Oil and Gas utility systems

Solutions for oil and gas utility systems

Alfa Laval oil and gas utility systems are vital to the success of the main oil and gas processes that they support. Here is a brief overview of the broad range of utility systems that Alfa Laval has developed for the oil and gas industry to boost the overall performance of oil and gas processes.

Utility cooling

Alfa Laval has a long history of mediating the exchange between heat and cold. In drilling, our experience is put to use in gasketed plate heat exchangers and air heat exchangers for a range of utility functions.

Our heat transfer solutions are already compact and energy efficient. Yet we continue to push limits, introducing new plate patterns and other innovations that further optimize heat transfer and minimize fouling. The resulting solutions are as easy to maintain as they are cost effective.

Seawater lift

Seawater lift is common in offshore applications. It may be used continuously to supply cooling water, but also intermittently, for example during ballasting. Installing caissons and using Framo pumps for the purpose eliminates the risk of flooding while reducing CAPEX and OPEX.

The pumps employ a cable-free concept that eliminates cable handling and submerged cable penetrations. Designed with overpressure protection of the motor and all electrical and rotating parts, they provide safe and reliable operation in hazardous areas. All Framo sea water lift systems undergo full-scale testing prior to delivery to ensure easy installation during commissioning.

Fire water pumping

Pumped water is the first line of defence in preventing fire-related catastrophes. Framo fire water pumps have been used in offshore applications since the 1970s, becoming the fire fighting system of choice due to their responsiveness and reliability.

Powered by diesel generators. Framo fire water pumps are available in hydraulic and electric
versions, selected mainly on the basis of the volume of water to be discharged. All Framo fire water pumping systems undergo full-scale testing prior to delivery to ensure easy installation during commissioning.

Fresh water generation

Alfa Laval fresh water generators enable offshore facilities and vessels to make economical use of abundant seawater. We pioneered the compact production of fresh water through vacuum distillation, doing away with bunkered water for crew and technical needs.

Introduced over 50 years ago, our thermally driven technology has since developed into a range of compact, energy-efficient systems. Based on the engine and the heat it produces using electricity, we can configure an efficient solution from our Alfa Laval ORCA, AQUA or DOLPHIN series.

Fuel and lube oil cleaning

Alfa Laval helps get top value from all types of oils. Whether maximizing the fuel extracted from residual oils or extending the lifetime of circulated lubricants, our solutions bring long-term economy while protecting the engine or gas turbine and other sensitive equipment. Our centrifugal separation technology has long set the standard for separation performance. No less pioneering today, our separators have become more modular and less complex, while the efficiency and protection they provide have only increased.

Closed-loop cooling

Especially in an offshore process, cooling and production capacity are tightly linked. Closed-loop
systems must be properly designed to maximize cooling and prevent maintenance issues.
With decades of cooling experience, Alfa Laval has the knowledge and equipment to secure effective cooling. Alfa Laval gasketed plate heat exchangers, complemented by our reliable filters, optimize heat transfer and minimize fouling. On land, our Alfa Laval Niagara wet surface air coolers are a cost-effective opportunity to reduce water and chemical footprint.

Closed-loop cooling system (integrated)

In FLNG applications, where cooling is especially critical, an integrated closed cooling water system is ideal. It combines closed-loop cooling with an open cooling loop, allowing both parts to be optimized and streamlined. The system replaces traditional topside pump modules with compact Framo sea water lift pumps, which reduce both footprint and weight. In the open seawater loop, the cooling performance is fully optimized to minimize the equipment required. The total result is lower CAPEX, along with a more compact footprint.

Steam and heat generation

Large quantities of steam, hot water or hot oil are required by many production processes. Alfa Laval has both decades of thermal expertise and a proven track record in supplying innovative boiler and combustion systems. Our high-efficiency Alfa Laval Aalborg systems – available with multi-fuel combustion technology – can be supplied as tailored modules for any requirement. Fully integrated and ready to install, they ensure safe, trouble-free operation with low environmental impact and low cost of ownership.

Waste heat recovery

Today’s diesel engines and gas turbine engines are far more efficient than their predecessors. Yet a vast amount of fuel energy is still released as heat. By using heat energy from various sources to produce steam and hot water, Alfa Laval Aalborg waste heat recovery systems improve plant efficiency overall.
Proven effective, our waste heat recovery systems deliver documented fuel savings and reductions in CO₂ emissions. Compact and flexible, they can be installed and maintained easily – even within an existing plant.

Inert gas production

Combustible gas mixtures are a primary concern, especially during offloading. Alfa Laval has the knowledge and tools to ensure a stable tank environment, both in safe and in hazardous areas. Modular Alfa Laval Smit systems, which produce inert gas through a number of methods, are the leading solutions for degrading tank oxygen levels. Most are based on the unique Ultramizing® principle, which atomizes the fuel oil for soot-free gas, even at partial loads.

Power generation

Whether offshore or land-based, the loss of power to production processes means loss of income. Framo containerized or skid-mounted diesel generator systems provide valuable security, ensuring that essential or emergency electrical power is available at all times. Framo generator systems are designed for fail-safe start up, even during a cold-start sequence. Arranged as self-contained units that include all necessary auxiliary systems, they allow continuous operation for a specified time at rated power. All Framo power generator systems undergo full-scale testing prior to delivery to ensure easy installation during commissioning.

Ballast water pumping

A smartly designed ballast system provides greater safety while freeing up more space for cargo, making Framo submerged ballast pumps the pumps of choice on modern tankers. The pumps are installed inside the ballast tanks. In combination with a submerged Framo cargo pump in each cargo tank, this arrangement makes the pump room superfluous and installation easy. The air ejector connected to the pumps’ suction side starts and stops automatically, which makes the ballast pumps self-priming.

Condensate handling

After treatment, the heavy hydrocarbons condensed from the gas are a valuable commodity for trade. Framo cargo pumps, with their ability to handle even the most viscous materials, are an excellent solution for managing condensate storage and offloading condensates for onward sale. The submerged cargo pumps, which are hydraulically driven, save topside space and weight. The offloading system can be combined with a Framo chemical pumping system, or installed with its own separate hydraulic power system. All Framo cargo pumping systems undergo full-scale testing prior to delivery to ensure easy installation during commissioning.

Exhaust gas cleaning

Sulphur limits now apply for units operating in Emission Control Areas (ECAs). By installing a
scrubber to meet ECA regulations, oil and gas producers can continue to use HFO or crude oil for drilling operations.

Alfa Laval PureSOx is the only complete SOx scrubber platform, which offers scrubbers with a U- or an I-design, in open-loop, closed-loop or hybrid arrangements. Built with Alfa Laval core technology and over 40 years of scrubber experience, PureSOx ensures reliable environmental compliance.