SPX® FLOW’s Abu Dhabi Service Centre aids in the upgrade of pumps used at the Upper Zakum oilfield, located in north-west of the Abu Dhabi islands. It is the second largest offshore oilfield in the world.
The remote field in Upper Zakum utilizes 56 Plenty® TRIRO three screw pumps, which are being used for the transfer of crude oil from the wellhead to storage tanks, before being transferred onshore. The upgrade involves a change to screw set and mechanical seal to increase life and reliability of the pumps, along with additional design modifications to improve pump life in current offshore conditions. As SPX FLOW was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the pumps, it has been able to precisely manufacture the new screw sets in the enhanced materials. The Triple Screw pumping rotor set in the TRIRO pumps has a specialized thread form, which can only be replaced using advanced technology employed by SPX FLOW. In addition to being engineered from materials better suited to the changed flow conditions, the screw sets were also adjusted to achieve the increased flow requirements on site.
SPX FLOW invested in advanced service capabilities at its Abu Dhabi Service Centre specifically to provide local service for projects such as this upgrade program. Having local capability with cutting-edge technology and expert personnel, means a faster turnaround of the pumps and assurance of ongoing reliable operation.
To date, 12 of the Upper Zakum pumps have been upgraded and re-installed on site. They are all operating normally and reliably. The SPX FLOW Abu Dhabi Service Centre has the technology and expertise to service and repair or replace all types of two and three screw pumps. It can replace all internal pump components and provide comprehensive, local, tailored OEM aftermarket engineering solutions to clients in the Middle East region.
Image credit: SPX Flow