Curtiss-Wright Corporation and Saipem have achieved a breakthrough in the field of subsea processing and applications with the successful completion of the qualification process of an all-electric subsea pump without barrier fluid. This device will enable the injection of treated seawater into subsea reservoirs, contributing to the life extension of these resources.
Subsea processing and applications
Conventional pumping systems that rely on a barrier fluid to cool, lubricate and insulate the equipment, Saipem and Curtiss-Wright’s new technology uses seawater to cool and lubricate the pump. At the same time, the pump motor is protected by an encapsulated housing, specifically designed to withstand deepwater conditions. The absence of the barrier fluid eliminates the need for periodic refills and reduces the risk of seawater contamination.
In addition, the adoption of an all-electric strategy allows the replacement of traditional hydraulic umbilicals with electric and control cables. This device is the first of its kind to integrate the absence of seals and barrier fluid with such a high power capacity.
The exclusive collaboration between Curtiss-Wright and Saipem, which began in 2018, has resulted in the development of a full-scale 3 MW prototype pump. This prototype has undergone extensive testing in water, confirming its performance, durability and reliability.
In addition, this innovative technology has received certification for several of Saipem’s proprietary subsea treatment technologies, including SPRINGS, a subsea desulfation technology developed in conjunction with TotalEnergies and Veolia. Obtaining certification validates the achievement of Technology Readiness Level 4(TRL 4), endorsed by Petrobras and TotalEnergies.
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Source and photo: Curtiss-Wright Corporation
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