Overcurrent Problem and Solution of Fire Pumps in Some Oil Tankfarm

Motor overcurrent and protector trip occurred in 3 cooling water pump sets of fire water system during several test runs in some tankfarm.Based on the fire water pump parameter testing,the reasons of motor overcurrent is analyzed and it is concluded that the lower power of motor is one of the most important reasons for pump overcurrent and protector trip,which is the characteristic-dependent of centrifugal pump.In this case,four solutions are made:replacing the motor by a 350 kW motor,replacing the multi-function control valve with a safety relief vale at the outlet,installing a throttle orifice at the pump outlet,installing a safety relief vale at the beginning end of the fire protection pipe.Regarding the performance of centrifugal pump in fire protection system,optimized solution is proposed:installing a safety relief vale at the beginning end of the(ire protection pipe.It can not only satisfy the water requirements in fire protection,but also avoid the motor overcurrent problem,and in addition,the project and investment are minimized.