Multi-phase pumps (MSPs) have been successfully used to accelerate production from wellheads and reduce well intervention costs. As multi-phase pumps are essentially hybrids of a pump and a compressor they face challenges from variations in GVF, changing flow conditions and from the gas-compression effect. MSPs can also be complex, have large capex/opex and consume a lot of power.
Surface jet pumps, innovatively combined with novel compact separation, provide a cost effective and simpler method for multi-phase pumping. Surface jet pumps (SJPs) are simple, low cost, passive devices that use a high pressure (HP) fluid as the motive force to boost the pressure of the LP well and deliver it for processing. The LP multi-phase flow is separated by a compact separator and the separated liquid pumped by a single phase pump while the gas is boosted by the surface jet pump. The power required to drive the single phase pump is a fraction of the power consumed by the multiphase pump. The high pressure fluid that is needed for the motive flow for the SJP can come from a HP well, the discharge of a compressor or from the export gas line. Advantages of using SJPs with compact separators include no moving parts, zero maintenance, zero power or fuel gas usage, small footprint and varying layout configurations. SJPs are well suited to changes in process conditions and variations in GVF (without affecting performance). This paper discusses the use of Surface Jet Pumps and compact separators as an alternative to multi-phase pumps and cites several case studies of where this technology has been utilised. The design and operational criteria of SJPs, as well as the economics are also highlighted.
