How does the technology work?
 

Both the Low Shear pump and the Coalescing pump are multistage centrifugal pumps with high hydraulic efficiency. The number of stages and the configuration of the individual stages are designed to control shear forces and to provide an optimal beneficial effect on the pumped media. The new pumps especially target produced water applications.
 

Are both pump types low shear?
 

Yes, both the Low Shear and the Coalescing Pump are low shear pump types. The added advantage of the Coalescing pump is the coalescing effect which requires a physically larger pump.

What are the application areas for the pumps?

The pumps are mainly developed for produced water applications but will provide beneficial effects also when used on reject streams, slop water and drain water in petroleum processing facilities.
 

What are the benefits compared to positive displacement pumps?

Typhonix pumps are built in accordance to API 610 and therefore have a significantly lower OPEX due to reduced maintenance load and high MTBF compared to positive displacement pumps. Additionally there is normally no requirement for closed outlet protection, simplifying the pumping system and reducing CAPEX and OPEX.
 

Is there a requirement for specific fluid composition to enable coalescence?
 

The droplet growth of the Coalescing pump is based on collisions between oil droplets. The coalescing effect is therefore proportional to the concentration of oil in water (at a given droplet size) and inversely proportional to droplet size (at a given oil concentration). The coalescing effect of the pump increases with increasing oil concentration and reducing oil droplet size. Generally this means that the pump works better the more difficult the water is.
 

Are the pumps built in accordance with API 610?
 

Yes, the pumps are built in accordance with API610 by a certified manufacturer in Germany.
 

What is the difference between the Low Shear and the Coalescing pump?
 

The Low Shear pump is designed to control droplet breaking while the Coalescing Pump is designed to increase droplet size while pumping produced water. The Low Shear pump has a smaller footprint than the Coalescing pump. When designing Low Shear and Coalescing pumps optimally, information about oil type, oil concentration and expected oil droplet size in the pump inlet are all valuable information.
 

What seal systems can be used?

Seal systems are supplied in accordance to client specification. API 682 seal systems from various manufacturers can be supplied.

 

What are the Benefits of the new Coalescing pump?

 

• The Coalescing pump increases efficiency of downstream produced water treatment equipment, like hydrocyclones, thereby reducing oil concentration in discharged or reinjected water or enabling fewer produced water treatment stages
• The pump increases the process’ ability to handle upsets and fluid and flow instabilities.
• It is a robust pump type. Low mean time between failure and low maintenance load in accordance with API 610

Is there a requirement for variable speed/frequency drive?

No, but this is highly recommended. Typically, produced water rates are varying. Fixed speed pumps thus require minimum flow recirculation lines including valves that normally cause droplet breaking and thus reduce the overall beneficial effect of the pump. When using variable speed driver, recirculation valves can be avoided. When recirculation is inevitable use of a low shear control valve is recommended.
 

What about erosion?

Both the Low Shear and the Coalescing pump operate at low RPM compared to conventional centrifugal pumps used in similar applications. Because flow velocities are lower the erosion potential is significantly reduced. Additionally the material quality can be optimized to reduce the erosion potential further. The pumps can be manufactured in different material qualities.
 

Are there any specific maintenance criteria?

No, there is no specific maintenance requirement for these pumps compared to other centrifugal pumps used in similar application.
 

Is there a requirement for a pressure safety valve?

Normally the new centrifugal pumps do not require blocked outlet protection. A practical difference between centrifugal pumps and positive displacement pumps is how they operate under closed valve conditions. Positive displacement pumps displace fluid, so closing a valve downstream of a positive displacement pump causes a continual pressure build up that can cause mechanical failure of pipeline or pump. Centrifugal pumps differ in that they, for a limited time, can be safely operated under closed valve conditions.