Production of ceramic components for centrifugal pumps

• Grant number: 20/00868-4
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: August 01, 2021
• End date: June 30, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: André Almeida Silva
• Grantee: André Almeida Silva
• CNAE: Fabricação de produtos cerâmicos não-refratários não especificados anteriormente
• Associated researchers: Luis Antonio Genova
• Associated research grant(s): 22/16251-1 - Production of ceramic components for centrifugal pumps, AP.PIPE
• Associated scholarship(s): 21/10723-6 - Production of ceramic components for centrifugal pumps, BP.PIPE

Abstract

This project is the result of some years of R&D related to the processing of ceramic materials, and the subject of the Master's Degree by André Almeida Silva, the researcher responsible for this proposal, aimed to study the machining of green or partially sintered ceramic bodies, obtained from isostatically pressed bodies. The bodies used were alumina, zirconia and a 20% alumina / 80% zirconia composite. For this, a small and low-cost CNC milling machine was used. Several parameters were evaluated regarding the characteristics of the compacts (such as apparent density, mechanical strength, among others) and regarding the machining process itself (depth of cut, feed, rotation, type of tool and cooling). The optimization of these parameters and the consequent mastery of the process, allowed the machining of different bodies of complex geometry. As a result of these studies, we sought to transform the technology developed into potential products that can supply market needs. After analyzing several possibilities, considering technical, economic and commercial aspects, it was concluded that the pump sector is a very promising market for the introduction of ceramic parts: it is a very dynamic sector, with many factories installed in the country, from large companies to small companies specialized in specific market niches, which supply pumps, spare parts and pumping systems to the most varied productive sectors, including food, pharmaceutical, chemical, petrochemical, paper and cellulose, paints, gas and oil, in mining, agriculture, wastewater treatment, basic sanitation, etc. Given the diversity of applications for pumping systems, there are different types of pumps, and with the most varied mechanical, chemical and thermal demands. Ceramic materials, due to their high resistance to wear, chemical inertness and to withstand high temperatures, can replace metallic alloys and polymers with many advantages, today widely used in pump components, such as housings, rotors, pistons, gears, valves and mechanical seals. The Brazilian market, due to several manifestations obtained with professionals in the sector, feels the lack of a national supplier for these components, which also contributed to the definition of this proposal. (AU)