Experimental and Calculation Studies of Main Line Oil Pumps Efficiency Change Due to Smooth Coatings

Abstract

The study is dedicated to investigation of impact made by smooth coatings applied on the flow part surfaces of main line oil pumps with reference to energy efficiency performance of the said pumps. Loctite 7227 and Belzona 1341 were used as coatings which allowed to significantly reduce the roughness of the coated surfaces. Distinctive features of the abovementioned coatings are low cost and easy application (by spraying or using a brush) which is, despite lack of hydrophobic behavior, makes them applicable for use in operating conditions at oil pumping stations. Experimental studies have been carried out including coatings testing on full-scale pumps MOL 1250-60 and MOL 10000-210. The results of the experimental studies have been compared with the results of analytic calculations. Based on the results of the studies the applicability of smooth non-hydrophobic coatings was confirmed on condition of their application on the surfaces of volute flow parts of mainline oil pumps. Besides, the suggested analytical procedure for coatings efficiency evaluation was validated.