Subsea gas compression and pumping technologies have been identified as a solution for accessing gas reservoirs that may be otherwise inaccessible or economically unfeasible to drill. Subsea stations offer a fast-track development solution with flexible, multiphase deployment and other inherent advantages. Pumping stations require a significant amount of process equipment improvements and integration solutions; however, the complete paper focuses on the rotating machinery, process pumps specifically.
Introduction
Subsea development is a relatively recent concept associated with comparatively underresearched and unqualified technologies. The technological improvements necessary are characterized by requirements for severe service, multiphase handling, excellent reliability, and minimal, low-maintenance solutions.
Operating Conditions for Subsea Pumps
Depending on the application for which the subsea pump is being used, fluid can be either a produced fluid, produced water, or raw seawater.
