Types of Pumps Used in the Oil and Gas Industry

May 19, 2023

Types of Pumps Used in the Oil and Gas Industry

The oil and gas industry relies heavily on pumps for a variety of processes, from extracting oil and gas to refining and transporting them. With the demands of the industry increasing and technology advancing, there are various types of pumps and services available to meet different needs. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most commonly used pumps in the oil and gas industry and their applications.

1. Centrifugal Pumps:

Centrifugal pumps are among the most common types of pumps used in the oil and gas industry. They work by using a rotating impeller to create a flow of liquid or gas that is then directed through the discharge nozzle. They are often used for fluid transfer and circulation, treatment processes, cooling, and pumping of waste fluids. Centrifugal pumps come in various forms, including single-stage and multi-stage designs, and are suitable for low-viscosity fluids.

2. Positive Displacement Pumps:

Positive displacement pumps operate by trapping a fixed amount of fluid or gas then forcing it to move through the system. This process is repeated to create a continuous flow of the fluid. Positive displacement pumps are commonly used for pumping crude oil, natural gas, and other dense, viscous liquids. They are also useful for transporting liquids that contain a high amount of solids or other materials that require filtering. These pumps can come in several forms, including reciprocating, rotary, gear, screw, and diaphragm pumps.

3. Submersible Pumps:

Submersible pumps are designed to operate underwater or inside of a liquid, as their name suggests. They are often utilized in the oil and gas industry to pump fluid from wells, to dewater underground mines, and to transfer fluids from one location to another. Submersible pumps are typically electric-powered and placed at the bottom of a well or tank, with their motors located above the fluid surface. These pumps offer significant advantages in terms of ease of installation, compact size, and low maintenance.

4. Metering Pumps:

Metering pumps are specialized pumps that are designed to deliver precise amounts of fluid or gas over a specified period. They are often used in oil and gas applications where accurate measurements are critical, such as controlling the flow of chemicals during refining and processing. Metering pumps use various mechanisms, such as diaphragm, plunger, and peristaltic pumps, to deliver consistent rates of flow and meter fluid with high accuracy.

5. Jet Pumps:

Jet pumps are a type of non-positive displacement pump that uses a nozzle or venturi to create a vacuum that draws in a fluid or gas. They work by creating a flow of high-pressure fluid that is then converted to high-velocity flow by the nozzle, creating a vacuum and drawing in the fluid. Jet pumps are often used in the oil and gas industry for well bore production and boosting production from older wells. They can also be used for transporting gas and other fluids in pipelines, as well as for pumping construction and drilling mud.

6. Screw Pumps:

Screw pumps are a type of positive displacement pump that works by using screws to move fluid through the system. They are used for transporting high-viscosity fluids, such as crude oil, and other liquids that contain suspended solids. Due to the nature of their design, screw pumps operate at high levels of efficiency, even when working with dense fluids.

7. Hydraulic Pumps:

Hydraulic pumps are used to power hydraulic systems and machinery in the oil and gas industry. These pumps convert mechanical energy into hydraulic energy and offer a clean and efficient way of powering machines. Some of the common hydraulic pumps used in the industry include gear pumps, vane pumps, and piston pumps, each with its unique set of features that makes it suitable for particular applications.

Final Thoughts

Pumps are a critical component in the oil and gas industry. Choosing the right type of pump for a particular application is vital to ensure that operations run efficiently, effectively and at a lower cost. By understanding the functions and uses of different types of pumps, it becomes easier to identify the most suitable pump for a particular application, which can improve productivity and lower maintenance costs. With new technological advancements, the future of pump design looks promising, with a focus on performance and efficiency in various systems of the industry.

Interested in learning more about pumps in the oil and gas industry? Be sure to contact our team of oil field professionals here at JB Electric LLC to learn more about what we can do for you!