Common Practice for Verification of Integrity of New Emerging Technologies for Heavy Crude Oil Pumping Applications

In the current emerging development of technologies for heavy crude oil pumping, it is essential to be able to predict and verify the reliable operation of new pumping technologies. Engineering studies are required for verification of the reliable operation of crude oil pumps and pumping systems. The specific requirements to be met by the pump and pumping system for ensuring reliable operation vary depending on their characteristics. However, it has been commonly based on the author’s experience to perform several analyses specifically for heavy crude oil applications including positive displacement pumps. Such analyses include skid mechanical vibration study, coupled acoustic-mechanical piping analysis, and lateral and torsional rotordynamic study. This paper presents a case study where the previously mentioned studies are conducted for a gas turbine driven screw pump train. A lateral rotordynamic analysis has been conducted by the turbomachinery original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and its details are not included in this paper. The results from the skid mechanical vibration study confirm that vibration issues are not predicted during normal or transient operation. A coupled acoustic-mechanical analysis identifies areas of concern that can then be addressed to avoid excessive vibration levels on the piping. Finally, results from a torsional rotordynamic study verify that vibration levels are expected to be within allowable limits.