In the demanding world of industrial gases and cryogenic processing, aging infrastructure can pose a significant operational risk. When legacy equipment reaches the end of its lifecycle, the prospect of costly, disruptive facility modifications often looms large. However, a recent project by Amarinth for global industrial gases leader Air Products proves that modern engineering can deliver a seamless, “plug-and-play” solution to this age-old challenge.
The Challenge: Obsolete Legacy Equipment
The project centered on replacing a fleet of Girdlestone 950 series cryogenic pumps that had been reliably serving Air Products for over 30 years. With the original manufacturer and product line no longer available, Air Products faced a critical dilemma: they needed a reliable, modern replacement that would integrate perfectly with their existing infrastructure, avoiding extensive and expensive modifications to pipework, foundations, or fittings.
The Engineering Solution: True Plug-and-Play Compatibility
Rising to the challenge, Amarinth leveraged its deep historical knowledge of legacy Girdlestone assets to engineer a drop-in replacement solution. The new pumps were meticulously designed to be both dimensionally and hydraulically compatible with the original equipment.
Specifically engineered for low Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) applications and extreme cryogenic service, this plug-and-play approach allowed Air Products to upgrade their pumping capabilities while minimizing installation costs and eliminating operational disruption.
Innovative Material Upgrades for Modern Standards
Beyond mere dimensional compatibility, Amarinth used this retrofit as an opportunity to upgrade the system’s performance and compliance. Two key material innovations were introduced:
- FDA-Compliant Fluid Barriers: The original carbon-loaded PTFE bushing used in the fluid barrier was unsuitable for modern FDA-compliant operations. Amarinth successfully sourced and integrated an alternative advanced material capable of meeting strict FDA requirements while withstanding the harsh demands of cryogenic service.
- Advanced Thermal Contraction Management: Cryogenic temperatures cause severe thermal shrinkage, which can misalign pumps and motors, leading to vibration and premature failure. Amarinth redesigned the pump and motor mounting feet using a specialized advanced material that accommodates this thermal contraction, ensuring perfect alignment is maintained even in extreme cold.
Rigorous Testing for Absolute Reliability
Manufactured from high-grade stainless steel for maximum durability in cryogenic conditions, the new pumps were subjected to a stringent quality assurance regime. Before delivery, every unit underwent comprehensive Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and rigorous cold-start testing using liquid nitrogen to guarantee flawless performance in the field.
Leadership Perspective
Oliver Brigginshaw, Managing Director of Amarinth, highlighted the strategic value of this technically sophisticated project:
“We are delighted to have delivered this technically sophisticated replacement project for Air Products. It perfectly highlights our unique ability to combine our deep knowledge of legacy Girdlestone assets with modern engineering innovation. By introducing cutting-edge materials to solve age-old issues like thermal shrinkage and vibration in cryogenic pumps, we provide our customers with robust, future-ready pumping solutions that minimise lifecycle costs and eliminate the need for disruptive infrastructure changes.”
Looking Ahead
As industrial facilities worldwide grapple with the challenge of maintaining and upgrading decades-old infrastructure, Amarinth’s successful delivery for Air Products serves as a powerful blueprint. It demonstrates that with the right engineering expertise, legacy equipment can be replaced with future-ready, highly efficient, and fully compliant pumping solutions—without the headache of major facility overhauls.