Measurement of Suction and Discharge Pressure Pulsations in Waterflood Facilities

Abstract

ABSTRACT Recent mechanical problems with reciprocating water injection pumps prompted a study of suction and discharge pressure conditions in the Red River Bull Bayou Unit, Red River Parish, Louisiana. Frequent failures in plunger pump components and discharge lines were occurring at several injection sites within the unit. Electronic surveillance equipment consisting of an oscilloscope and pressure transducers was utilized to locate and identify large suction and discharge pressure pulses. The severity of these pulses could not be identified with standard pressure gauges. The data obtained with the electronic equipment indicated that cavitation was occurring on the suction side of the pumps due to insufficient net positive suction head. The large pressure pulsations caused by this cavitation problem were carried through the pump and amplified on the discharge side. This resulted in excessive vibration and equipment overload. Subsequent changes in the suction and discharge piping design eliminated cavitation and effectively reduced the peak pressure pulses. These piping changes were done systematically to measure the effect of each change individually. The resulting measurements gave better insight to future piping design for both suction and discharge installations.