Sulzer, FMC to advance subsea pumping technology

Winterthur, Switzerland – Sulzer Pumps Ltd and FMC Technologies Inc. are to collaborate in the supply of subsea pumps, and in the development of pumping technology for the energy exploration and production industry.

Building on an existing co-operation. the companies aim to further leverage technology that they have already been working on, including FMC’s advanced permanent magnet motor technology.

Over the last several years, for instance, the partners have developed a new, high-speed helico-axial multi-phase subsea boosting unit. This is based on Sulzer’s topside pump designs. A full-scale, complete pump/motor unit has been built, fully submerged and successfully tested at Sulzer Pumps’ engineered test pool in Leeds, UK.

The pump is driven by a permanent magnet motor that is said to provide higher speeds, power and efficiency compared to conventional induction motors. The technology is to be used in subsea boosting systems supplied to FMC’s customers and to the oil and gas upstream market.

Sulzer Pumps supplies pumping solutions and related equipment worldwide, while FMC’s portfolio includes subsea production and processing systems, surface wellhead systems, high pressure fluid control equipment, measurement solutions, and marine loading systems for the oil and gas industry.

Photo caption
A complete pump/motor unit has been successfully tested at Sulzer Pumps’ engineered test pool in Leeds
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