Sulzer saves energy and reduces emissions at facility with revised pump design

A recent move to further reduce emissions caused by excessive energy consumption has seen the Norwegian government offering funding to companies that lessen their contribution to CO2 and NOx figures.
One oil platform in the North Sea took the opportunity to rerate two condensate export pumps which would not only reduce energy consumption but also optimize performance for the remaining life of the well.
Optimising performance
Pump retrofits involve the upgrade or modernisation of existing equipment to improve reliability, increase efficiency, take advantage of modern materials or, as in this case, adjust for a change in the process. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing equipment and can also save a considerable amount of time.
Originally commissioned in 2001, the oil platform in the North Sea had been in production for nearly 20 years. Over this time the application profile of the pumps had changed, and some had become less efficient, while others were beginning to exhibit increased vibration due to low flow conditions.
Reducing costs
The owners of the platform wanted to address...