WEG motors to drive pumps at new Brazilian refinery
5 Feb 2013
WEG has supplied motors to a new petrochemical refinery in Brazil is employing to meet increased domestic demand by becoming the first crude oil refinery to be entirely built with Brazilian technology.
Petrobras’ Abreu e Lima facility is one of the most advanced refineries ever built in Brazil: able to process 100% heavy crude oil and to produce fuel with a lower sulphur content than the 10 ppm required by the strictest of international standards.
Eleven WEG three-phase induction motors, suitable for operation in explosive atmospheres will be used to drive KSB centrifugal pumps feeding water into the cooling towers at the refinery in Ipojuca, Pernambuco.
The pumps and motors are to be located in the refining area and will be used to feed the cooling towers associated with the site’s main steam turbines. They will provide water for circulation and for cooling the plant and equipment which is critically important within the refining process.
These KSB pumps and associated equipment require special motors that offer a high degree of reliability, according to WEG engineer, Marcelo Vedana.
To enhance their reliability the motors are designed to be robust and use the best quality bearings and ancillary components. The windings are precision made and balanced, whilst advanced thermal management ensures cool running.
Explosion-proof motors are designed to contain an explosion if it occurs within the motor. This is to prevent the release of explosive gases and to minimize internal sparking within the motor. They are most commonly used in the chemical, mining, textile and petrochemical industries, but also find applications in many other fields.
These motor must be designed to reduce the likelihood of exploding, and be capable of completely containing an internal explosion so that it does not propagate to the surrounding area. Their bodies, therefore, tend to be more robust than standard motors and to be able to maintain integrity at highly elevated temperatures.
The designs must also resist corrosion and to have flame-tight joints and flanges with minimum tolerances so that hot gases from an internal explosion will cool down before exiting to the wider environment. There are several approval bodies that can certify motors are explosion proof. WEG says it meets the safety requirements for all regions.
