The offshore industry faces two main challenges: maximising production within the limits of the reservoir, and minimising operational costs while maintaining the safety of the platform. Pumps form one of the main groups of equipment that influence the outcome of both challenges and they require expert knowledge to ensure continued reliability and performance. Murray Wilson, Sulzer UK reports.

Our final exit from the EU is still some time away and there are many questions that still need to be addressed. A key factor regarding the success of the ‘vote to leave’ camp was that it was perceived that this would give us the ability to better control our borders. This heightened protection is seen as offering us the opportunity to control immigration – but this factor is only one small element within the bigger border control picture. Steve Scholfield, (pictured) director and chief executive of the British Pump Manufacturer’s Association (BPMA), explains.

Air Operated Double Diaphragm (AODD) pumps are an interesting seal-less, displacement alternative to centrifugal pumps. David Rozee of Triark Pumps explains how they work, and how their low-maintenance application is proving cost-efficient for both businesses and the environment.

Steve Schofield, director & CEO of the British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) offers some basic information and guidance on purchasing, maintaining and designing pump systems.

The power generation sector, like many others, is under constant pressure to minimise downtime and maximise productivity. This means pump equipment is expected to run for longer periods with reduced maintenance intervals. When repairs are needed, they have to be completed within tight deadlines to comply with ever shorter and shorter maintenance windows. Darrell Howard, repair engineering manager at Sulzer’s Houston facility, explains some of the key points that affect a successful repair project.

A competition has been launched to find the oldest operating Moog servo valve. The company will also be sponsoring monthly draws to give people with newer valves a chance to participate. This contest is part of a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Moog’s operations in Europe.

When it comes to pumping solids in industries such as sewage treatment, mining or food there are numerous pump choices available to the process engineer because solids are relatively common in these sectors. However, when it comes to the chemical processing sector the options are more limited due to a range of additional factors, including the need for chemical resistance, ATEX, higher temperatures and the financial pressures. Malcolm Walker, marketing manager for AxFlow Ltd, reports.

It appears that once more the issue of throughlet size has come to prominence, as pump users are again searching for solutions to the problem of pump clogging in wastewater applications. Mike Hutchinson, systems engineering manager at Xylem, explains.

Achieving process safety and reliability in upstream and downstream oil, gas and chemical processing and power stations has tested the resources of system designers over many years.

The importance of force friction ratio in determining valve reliability and performance in the energy sector. Richard Harvey, key account manager, Norgren, reports.

Kelly Paffel from Swagelok, reviews some of the most common items to understand best practices for steam control valve installation.