We are happy to announce the completion of our lime softening transfer pump replacement project in Fort Pierce, Florida. Over the past several years, Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) has hired Globaltech under a continuing design build contract to replace their aging transfer pumps, which transfer treated water from the water treatment plant’s Lime Softening process to the ground storage tanks. Most recently, Transfer Pump 4 was replaced with a larger capacity pump equipped with a variable frequency drive (VFD). The project also called for replacing the pipe and valves from the pump to the discharge 90-degree bend.
Flexible Operations & Improved Reliability
Replacing the smaller, constant speed transfer pumps with larger, VFD-equipped pumps has given FPUA more operational flexibility and control. Previously, FPUA had to run multiple pumps at all times and manually balance their flows with flow control valves. Now, with the upgraded pumps, the desired transfer flow can be attained utilizing the new variable speed pump and providing better reliability and redundancy.
The existing 40 HP pump was replaced with a new 60 HP vertical turbine pump equipped with a 60 HP 6-pulse VFD. Other replacement efforts included installation of the following:
- 14” flanged swing check valve with air cushion
- 2” air release valve
- 14” flanged gate valve
- 14” flanged DIP spool with 2” tap
- 2” brass ball valve and 2” brass ARV valve piping
This was the fourth and final transfer pump replacement for FPUA. Globaltech has previously replaced Transfer Pumps 1, 3 and 5 in three separate projects.