Success grows in pumping high-gas-fraction multiphase fluids
Judging from the reports from user companies and discussions at the pump symposium following the 1999 Offshore Technology Conference, three kinds of pumps have now progressed to the point where they might be considered commercial and have demonstrated their ability to handle a variety of multiphase flows. These are twin screw, progressive cavity, and helico-axial (H-A) pumps. The twin-screw and progressive cavity (PC) pumps are positive displacement. They develop pressure hydrostatically and are less sensitive to density changes. The H-A type is a centrifugal pump which develops pressure dynamically and is highly sensitive to variation in density which is a characteristic of a multiphase flow stream. Now that the technical hurdles are better understood, it is time to look at economic viability. The close links between inlet pressure, gas volumes, and cost can be demonstrated and general cost relationships can be suggested. This discussion focuses on surface applications using twin-screw pumps that have the most applications and data highlighting actual field experience of major oil and gas companies who benefit from this type of multiphase technology.
- OSTI ID:
- 355685
- Journal Information:
- Petroleum Engineer International, Vol. 72, Issue 7; Other Information: PBD: Jul 1999
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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