The Benefits of Screw Pumps in Offshore Oil & Gas Production

In the challenging environment of offshore oil and gas production, efficiency, reliability, and sustainability are paramount. Leistritz screw pumps offer a cutting-edge solution, designed to meet these demands by handling multiphase flow with unmatched efficiency. Below, we explore the 6 key benefits of screw pumps and how they enhance offshore production operations.

1. Efficient Handling of Multiphase Flow: Leistritz twin screw multiphase pumps are specifically engineered to manage the simultaneous production of oil, gas, and water without the need for separation, compression, or additional flow assurance treatments. Offshore wells often present challenging conditions, such as high gas-to-liquid ratios, slugging, and surging. These pumps excel in maintaining stable production under these conditions, ensuring reliable and continuous operation. They effectively handle varying gas volume fractions, low wellhead pressure, and oil/water emulsions, making them indispensable for offshore applications.
2. Reduced Space and Weight Requirements: Space and weight constraints are critical factors on offshore platforms, where maintaining structural integrity is paramount. Leistritz multiphase screw pumps offer a compact design that optimizes space utilization. Their reduced footprint and weight, compared to traditional separation and boosting equipment, make them ideal for mature installations on offshore facilities. This compactness not only saves valuable deck space but also simplifies installation and integration into existing systems.
3. Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency is a significant concern in offshore operations due to the high costs associated with power generation. Leistritz multiphase screw pumps are driven by natural gas engines, utilizing fuel gas directly from production. This method results in high energy efficiency, reducing losses typically associated with generators, transmission, inverters, and electric motors. The unique design of Leistritz screw profiles and the integrated recirculation and sealing mechanisms further minimize energy losses, enhancing overall pumping efficiency and contributing to a greener footprint.
4. Minimal Maintenance Requirements: Operating in offshore environments presents unique challenges, including varying flow conditions and corrosive atmospheres. Leistritz multiphase screw pumps are built for robustness and reliability, requiring minimal maintenance. Their unique rotor design, featuring screws made from a single piece of material, reduces the risk of mechanical failures due to ruptures, fatigue, and corrosion. This durability extends the time between service intervals, resulting in reduced downtime and lower maintenance costs.
5. Increased Flexibility: Leistritz multiphase screw pumps offer exceptional operational flexibility for offshore production. With speed control capabilities, they can handle a wide range of flow rates and operating conditions, supporting low-pressure wells and enhancing overall asset performance. This adaptability allows the pumps to quickly respond to changing production scenarios, accommodating fluctuations in wellhead pressure or fluid composition in a short time frame.
6. 6. Enhanced System Integrity: Reliability and environmental friendliness are crucial for offshore platforms to prevent environmental upsets and ensure safe working conditions. Leistritz multiphase screw pumps operate with low noise and vibration levels, promoting a favorable working environment. Their robust construction and ability to handle multiphase flow simplify installation, reduce the need for traditional equipment, and enhance the integrity of the overall production system.

By leveraging the advanced capabilities of Leistritz screw pumps, offshore oil and gas production can achieve greater efficiency, reliability, and environmental compliance.