Helico Axial Pumps Case Study

(c) To understand the reliability of various types of multiphase pumps and factors affecting the reliability of these pumps:

Multiphase pumps find their applications in almost all types of oil fields in remote or isolated locations may it be onshore, offshore or at subsea conditions. In these circumstances reliability plays a major role on which multiphase phase pumps can be trusted upon.

(i) Considering the operating life of pumps as the sole factor, the Helico-Axial pumps are the most reliable pumps available in the market today. In at least 5 subsea oil fields globally, Helico Axial pumps have been operating for more than 96 months or 8 years (Figure 4.9), a record unmatched by any other type of pump. The individual failure data not being

6. RECOMMENDATIONS

(a) Helico-Axial pumps have emerged as the most versatile multiphase pumps. These pumps can be used at almost all locations of subsea operations with the exception of higher depths and conditions mandating higher differential pressures. The Helico-Axial pumps are also the most reliable multiphase pumps in market today.

(b) ESPs are the most suited pumps for operating at depths above 2000 m. With increasing focus on subsea operations and increasing depths of operation of offshore oil wells, the ESPs are poised to be the mainstay in most of these oil wells and would prove to be a worthwhile installation.

(c) Twin Screw pumps display best performance in varying gas percentages. Therefore, in the case of older wells and brown field oil wells wherein new installation of pumping system is being undertaken, the Twin Screw pump is the best option. Considering that the well itself is at its terminal phase, the low life of twin screw pump will not be a critical factor under these

Multiphase pumps are innovative, reliable and proven. Operators can take tremendous advantages and benefits while venturing into full field developments. It is of the firm opinion that the study has been successful in achieving the set objectives and answering the research questions satisfactorily. The study is reliable and authentic considering that most of the data has been obtained from oil field operators who would benefit from better performances of the pumping systems and therefore have valid reasons to provide accurate data for research. The study being based on secondary data, collation of such data and the analysis has been a continuation of the past works and the same has been acknowledged. The generic criterion for the operation of various pumps has been recognized and also the most suitable multiphase pump for various emerging situations has been indicated. The study has brought out these facts in the observations and recommendations sections. Furthermore, limitations of the research have been identified and points for future scope for research are listed. In conclusion, it can be stated with confidence that the multiphase pumps are the future of oil field operations with capabilities almost matching single phase pumps for all parameters. With the available evidence based on the data from the existing fields, Helico-Axial pumps and Electric submersible