The oil and gas industry is a very demanding and dangerous environment. In such a workplace, it’s imperative that the equipment that gets used is reliable and safe to operate.
Industrial pumps are a common piece of equipment in this industry. They’re needed for processes like moving fluids and chemicals, controlling pressure, and ensuring nothing breaks or goes wrong.
The right pump system can make a big difference in upstream and downstream processes. It can make things safer, prevent interruptions, and improve how things get done.
Two specific types of pumps have become popular in the oil and gas field, and we’re going to give you some tips on how to use these industrial pumps safely and how to utilize their full potential.
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What Are Pumps Used For?
Many different things! Here are 5 things off the top of my head:
- Transferring crude oil and natural gas
- Chemical injection and treatment
- Water and wastewater handling
- Sludge and slurry transport
- Fuel transfer and metering
Each of those steps has its process and challenges that come with it. For example, some of those use corrosive or abrasive materials, and some of them create explosive atmospheres.
When a company chooses a pump, they need to choose the right one and take care of it properly. Not just to get the job done well but also to keep their employees and factory safe.
Safety Tips
As we mentioned, the oil and gas environment can very quickly become dangerous. But there are a lot of ways to make it safer.
Match Materials Correctly
The fluids that get used in these factories can be rough and damaging. Materials like stainless steel, PTFE, or polypropylene can handle harsh chemicals and won’t get worn out from them.
So, using a pump made from those materials can make sure nothing leaks and hurts the environment.
Routine Seal and Gasket Inspection
Usually, the first thing to go in a pump is the seal, and that means leakage. Now leaks can make the pump not work as well, but it can also become a serious problem because things can turn flammable and toxic very quickly.
Set up a routine maintenance schedule to check the seals and gaskets and replace them before they cause issues.
Only Use Approved Safe Equipment
The chemicals used can be volatile, so any equipment used with it needs to meet the safety standards for explosive areas.
Air operated double diaphragm pumps are perfect for this type of work because they work without electricity, so the risk of sparks or fire is way less.
Make Sure Operators Are Fully Trained
Even when the best equipment is used in the best environment, having someone who is untrained work there can be dangerous.
All staff members need to know the operation, maintenance, and emergency shutdown procedures on the back of their hands. For all pump systems they use!
To run a safe operation, employees need to have gone through hands-on training, and manuals and signage need to be kept updated.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Pump
You can have a great pump but not be using it to its full potential.
It might run well every day and get the job done, but if you know how to optimize it, you’ll get even better results, save electricity, and keep your pump running for a long time!
- Pick the Right Pump for the Job
Productivity starts with choosing the right pump depending on what it needs to do. For example, if you’re working with sticky liquids, you’ll need a pump that won’t overload your system or waste energy.
All Flo pumps are designed to be versatile and dependable even in tough conditions. - Fine-tune Flow and Pressure Settings
Every pump has an ideal flow rate and pressure range, and if you use the pump with different settings, it can cause more wear and tear than it has to. Your pump will have to use more energy that way and probably break sooner than it should.
Use the sensors and monitoring systems to keep an eye on the pump and make sure it’s working in optimal conditions. - Use Automation and Monitoring Systems
Most of the newer pumps can be integrated with SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.
Having access to those systems means you can keep track of things in real-time and get predictive maintenance alerts and performance stats.
You’ll have less downtime and have the information you need to be able to improve your processes. - Reduce Downtime with Easy-To-Fix Designs
Choose a pump that doesn’t have too many moving parts and can be taken apart quickly and easily. Preferably without needing tools!
It will make maintenance so much simpler and mean your production has to stand still for less time. It just makes the whole operation smoother.
Why Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pumps Are a Game-Changer?
AODD pumps are specifically compatible with the production of oil and gas because they are simple to use, very versatile, and safe! They work by using compressed air to drive the pumping action, so unlike electric pumps, they’re perfect for unpredictable environments. They’re able to handle a variety of consistencies, even fluids with solid particles, so they can adapt to all the different processes needed. It’s a self-priming piece of equipment and can even dry run without damage.
Why Do All Flo Pumps Work Well in Harsh Conditions?
All Flo Pumps are known for their robustness and well-structured design, which is why they’re another popular choice in the oil and gas industry. They were built for heavy-duty use, and they can handle sticky or chemically aggressive materials.
Because they have fewer moving parts and user-friendly maintenance features, they’re a really good long-term financial investment.
Keep Your Operation Safe and Reliable!
If you work in the oil and gas sector, you know how important it is to have a reliable and safe industrial pump. Not only for cost control but also to keep the environment and workplace safe. Every detail we spoke about today, from choosing the right pump and taking care of it to training staff and utilizing automated monitoring, plays a role in achieving the smoothest operation possible.
