Proven deepwell pump technology meets stringent offshore requirements

Top-class technology and facilities are a prerequisite if, like Svanehøj, you want to be among the preferred suppliers for major offshore projects.

Svanehøj continuously invests in advanced test and measurement equipment to be able to document how its specialized deepwell pumps work out on the ship or platform.

The unique test tower, which was built at the head office in Denmark in 2003, is a cornerstone of the development and documentation work, as it provides the opportunity to test deepwell pumps at full length up to 37.5 metres.

Svanehøj performs simulations in the test tower with detailed measurements of vibration levels, mechanical load and temperature progression.

“The test tower is an important tool for verification. It helps us to document that our pumps are designed in accordance with established requirements and applicable standards. However, customers can also request the use of the test tower for specific orders. The tower is therefore of great strategic importance because it enables us to meet customers’ needs for additional testing,” says Lars Foged, Project Manager at Svanehøj.

Digital test setup
In 2020, Svanehøj delivered one of its largest offshore orders in recent years with a total of 33 deepwell pumps from 14 to 30 metres long for the construction of an FPSO unit. The customer requested full-scale tests of all pump types.

These tests would normally be performed while the customer is present. But in this case, it was not an option due to travel restrictions. Therefore, Svanehøj invested in a digital setup with cameras in both the test tower and the production hall so that the customer could overview the tests from distance.

The digital test setup has since been expanded to be presented as an option for all customers who want additional tests.

Svanehøj deepwell pumps: Verified for harsh environments
All vertically suspended Svanehøj deepwell offshore pumps mainly follow the API 610 (API 684), ANSI/HI 9.6.4-2016, ISO 10816, API 682, and API 671.

The verification methods include torsional analyses, lateral analyses, calculating the life span of bearings, fatigue analysis in case of having critical resonance, strain gauge test, implementing impact testing to find the natural frequency, full-scale tests/complete unit tests, and the measurement of noise and vibrations.

In the world of mechanical engineering, vibration remains one of the earliest indicators of a machine’s health. All rotating equipment generates a unique vibration signal or “signature”. In the vibration test, all issues regarding Imbalance, Misalignment, Looseness, Bearing, Pipe strain, and Resonance (IMLBPR) in the system can be examined.

Different calcifications/certificates such as DNV, LR, BV, ABS, RINA, RS, NK, CCS, and NA can be provided based on customer request. Based on the classification, the needed tolerances are based on ISO 3555, ISO 2548, and ISO 9906 for different grades.