The offshore industry faces two main challenges: maximizing production within the limits of the reservoir and minimizing operational costs while maintaining the safety of the platform. Pumps form one of the main groups of equipment that influence the outcome of both challenges, and they require expert knowledge to ensure continued reliability and performance. Some experts argue that in each case, industry engineering expertise and commercial innovation are required to deliver these goals. Furthermore, the capital expenditure to improve reliability is often far outweighed by the costs incurred by an unexpected failure and the subsequent costs of lost production. By taking a proactive approach and involving an expert maintenance provider, platform operators can deliver significant benefits to the business in the long term.
It takes careful planning and proactive policies.
Sulzer
04/24/2018
Image 1. Precision engineering is required to prolong reliability and effectiveness. (Images courtesy of Sulzer)
Equipment being pushed to operate significantly outside of its original design envelope can cause operating problems that impact reliability and affect platform production. This increases maintenance costs, since operators and equipment specialists are required to overhaul plants more frequently.
Ultimately, the goal is to improve reliability and efficiency while reducing downtime and energy consumption, at the same time as satisfying American Petroleum Institute (API), Atmosphere Explosibles (ATEX) and many other engineering standards. It can be achieved through the implementation of preventative maintenance techniques and the adoption of the latest engineering designs for pumps.
Water injection pumps, seawater lift pumps, crude oil offloading pumps and fire suppression systems all require individual designs to deliver the best efficiency and productivity. They also need specialist maintenance routines that will prolong reliability and effectiveness.
Image 2. OEMs are an excellent source of engineering expertise.