Commissioning of 32MPa well control pump
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Gentlemen, as shown in the attached image, the wellhead freshwater is being used for the debugging of the pump; the inlet pressure is 0.65–0.75 MPa, while the outlet pressure is 32.2 MPa. The set pressure for the safety relief valve at the outlet is 35.7 MPa. To carry out pressure increase testing on the pump, a return flow restrictor orifice plate (with a pressure reduction capacity of 31.2 MPa) and a regulating globe valve are required. However, after multiple attempts to increase the pressure by gradually reducing the opening degree of the globe valve, only a pressure of 20.4 MPa could be achieved. Further reduction of the valve’s opening degree caused it to close, resulting in an immediate increase in the pump’s outlet pressure and activation of the safety valve. During the debugging process, the fluid temperature also rose to 70 degrees. Dear experts, how can such debugging be successful? Should the return pipeline not be connected to the inlet, and should it be vented directly instead?
Your debugging issue may be related to the return pipeline settings. First, determine whether the return line indeed needs to be connected to the inlet or can be vented directly, as returning it to the inlet may affect the pump’s ability to build pressure. Secondly, check whether the flow-limiting orifice plate for backflow is properly installed and whether its pressure reduction capacity meets the requirements. Adjust the opening degree of the globe valve (stop valve) appropriately; generally, it should be reduced gradually to slowly build up the output pressure, thereby preventing sudden high pressures from causing the safety valve to activate. Furthermore, pay attention to monitoring the pressure and temperature of the entire system to ensure that operations take place within safe limits. If conditions permit, it is recommended to seek professional guidance on-site. .
It’s possible that the entire system is not properly matched, which prevents the outlet pressure from reaching the set value. Since liquids are hardly compressible, once the pressure reaches 20.4 MPa, even a slight reduction in the valve opening will cause the pressure to rise instantly. One solution is to try, as you suggested, to see if the pressure can be brought to the set value. Another option is to remove the orifice plate and the valve, and replace them with valves that have better regulating capabilities, so that the relationship between pressure and valve opening within the system can be improved.