PUMPS PUMPING LIQUID CO2
SULZER
Innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions
Every industry is being encouraged to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases to help meet global targets . One measure that the oil and gas sector is supporting is carbon capture and storage ( CCS ), which uses depleted oil fields to store liquid CO2 .
The oil and gas industry is using innovative solutions to reduce its carbon emissions and this is exemplified by the initiative undertaken by Qatar Petroleum ( QP ). Certain new facilities being built as part of the project by Qatargas Operating Company ( Qatargas ) will support QP ’ s Enhanced Oil Recovery ( EOR ) initiative .
Dense phase or supercritical CO2 , held at sufficient temperature and pressure to keep it in the liquid phase , also has some advantages over water when it is used to purge oil and gas from a well . In a supercritical state , the CO2 can be pumped like a liquid but has the effusiveness of a gas . This means that as it sweeps through the reservoir to push the oil to the riser , it is more effective than water , making for a more efficient process .
TAKING THE NEXT STEP
In Qatar , there is a major program of investment in the capture and sequestration of CO2 , some of which will be used for enhanced oil recovery ( EOR ). As part of a project , Sulzer has been involved in the design and supply of suitable pump for pumping dense phase CO2 . To this point , similar projects have mainly used either reciprocating or rotary compressors , but more recently a growing number of pumps are being considered . An initial feasibility study was conducted by Qatargas project team and based on further discussion with pump manufacturers , Sulzer ’ s design of the pump was selected as the best solution in this application .
Designing a pump for such a project , requires considerable experience as well as expertise and Sulzer has been involved in this specialist area for almost 40 years . Based on its experience and excellent working relationship in Qatar , Sulzer was
Designing a pump for such a project , requires considerable experience as well as expertise and Sulzer has been involved in this specialist area for almost 40 years .
awarded the contract to supply an API 610 type BB5 , multi-stage , opposed impeller pump with a design pressure in excess of 200 barg , driven by high voltage electric motor and associated variable frequency drive .
Along with the relatively high suction pressures , the lightness and effusiveness of the supercritical CO2 needed to be managed well . A detailed rotor-dynamic assessment and clearance review was conducted based on Sulzer ’ s time-served methodologies ; along with a thorough investigation into the material selections , both metallic and elastomeric components along with the casing tightness calculations to ensure leak free operation under all extreme operating conditions .
Martin Uere - Head Global Technology for Sulzer Pumps explains : “ High suction pressures and lightness of CO2 have a significant effect on the design of the pump and this is one of the reasons why other manufacturers have steered clear of this application in the past . Sulzer , on the other hand , has spent nearly four decades fine-tuning designs and providing increased efficiency . As a result , the operator of this project in Qatar decided that Sulzer was well-placed to support the project , from feasibility through to installation and commissioning .”
You can watch a short video on how we are contributing to reducing emissions in the fossil fuel industry here !
For further information , please visit www . sulzer . com
Issue 57 PECM 69