47
November
2016
HYDROCARBON
ENGINEERING
P
rogressing cavity (PC) pumps have become the
standard for challenging oil and gas applications,
where aggressive media can wear and corrode
pumps, reducing their lifespan. Due to the
rotor‑cavity design and very low speed action, potential
solids and abrasives can comfortably pass through the
pump following the oil path containing these
particulates. This makes PC pumps the best option for
pumping viscous media, such as oilsands. New sealing
technology ensures that the pumps are leak free and
present the visually clean appearance that is now
required by worldwide regulations.
Unique pumping challenges face
downstream oil and gas applications
Oil is inherently an aggressive liquid, containing a variety
of chemicals, typically hydrogen sulfide (H
2
S), which is
sour and very corrosive. In northern Canada’s oilsands,
Norman Zombor, NETZSCH Canada, Inc., Canada,
discusses the
continued development of sealing technology for progressive
cavity pumps applied in challenging hydrocarbon environments.
PROGRESSIVE
PUMPS
