Technology and Products

Technology and products

Typhonix Low Shear Pumps - Frequently asked questions

How does the technology work?


Typhonix Low Shear Pumps are multistage centrifugal pumps with high hydraulic efficiency. The number of stages and the configuration of the individual stages are designed to control shear forces, and to provide an optimal beneficial effect on the pumped media. The pumps are generally design to target produced water applications.

 

Are All Typhonix pump types low shear?


Yes. Typhonix Pumps contains Low Shear Trim engineered for the specific application.

 

What is the difference between the Low Shear and the Coalescing pump?


Typhonix used to distinguish between Low Shear and Coalescing pumps. Now, all Typhonix Pumps are designed to be both Low Shear and Coalescing.

 

What are the application areas for the pumps?


The pumps are mainly developed for produced water applications but will provide beneficial effects also when used on reject streams, slop water and drain water in petroleum processing facilities.

 

Is there a requirement for specific fluid composition to enable coalescence?


The droplet growth is based on collisions between oil droplets. The coalescing effect is therefore proportional to the concentration of oil in water. Generally, this means that the pump generates larger droplets under what is normally considered more difficult conditions.

 

What are the benefits compared to positive displacement pumps?


Typhonix pumps are built in accordance with API 610 and therefore have a significantly lower OPEX compared to positive displacement pumps. This is due to reduced maintenance load and high MTBF. Additionally, there is normally no requirement for closed outlet protection, simplifying the pumping system and reducing CAPEX and OPEX.



 

What are the unique Benefits of Typhonix pumps?

 
  • The Typhonix Pump increases efficiency of downstream produced water treatment equipment, like hydrocyclones, thereby reducing oil concentration in discharged or reinjected water or enabling fewer produced water treatment stages.
  • The pump increases the process’ ability to handle upsets and fluid and flow instabilities.
  • It is a robust pump type. Low mean time between failure and low maintenance load in accordance with API 610.
 

Are the pumps built in accordance with API 610?


Yes, the pumps are built in accordance with API610 by a certified manufacturer.

 

What seal systems can be used?


Seal systems are supplied in accordance with client specifications. API 682 seal systems from various manufacturers can be supplied.

 

Is there a requirement for variable speed/frequency drive?


No, but this is highly recommended. Typically, produced water rates vary. Fixed speed pumps thus require minimum flow recirculation lines including valves that normally cause droplet breaking and thus reduce the overall beneficial effect of the pump. When using variable speed driver, recirculation valves can be avoided. When recirculation is inevitable use of a low shear control valve is recommended.

 

What about erosion?


Typhonix Pumps operate at low RPM compared to conventional centrifugal pumps used in similar applications. Because the flow velocities are lower, the erosion potential is significantly reduced. Additionally, the material quality can be optimized to reduce the erosion potential further, as the pumps can be manufactured in various material qualities.

 

Are there any specific maintenance criteria?


No, there is no specific maintenance requirement for these pumps compared to other centrifugal pumps used in similar application.

 

Is there a requirement for a pressure safety valve?


Normally the centrifugal pumps do not require blocked outlet protection. A practical difference between centrifugal pumps and positive displacement pumps is how they operate under closed valve conditions. Positive displacement pumps displace fluid, so closing a valve downstream of a positive displacement pump causes a pressure build-up that can cause mechanical failure of pipeline or pump. Centrifugal pumps differ in that they, for a limited time, can be safely operated under closed valve conditions.
 

For more information/references contact:

niels
CEO Typhonix

NIELS VAN TEEFFELEN

niels.teeffelen@typhonix.com
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Learn more about low shear

In this section you will find some more information on different aspects of low shear. The main philosophy of low shear production is to instead of challenging the effects focus on the causes to separation problems.
Learn more about low shear
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Typhonix TEST CENTER

The Typhonix Test Center provides the industry opportunity of live testing of process equipment under realistic conditions. Ever since establishment of Typhonix in 2006 flow loop testing has been of vital importance for development of our technologies.
Typhonix Test Center

Mature field lifetime extension

IOR and better opportunities for tiebacks through higher production capacity and treatment efficiency
Mature field lifetime extension

Reducing size, weight and footprint

20 – 40% reduced size and footprint of greenfield process plants by increased separation efficiency
Reducing size, weight and footprint

Enabling higher well production rates

Immediately improved separation and PW handling capacity with no additional equipment
Enabling higher well production rates

Reducing environmental impact

Reduced emissions to the environment and less consumption of chemicals
Reducing environmental impact