Helico-axial Pumps

The HAP has an operating principle similar to a centrifugal pump whereby rotating
impellers in-
creases the uid kinetic energy and transfers this energy to potential energy by
means of static
di#users. HAPs utilize speci
cally designed impeller geometry as shown below, which when comin-
gled with a hydraulic channel pro
le, reduces the radial ow component and results in an axial ow
instead.
30Multiphase HAPs till date, used for surface and subsea applications have been
manufactured with
impeller diameter ranging from 70mm to 400 mm and normally falls between 3,500 and
6,500 rev/min.
They also cover a ow rate (includes water, oil and gas) at suction conditions
between 22,000 to
450,000B/D with a di#erential pressure up to 2900psi (Hua, 2012). HAPs are widely
recognized
to handle suction GVF beyond 90% but in reality this could vary between 0% and 100%
making
their range of operating parameters wide. The advantages and constraints in this
pump technology
is summarized in the table below.
Table 9 { Advantages and limitations of Helico-axial Pumps
3.2.2.5 Twin Screw Pumps
TSPs have gained predominance in topside heavy oil production and can be dated back
to 1934
where it was developed primarily for this purpose. TSPs are available as low
pressure pumps up to
45 psi and di#erential pressures high as 1,450 psi with rotational speed ranging
between 600 to 1,800
rev/min but have been reliably run at 3,600 rev/min to attain higher capacities. At
suction condition
they can achieve volumetric ow rates (oil, water and gas) from 10,000 to 300,000
B/D depending on
their size [Hua et al., 2012].
TSPs are hydraulically balanced and features two parallel helical screws meshed
with each other
and torque is transmitted by timing gears on the end of shafts. The timing gears
and drive shafts
in most designs are external to the pumped uids, timing gears are oil lubricated
while shafts could
be oil or grease lubricated in order to improve overall system reliability with
heat dissipation. Inoperation, these screws rotate in opposite directions and
results in the helical channel of one screw
being periodically obstructed by the other screw. This con
guration enables the pumped uid to
form many small chambers and
ll the clearances between one screw's ange, another screw's shaft
body and a liner which is displaced during operations shown below.
Figure 24 { Distribution of a TSP Internals
TSPs o#er several advantages in certain applications and their operational
capabilities can however
be constrained, which is summarized in the table below.

Intallation
Multiphase pumps are installed in remote locations from onshore, topside to subsea.
Installation of
these packages require unmanned and reliable equipment. SESV (Subsea Equipment
Support vessels)
and if necessary, heavy compensation systems utilizing guidelines or guideline-less
methods are used
for such operations. The pump module can be installed on mud mats or suction
piles/anchor located
at the sea bed. The image below illustrates installation of a pump module with
guidelines.
32