PR-471-14207-Z03 Evaluation of Field Pump Performance Testing Procedure

In situ pump performance testing was performed at the TransCanada pipeline Monitor station in Alberta Canada and Liebenthal station in Saskatchewan Canada in accordance with the Field Pump Performance Testing Procedure (PRCI report PR-471-14207-R01). 

Testing at the Monitor station was performed by Sulzer with two different batches of crude oil with slightly different viscosities and densities.  Because of the pipeline operation limitations the flow could not be varied appreciably, however the flow points were near the pumps bep flow and therefore believed to be beneficial.  To help validate field pump performance testing techniques measurements were taken using two methods to measure flow and two to measure pump power-in. 

Testing at the Liebenthal station was performed by TransCanada personnel on one fixed speed and one variable speed unit.  All testing was performed with one batch of crude oil.  The fixed speed unit power was measured with electrical power to the motor and the variable speed unit power was measured with a torque meter and electrical power. 

A full description of the Excel sheets used to calculate the field pump performance and the factory test data corrected to field conditions is made. The spreadsheet is included with this report.

This work will benefit the liquids pipeline operators by validating the field test procedure, thereby providing assurance and acceptance of the methods.  Using these field pump performance testing methods on additional pumps will help populate the database of measured viscous pump performances.  This data can then be used to further improve the Hydraulic Institutes viscous correction calculations.  Additionally, improved field pump performance measurements will allow the pipeline users to optimize their pipeline operation.