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Advantages of Progressing Cavity Pumps for Offshore Applications
High pressure stability with high flow rates
Efficiency up to 85 percent
Designed for media with high solid and gas content

In offshore applications, many different pump systems are employed. Often pump
systems for transfer applications are only chosen because they traditionally been used
in the past, without taking other pump systems in account.

Due to the high level of market penetration, centrifugal pumps are often the first choice
for applications which can now be fulfilled by other pump systems with higher degrees
of efficiency and reliability. The high operating and economic efficiencies of the
progressing cavity pump should now be considered (see figure1).

This is a positive displacement pump with low NPSH
R,
high pressure stability and high
flow rates. The principle of the progressing cavity pump is that a metal single start
screw rotates in an elastomer stator with exactly the same dimensions, the difference
being that the stator is a twin start form of the screw profile with twice the pitch length.
From the interaction of these elements cavities are formed which continuously transfer
from the suction side to the pressure side of the pump. This can also be called an
continous conveyance chamber, which moves perpetually.

The advantage for the operator is low pulsation conveyance without valves. This
characteristic has great benefits for the pump pipework on which the strain is
considerably reduced. An additional advantage is that flow rates are directly
proportional to rotational speed. The operator can choose between a drive motor
adjustable by hand or a drive motor with frequency inverter control.

According to the application, the efficiency of NETZSCH progressing cavity pumps is
up to 85%. As a result, a significant reduction in life cycle costs (LCC) is possible. As a
matter of course, the easy service also reduces life cycle costs.

The pump system is also well suited to convey media with high solid and high gas
content. Gas percentages up to 100% are possible. The viscosity of the media has only
a very small effect on the performance curve of the pump, which is reflected in the
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constant output. Due to the self priming pump construction suction lifts up to 9,5m are
possible.

A large choice of materials makes the NETZSCH pump suitable for a great number of
applications such as surge, drainage, skimmer, slop oil, crude oil, produced water or
condensate.

Figure 2 shows the NETZSCH pump in operation for condensates, which frequently
occur on oil platforms. Natural gas is frequently produced in addition to crude oil and
this resource can also be utilized by the Energy Companies to their economic
advantage. The natural gas does not emerge in pure form and often contains
hydrocarbons, hydrosulphides, seawater, sulphates and other substances.

With very low NPSH
A
, as is often the case in such applications, the NETZSCH pumps
are fitted in caissons, to guarantee the highest possible process reliability. To achieve
long operating times and highest operation reliability, it is necessary to design the
pump to fit in with the existing technical parameters (see figure 3).

Pump material is chosen according to salinity of the sea, the H
2
S content and the
temperature the material to be pumped. Special attention must be given to the
combination of H
2
S and chloride contents. Materials such as stainless steel, duplex or
super duplex are available. For very high concentrations, other austenitic materials or
Hastelloy are used.

Elastomers are also chosen according to individual specifications. A wide range of
elastomer materials are available covering a temperature range of -10C to +160C.

The pump shaft is sealed with a mechanical seal, designed to meet API 682
specification with flange measurements according to API 610. Single-acting or double-
acting seals are fitted dependent upon the application requirements. Double-acting
mechanical seals are fed by thermo siphon systems according to various different API
plans.

The construction of the pump and of the drive is designed to meet the requirements of
ex zones 1 or 2.

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To protect both the pump and the installation dry run protection and over pressure
protection are fitted. For over pressure protection a pressure control valve is often built
in.

As the leading manufacturer of progressing cavity pumps NETZSCH works to high
quality standards certified to ISO 9001:2000. Additionally NETZSCH manufactures to
NACE MR-0-175 und ASME section IX. Necessary credentials such as 3.1, PMI, x-ray,
NDT, WPQ/PQR can be provided.

Every pump for the Oil & Gas sector (on or offshore) is performance tested. Flow rate
tests, NPSH tests, hydrostatic and noise tests are conducted.
The documentation accompanying the pumps is issued according to the guidelines
given by the customer or the operator of the oil field. It is available in many different
languages.

To conclude, progressing cavity pumps from NETZSCH are very often the better
technical and economical solution for applications in the Oil & Gas sector when
compared to centrifugal pumps. The NETZSCH progressing cavity pump is often a
much better solution than the centrifugal pumps normally installed.


Contact:
NETZSCH Mohnopumpen GmbH
Robert Kurz
Manager Business field Oil & Gas
Geretsrieder Strae 1
84478 Waldkraiburg, Germany
Tel.: +49 8638 63-2361
E-Mail: robert.kurz@netzsch.com
www.netzsch.com

21.07.2009, rk


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Figure 1

Multistage NETZSCH NEMO

BY progressing cavity pump with double-acting

mechanical seal for horizontal installation


Figure 2 Figure 3


NETZSCH Immersible pump used
for condensates

NETZSCH Immersible pump with drive
and caisson.