Saer Elettropompe pumping systems and motors are used for safe and reliable water supply in the offshore sector

Offshore platforms are massive technical installations, often associated with extraction, drilling, and processing of oil and gas in marine environments. Considering their function and their level of risk, these industrial complexes represent critical infrastructure, where water supply plays a large role for safety and work. "On an offshore platform, water is required for equipment cooling, firefighting, process and domestic needs, as well as for ballast operations or reservoir water injection. Both fresh water and seawater can be used for these purposes—subject to appropriate treatment and depending on the specific application. However, all these conditions place extremely high demands on the water supply pumping equipment," commented Eng. Alexander Georgiev—Regional Sales Representative for the Italian pump manufacturer Saer Elettropompe (covering Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Greece, and Cyprus)—speaking to BalkanEngineer.com.

As Eng. Georgiev noted, the offshore sector has specific requirements regarding pumping equipment. Firstly, there’s the matter of reliability, since access to equipment on a sea platform is significantly more complicated compared to dry land. Also, pumps need to be designed to work in sea water and to ensure the necessary flow and pressure during continuous exploitation.  The material of the pumps is another critical aspect due to the corrosive effect of seawater.

"For offshore installations, compact dimensions, low weight, and resistance to mechanical stress are also important factors. And since the motor and pump in submersible pumping systems are located below sea level—allowing for efficient use of platform space—such solutions are frequently employed for seawater pumping, fire-fighting water supply, cooling water systems, and other applications," explained Eng. Georgiev.

Photo source: Saer Elettropompe, ©Engineer BG via Canva