Case Studies

The Problem

A North Sea oil producer required support when an epidemic of Main Oil Line Pump seal failures disrupted crude oil production.

The Solution

After evaluating the service history and condition of several seal units and visiting the platform to inspect the pumps and seal support systems, NASH identified 3 primary causes:

Lack of seal oil pressure caused by blocked filters
Abrasive wear of seal parts as a result of contaminated seal oil
Blistered and cracked seal faces due to elevated operating temperatures

The company fitted upgraded seal oil filters and move the seal oil pressure gauge and switch from in front of the filters to the return line immediately after the seal. They also installed an oil polisher to maintain seal oil quality.

Over time, NASH made subtle design changes to make the seals more robust and less sensitive to upset.

The Benefits

Mean time between failure (MTBF) of MOL pump seals was ultimately increased from 4 weeks to 3 years.

Disruption of crude oil production was eliminated and maintenance costs were significantly reduced.

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