An Overview of Multiphase Pumping Technology and its Potential Application for Oil Fields in the Gulf Region

Abstract

TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractOver the past decade, multiphase pumping technology has been increasingly becoming an acceptable alternative for conventional technologies. Indeed in many oil producing areas of the world, multiphase pumping is considered a state of the art and best practice. Multiphase pumping can offer numerous advantages in terms of HSE, operability, capital and operating costs as well as improved recovery.Operators in the gulf countries have been slow to introduce multiphase pumping. The number of operating field installations in the gulf to date is limited. This is due to a number of reasons. This paper presents an overview of multiphase pumping technology. The paper reviews the current multiphase installations in the gulf and addresses the reasons behind the limited applications. Future potential applications of this technology in the region are also discussed.

The Appraisal and Development of a Challenging Marginal Field in the Middle East

“…This option reduces the head to be developed by individual ESPs compared to Option-3 and lowers the gathering network operating pressure. Mutli-phase pumping is increasingly being used in many oil producing areas of the world (Saadawi, 2007). Implementing Option-3, the gross production from Field 'M' is pumped by individual producer ESPs to a central gathering station and exported directly to Field 'Q' via a multiphase export line.…”

Experimental investigation of the flow at the entrance of a rotodynamic multiphase pump by visualization

“…This system has a number of advantages over the traditional methods for oil-gas separation and conventional oil production technologies, such as: simple structure, convenient operation, cost savings, enhanced recovery and so on (Saadawi, 2007a;Hua et al, 2011;Lafaille, 1990). The use of MPPs in oil fields has attracted world-wide attention since it was proposed due to considerable economic benefits to the investor.…”

Investigation of gas–liquid two-phase flow in a three-stage rotodynamic multiphase pump via numerical simulation and visualization experiment

“…The latter type has a wide application in the subsea field due to the following advantages: smaller in size, more favorable for handling large discharge, more tolerant to sand and solids in the flow field, and more convenient utilization and maintenance. 8 The first reported rotodynamic MPP is called the Poseidon pump. 9 Through approximately decades of development, the Poseidon pump has been applied successfully in many oil fields.…”