Increasing Pump Performance with Thermoplastic Bushings

One of Vesconite Bearings’ innovative bushing materials, Vesconite Hilube, has assisted a pump manufacturing company on the Gulf Coast withstand harsh and highly-corrosive operating environments, which pose significant challenges for pump systems.

Before switching to Vesconite Hilube line shaft bushings, the pumps relied on materials like bronze, cutlass rubber, and 316 stainless steel. These materials, while reliable to some extent, struggled to endure the demanding conditions encountered by seawater lift pumps and oil waste-disposal pumps. Operating at ambient temperatures of up to 120°F, with a flow driven by 1,800 RPM, these pumps handled ocean saltwater mixed with fine abrasive particles—a punishing environment for any material.

“We were looking for a bushing or wear material that could stand the test of time in highly corrosive conditions, and Vesconite Hilube significantly increased run time and lengthened the time between repairs,” says the operations manager at the US pump manufacturing company.

Compared with traditional materials, Vesconite Hilube consistently delivered superior durability and performance. For them, it has become a go-to material for various services along the Gulf Coast, particularly in vertical seawater lift pumps and oil waste-disposal pumps.

“Vesconite Bearings makes my job easy,” says the operations manager. "Being able to easily source and procure this material has greatly increased our credibility and trust between our company and customers.”

With Vesconite Hilube continuing to prove its worth, the future looks bright for its adoption in even more applications. “Absolutely,” the operations manager says when asked if the company foresees further developments with the material. “The trust and reliability built between Vesconite Bearings and its customers are set to drive even greater success.”

The pumps, operating in some of the most demanding conditions on the Gulf Coast, exemplify Vesconite Hilube’s ability to overcome the limitations of traditional materials. As the industry continues to evolve, Vesconite Bearings stands as a testament to innovation and dependability, delivering solutions that meet and exceed expectations.