Publications

The NMP-3 platform is the LP separation platform that receives all well fluid (gas, liquid, and sand) from the North Wells in the Tuna field. The NMP-3 platform consists of 2 three phase separators (Slug catcher (SC) A & B) and 3 condensate transfer pumps. This paper will focus on the repetitive failure of the condensate transfer pump with correlations to the LP slug catcher design. 90 repetitive failures occurred on the NMP-3 condensate transfer pump during 7 years of operation (one pump failure / month), with total repair cost of 5.1 MUSD (excluding production shortfall during all pumps breakdown). Pumps failure indication such as high vibration, high noise, low performance and defect is due to erosion by sand on bushing, shaft sleeve and wearing ring. The sand is derived from well effluent and is carried over to the condensate compartment on slug catchers. Liquid at both SC are controlled by one LCV (level control valve) at the water outlet and one LCV at the condensate outlet. In order to balance the water level, the inlet and outlet piping of each SC has been installed symmetrically. However, unbalanced water level was still observed. This condition leads to water overflow carrying sand to the SC condensate compartment. The condensate containing sand will then be sent to pump suction. To solve the unbalance water interface level between both SC, a balancing line was installed at the water compartment to connect both SC. The objective of the balancing line is to transfer the differential hydrostatic pressure from SC-A to SC-B or v.v to avoid water overflow (that is carrying sand) to the condensate compartment. The result after balancing line installation and LCV tuning: water interface level at SC-A and SC-B can be maintained equally, reduction of water overflow and finally extending the pump running hours until 4,400 hrs (continuous counting). These running hours are the best running hours that have been achieved during 7 years of operation. Keywords: Slug catcher (SC), Water Interface level, balancing line, running hours