Multiphase Pumps for 250,000 bbl/D Field Development

摘要

The production from an entire oil field, or a substantialfield area can be achieved by using multiphase pumps(MPP), either on their own or in conjunction with somewell activation techniques (electro submersible pumps,gas lift, etc). MPP are applied for oil fields with a GORgenerally in the range of 100 to 1000 scf/bbl, extendingsometimes to higher values.It can be seen from this paper that MPPs canrealistically be considered to represent a viable andproven solution for oil field developments up to about250,000 bopd. This is due to the development of highercapacity helico-axial pumps which are now capable ofhandling total volumetric (actual flow at pump inlet: oil,gas and water) capacities in excess of 500,000 bpd(3,300 m3/h).The use of MPP is especially advantageous forremote fields in inhospitable environments whereunmanned facilities are preferred.The pump is of the barrel casing design with anaxially split inner casing, incorporating conventionalmechanical seals and bearings. A pressurised sealsystem (similar to a standard Plan 53 system) preventsgas leakage or solid particles contaminating the bearingarea and ensures that a liquid film is always present atthe seal faces even when the pump is operating underdry running conditions. An overpressure ofapproximately 5-10 bar is maintained between the sealfluid circuit and the product side of the mechanical seal.The inner casing and hydraulic components isgenerally supplied as a cartridge or pull-out block forA case is described where four high capacity and highpower (up to 8,000 HP or 6,000 kW) helico-axialmultiphase pumps have been selected to overcome apipeline capacity restraint at the Priobskoye oilfield inSiberia. This field is operated by JSC Nefteyugansk, partof Yukos.