Avaliação de desempenho e proposta de readequação de um sistema de bombeamento de óleo vegetal

Abstract

The pumping of high-viscosity fluids presents significant technical challenges in the industrial sector, primarily due to head losses and temperature-dependent viscosity. In this context, it is necessary to evaluate the hydrodynamic performance of such installations to prevent problems such as aeration, which compromises the stability and quality of emulsions in the food industry. This study aims to evaluate the operating conditions and efficiency of a positive displacement pump system used for vegetable oil, and to propose a reconfiguration to improve the consistency of the production process. For this purpose, equipment specifications were identified, piping characteristic dimensions were measured, and the installed fittings were counted to calculate distributed and localized head losses. Experimental tests were conducted at the industrial plant to measure the actual flow rate and monitor operating pressure and electrical consumption parameters. The results indicated that the main pump was oversized and presented significant internal wear, evidenced by volumetric slip that reduced the actual flow rate to 32.5% of its nominal capacity and resulted in an actual hydraulic efficiency of 17.90%. The proposed reconfiguration, based on the physical relocation of preexisting pumps, increased the theoretical hydraulic efficiency to 44.33% and indicated a potential electrical energy saving of 69%.