oil Company through Spetco International Petroleum Co. The project required a specially engineered version of HDA pumps designed to operate under extreme site conditions.
The challenge
The operating conditions in North Kuwait presented unique challenges:
- Ambient temperatures ranging from -3°C to 55°C
- Boiler feed water temperatures between 110°C and 149°C
- No cooling water available for bearings and mechanical seals
Conventional HDA pumps with sleeve bearings are designed to operate at ambient temperatures of up to 45°C. Therefore, a new and innovative solution was required.
The Innovation
Following extensive brainstorming and technical evaluation, the PMPS team proposed:
- An antifriction bearing design with an enlarged oil sump to maintain bearing temperatures within safe operating limits (approximately 80°C)
- An air-cooled mechanical seal (EBIPL make) to eliminate the need for water cooling
- Validation of WK and MCPK pumps for suitability under the specified site conditions
These innovations ensured reliable pump performance without cooling water, even under extreme operating conditions.
Scope of Supply
- 2 × HP Boiler Feed Water Pumps, Type HDA 65/7 (60 Hz)
- 2 × HP Boiler Feed Water Pumps, Type HDA 65/10 (50 Hz)
- 2 × MP Boiler Feed Water Pumps, Type WK 50/4 (60 Hz)
- 2 × Condensate Extraction Pumps, Type MCPK 100-065-200 (60 Hz)
The Collaboration
This achievement was made possible through the close collaboration of multiple teams:
- PMPS
- RAC Energy
- BO Pune
- Thermax Cooling & Heating Division
Together, these teams overcame significant technical challenges and delivered a solution that sets new benchmarks in performance and reliability for the energy sector.
The Takeaway
This achievement reinforces a simple yet powerful message:
"Where there is a will, there is a way."
Congratulations to everyone involved for pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and proving once again that no challenge is too great when teams work together toward a common goal.
"Where there is a will, there is a way."
Congratulations to everyone involved for pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and proving once again that no challenge is too great when teams work together toward a common goal.
Products Used
HDA
Horizontal, radially split, multistage ring-section pump with single-entry radial impellers.