Development of a modular compact subsea pump

The modular compact pump (MCP) is an innovative new subsea boosting system that aims to address the technical, operational and economic limitations faced by conventional subsea pumps. Rather than adopting a conventional pump approach of a motor connected to a series of hydraulics, the MCP is based on a radically new pump architecture that consists of a series of integrated motor impellers that co-rotate around a static shaft. Each stage in the pump has its own process lubricated bearings thereby eliminating the need for a topside barrier fluid system. The MCP also utilizes subsea variable speed drives, further reducing the overall topside footprint. The result is a more reliable boosting system that requires less than half the topside infrastructure and with more than two times the power density of a conventional multiphase subsea pump. Key features and benefits of the MCP include: - No barrier fluid system ... eliminating associated cost and operational challenges - Subsea power supply ... significantly reduced topside footprint and reduced need for topside modifications - Very high boost ... ultra-long step-outs and deep water applications at lower cost - Extremely compact ... low cost system configurations such as pump-on-tree, pipeline end manifold or deployment on other existing infrastructure - Adapts to conditions and changes over life of field ... avoids cost of intervention while maintaining high production at high efficiency with lower CO2 emissions The MCP concept was borne from a collaboration between GE's Aviation business, Baker Hughes and GE's Global Research Centres. Baker Hughes is developing the MCP through a Joint Industry Project (JIP) with multiple global operators.

The MCP is considered differentiated and disruptive to conventional subsea pumps and addresses many of their inherent challenges. Moreover, it enables the deployment of an all-electric boosting system as part of an integrated all-electric subsea system which is seen by many operators as the future architecture for subsea developments. Key benefits of the MCP include those associated with no barrier fluid, pump performance range inherent fault tolerance: No barrier fluid system: Simplified and lower-cost umbilical 50% less topside footprint Minimal topside modification requirements Lower carbon footprint Higher performance and flexibility: Modular and scaleable design No rotating shaft … no limitation of number of stages No theoretical limit on delta P Flexibility to add boosting capacity over life of field Higher reliability and availability: Inherent fault tolerance Pump can operate at reduced flow rates with fewer number of stages Option to add stages for redundancy