Introduction
In the oil and gas industry, pumps play a crucial role in the extraction, processing, and transportation of oil and gas. These pumps are designed to handle harsh and challenging environments and are available in different types to suit specific requirements. In this article, we will explore the ten types of pumps used in the oil and gas industry.
Centrifugal Pumps
Centrifugal pumps are popular for their simplistic design and ability to handle high flow rates. They are used extensively in the oil and gas industry for fluid transfer, pipeline boosting, and crude oil pipeline transportation. These pumps use a spinning impeller to create a centrifugal force that moves fluid through the pump.
Positive Displacement Pumps
Positive displacement pumps are ideal for viscous fluids and low flow rate applications. They create a vacuum and use suction to draw fluid into the pump, which is then moved using a reciprocating or rotary motion. These pumps are primarily used in crude oil transportation, natural gas gathering, and pipeline applications.
Submersible Pumps
Submersible pumps are designed to operate underwater and are commonly used in offshore oil and gas production, as well as in onshore wells. These pumps are submerged in the fluid and use a motor to drive the impeller, which moves the fluid to the surface. Submersible pumps are efficient and reliable, making them an ideal choice for deep and challenging environments.
Diaphragm Pumps
Diaphragm pumps are popular for their ability to handle highly abrasive and viscous fluids. They use a flexible diaphragm to push fluid through the pump, which eliminates the need for any seals or valves. These pumps are commonly used in chemical transfer, oilfield production, and hydraulic fracturing applications.
Screw Pumps
Screw pumps are ideal for high-pressure and low-viscosity applications. They use screws or rotors to move the fluid through the pump, which creates a smooth and continuous flow. Screw pumps can handle abrasive fluids and are commonly used in offshore oil production, crude oil transfer, and pipeline boosting applications.
Metering Pumps
Metering pumps are designed for precise and accurate dosing of chemicals and additives in the oil and gas industry. These pumps use a reciprocating motion to control the flow rate of the fluid, which ensures accurate dosing. Metering pumps are commonly used in acidizing, fracturing, and enhanced oil recovery applications.
Multiphase Pumps
Multiphase pumps are designed to handle mixed-phase fluids that contain gas, oil, and water. These pumps use a helical screw or twin-screw design to handle the complex fluid mixture, which eliminates the need for a separate gas compressor. Multiphase pumps are commonly used in offshore oil production and wellhead boosting applications.
Jet Pumps
Jet pumps use a high-pressure fluid to entrain and lift a lower pressure fluid, which creates a vacuum effect that draws the fluid through the pump. These pumps are ideal for fluid transfer and can handle high concentrations of sand and solid particles. Jet pumps are commonly used in crude oil transfer and pipeline boosting applications.
Vertical Turbine Pumps
Vertical turbine pumps are commonly used in oil and gas production to handle high flow rates and high discharge heads. These pumps use a vertical shaft and impellers to move fluid through the pump, which eliminates any baseplate or foundation requirements. Vertical turbine pumps are commonly used in crude oil transfer, refinery, and pipeline applications.
Lobe Pumps
Lobe pumps are ideal for low to medium viscosity fluids and can handle abrasive and shear-sensitive fluids. They use two contra-rotating lobes to move fluid through the pump, which creates a pulsation-free and continuous flow. Lobe pumps are commonly used in crude oil transfer, chemical processing, and pipeline boosting applications.
Conclusion
From centrifugal pumps to lobe pumps, there are many types of pumps that can be used in the oil and gas industry. Selecting the right pump for a particular application requires careful consideration of the fluid properties, flow rates, and environmental factors. With the right pump, oil and gas companies can ensure efficient and reliable operations in even the harshest conditions.