Sulzer Tests the Worlds Largest Centrifugal Injection Pump
Sulzer Pumps have successfully tested the first of the world's largest seawater injection pumps at their new purpose built test facility in Leeds (UK). Each of the four 27,000Kw (36,000HP) HPcp 350-425 8 stage pumps deliver 1,650m3/h to a head of 4,664m and are direct driven by a Rolls Royce RB211 at 4,800 rpm.
This continues the companies lead in this field as the previous world record units (18MW and 16MW respectively) were also built by Sulzer Pumps and follows the success in supplying the worlds highest pressure centrifugal injection pumps (736 bar) last year for the Gulf of Mexico.
Each of the 27MW pumps are mounted on a three point mounted frame complete with the gas turbine driver, seal and oil systems, instrumentation and cooling system. The whole package weighs around 120 tonnes In addition to the ‘as new’ string test, one pump was modified to test performance and stability under fully worn conditions. The pump performed exceptionally, with vibration levels below the limit set for brand new machines.
The ability to undertake a full load, full speed test using the RB211 driver and all associated auxiliary systems was of particular significance to the customer, Azerbaijan International Operating Company (AIOC). As the pumps will be finally installed offshore in the Azerbaijan sector of the Caspian Sea, it is critical the performance of the whole package is proven before dispatch. Any adjustments or corrections are much simpler to carry out at the plant rather than having to do work at site. The resulting confidence following a successful test in the equipments ability to perform when commissioned in the field is invaluable to the customer. Sulzer Pumps commitment to the Oil and Gas market was demonstrated by the $3m million expansion in their existing test facility that enabled the testing to take place. Testing on the remaining pumps is scheduled for completion by the end of the summer.
Industry, Power Generation Plants as well as customers in the Water Treatment & Distribution, Food, Metals and Fertilizer businesses. Sulzer Pumps products range from end suction process pumps optimized for specific applications in the pulp and paper industry through to individually engineered high-energy barrel pumps for power or oil & gas duties. Innovative state of the art products include multiphase pumps for oil extraction and medium consistency pumping systems for paper production. Sulzer Pumps has a network of manufacturing and packaging facilities in 15 countries with sales offices, service centers and representatives in more than 150 countries around the world. A global leader in its selected markets, Sulzer Pumps received orders totaling some 625 million Euros and employed 4500 people worldwide in 2003.
Sulzer, founded in 1834 in Winterthur, Switzerland, is a globally active corporation with businesses in pumps, surface coating technology, process technology and fuel cell technology. Orders received for 2003 reached about 1,256 million Euros.
