Disposal of hydrocarbon condensate with LEWA process diaphragm pumps

Solution

Advantages of diaphragm pumps in offshore applications:

• Absolutely resistant PTFE diaphragms
• Safe sandwich diaphragm with monitoring
• Hermetically tight, no leakage of toxic and environmentally polluting components
• Fast and easy diaphragm replacement
• No wetted piston sealing
• Diaphragm pump body made of resistant solid material
• Optimum valve layout using a modular system
• Service life of over 10,000 hours is normal
• Optimum lifetime with very low service costs

The stand-by pump can be started directly and remains switched on under suction or discharge pressure in the system.

Background

Onshore disposal is really not a problem because of the storage options. Offshore, HCC is separated from gas and intermediately stored in what are called knock-out drums. Reinjection or transport runs to a central collection point for further pumping onshore and for processing at the knock-out drums.

The quantity in this process is variable; pressure and availability are important aspects: The pump must withdraw a sufficient volume to avoid triggering the LSHH of the knock-out drum, since otherwise production must be stopped. The mixing of corrosive and abrasive contents means the selection of wetted parts is highly important, especially for valves that need matching hardness and corrosion resistance.