Positive Displacement pumps (Plunger Type) play a significant role in the Pipelines and Process Services. These specialist units can generate a wide range of pressures and variable flow rates. The advantages lie in their high efficiency, their ability to create high pressure and to produce constant volume irrespective of the pressure. Consequently, where an application demands controlled variable flow, they are eminently suited to variable speed drives.
In this regards, triplex plunger pump units are one of the most versatile, time and cost-effective solution for a wide range of pre-commissioning applications that require reasonably high pressures and controlled flow rates. As the high-pressure seal of the plunger pump is not attached to the moving plunger body, but the housing, complex sealing systems are possible. By the correct material choice, it is possible to pump abrasive, corrosive, hot, cold, viscous, toxic and flammable fluids – even under highest pressures. Even sterilisable designs of plunger pumps are possible for any pressure level. For potentially explosive environments, it is possible to construct explosion-proof plunger pumps.
Within pipeline pre-commissioning sector demanding variable pressures and flow rates for different applications, HD 500 triplex plunger units are a game-changer replacing the extensive list of high flow centrifugal pumps, low flow piston pumps & diaphragm pumps from the fleet.
A typical spread layout for pipeline pre-commissioning of a reasonably big-bore lengthy pipeline section typically requires high flow centrifugal pumps to achieve the required flow during flooding, cleaning and gauging operations. At the same time, these pumps should also generate sufficient discharge pressure to meet the static head requirement, especially when the section travels through terrains with significant elevation differences. This demands for bulky fuel guzzlers with immense horsepower to generate such high pressures while maintaining the required flow rates. Upon completion of filling of the section, this unit has to be further replaced by another HP unit capable of generating controlled low flow and very high discharge pressures for pressure testing purposes. Ancillary units are also required in case the scope of work demands for chemical injection. In short, mobilisation, selection of optimum lay down area, rig-up, flow-pressure regulation, post-operational rig down, switching to another equipment etc. consumes a lot of time and effort while choosing the conventional way of setting up a pre-commissioning spread.
This is where the triplex plunger units comes handy and efficient. Royal Oil and Gas through its collaboration with Babylon Pump & Power Limited can offer two types of these units. The AXON Well Intervention HD 500 precision balanced multi-purpose triplex plunger pump is exceptionally versatile, capable of delivering a broad range of pressures, only by changing the fluid end assembly. These Zone II rated, skid mounted 600 HP units with variable gear ratios are capable of delivering flow ranging from 200 LPM @ 9500 PSI up to 1500 LPM @ 2000 PSI, utilising the variable gear system incorporated in the module.
Clubbing multiple units to a single manifold with bypass/isolation valves and utilising the variable gear system enables HD 500 pumps to be preciously used for operations such as Cleaning, Gauging, Flooding, Pressurization, Chemical Injection, Test Medium transfer etc. with a single rig-up in line with flow rate and pressure output required for each operation.
High pressure- steady low flow for testing and chemical injection purposes is available at low gear ratios.
High flow- low-pressure discharge is available at top gear ratios.
Plunger pumps have relatively low Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) compared to typical centrifugal pumps. They hence are easy to rig –up with break tanks /water sources at comparatively lower levels as they also got a suction booster pump and filter incorporated with the module, thereby eliminating chances of suction loss and air entrapment.
Alternatively, Centrifugal pumps have higher NPSH and require additional water winning spread including more diesel-driven or electrical lift pumps, break tanks and real estate to force-feed their suction.
For more information about these pumping units and how we could help you optimise your next pumping spread, feel free to get in touch with us at info@royalmechgroup.com.
Link to Babylon Pump and Power Triplex Pumps:
Babylon Pump HD500 Unit 1
Babylon Pump HD500 Split Skid Unit 2