Why Multiphase Pumping Systems

Our Two-Screw Multiphase pump systems have been used to pump crude oil in pipelines and on wellpads for over 20 years. The systems efficiently utilize one pump to boost complete, untreated production flows (mixture of oil, gas, condensates, water and/or solids) through multiphase gathering pipelines. The systems simplify surface facilities, eliminating infrastructure associated with separation and independent water, gas and oil gathering systems. Additionally, systems deployed on wellpads reduce well backpressure, increasing oil & gas production.

How Multiphase Systems Work

Our systems utilize positive displacement pump technology combined with industry leading internal (to pump) and external (to pump) recirculation systems to pump the multiphase fluids during oil production.

Primary pump components are two intermeshing, self-priming screws that isolate a volume of liquid and convey it from pump inlet to outlet. Properly timed, the screws overcome conventional pump challenges – running dry, sandy or high GVF flows – as the screws do not contact either each other or their housing. For fluids up to 97% GVF, the pump housing includes an embedded liquid reservoir that releases liquid into the screw mechanisms This liquid maintains proper pump efficiency through optimal internal sealing of the multiphase pump elements and dissipates heat generated from compressing the gas portion of the flow.

A complete system, with fully automatable controls, encompasses the multiphase pump to ensure optimal operations in our constantly changing oil and gas conditions. Motors, strainers, knock-out vessels, balancing and recirculation lines, valves, lube systems and heat exchangers are some of the primary system components that work together to ensure consistent, efficient operations while extending the system’s capabilities to 100% GVF flows.

Multiphase Pumping Benefits

CIRCOR Multiphase pumping systems deliver significant benefits for both mature well installations and new field development.

Leadership in Multiphase Technology

With over 20 years of experience, CIRCOR is a global leader in the development of Multiphase technology and installation of Multiphase pumping systems.

Advantages of CIRCOR Multiphase Pumping Systems

CIRCOR brings significant experience and expertise to Multiphase Pumping Systems:

• Pioneers in two-screw pumping and integrated systems, with over 100 years of experience
• Industry leading, oil boosting pump efficiencies
• Proven reliability in the harshest environments and with the most difficult fluids:
  • High and low ambient temperatures
  • 100% GVF
  • High sand content
  • Condensate/vapor fluids
  • Wet gas compression
• Build-to-suit philosophy with full customization: materials, standards, modularity, skid/truck mount
• State-of-the-art rotor designs, profiles, material selection and manufacturing methods
• Time-tested, proven controls that safely and reliably optimize system operations, even remotely

Two-Screw Multiphase Pumping System

CIRCOR offers a full line of Two-Screw Multiphase pumps.

Crude Pipeline Boosting and Gathering

Simplify your infrastructure by pumping oil, gas, water, condensates and solids with ONE pump through ONE pipeline. These solutions are especially beneficial for offshore, flaring sensitive and heavy oil production fields.

Benefits:

Reduce capital expenditures

• Eliminate field separation
• Eliminate redundant pipelines for water, oil and gas

Eliminate flaring

• Gas accompanies hydrocarbons to central processing facility

Simplify surface facility controls

• Remote automated controls
• Eliminate complex gas management systems

Mature Well Backpressure Control

Increase oil and gas production in mature wells or revitalize shut-in wells using our pump system to reduce well backpressure.

Benefits and Results:

For mature wells, Multiphase pumping systems can deliver up to:

• 70% increase in oil production
• 8-year extension of well life
• 150% increase in produced gas
• 100% reduction in injected gas
• Immediate cash-flow positive

Vapor Recovery

Recover vapors from tanks in tank farms and wellhead pumping of production flows or annulus gas common in flare gas recovery, SAGD and CSS or coal bed methane operations.

Benefits:

• Control gas-driven well backpressure
• Eliminate well site flaring
• Remove the need for complex gas compression systems

Heavy Oil Production

Leverage Multiphase’s ability to handle varying amounts of steam in high temperature Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) and Cyclic Steam Simulation (CSS) steam injection processes.

Benefits:

• Manage varying amounts of steam, oil, gas and water throughout the life of the well
• Reduce capital and energy costs typically associated with heavy oil extraction

Gas Well Dewatering

Remove water or condensate build-up through intermittent or sustained wellhead flow boosting.

Benefits:

• Increase oil and gas production
• Clear liquid-loaded wells more efficiently