Amarinth Designs Bespoke Low NPSH Pumping Solution for Nigeria’s NLNG Delivery Pipeline

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Amarinth, a leading specialist in centrifugal pump engineering and API 610 compliant pumping solutions, is developing four bespoke drain disposal pumps for the NLNG crude delivery pipeline at the Gbetiokun Field in Nigeria, further strengthening its presence within Africa’s growing oil and gas sector.

The project highlights Amarinth’s expertise in solving complex pumping challenges in demanding operating environments, particularly where conventional pump designs are unable to meet stringent performance requirements.

Supporting Expansion at the Gbetiokun Field

The Gbetiokun Field, situated within the Niger Delta’s OML 40 licence area, is an important oil and gas asset that continues to play a significant role in Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.

As part of a wider expansion programme designed to increase production capacity and enhance its contribution to the national crude oil delivery network, an onshore facility along the NLNG crude delivery pipeline required four specialist drain disposal pumps.

The pumps are needed to support the safe and efficient handling of process fluids within the facility. However, during the design phase, engineers encountered a significant technical challenge that threatened to delay progress.

Overcoming an Exceptionally Low NPSH Challenge

The proposed installation required the pumps to empty a tank located beneath the pump position. This arrangement created an exceptionally low Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH), presenting a serious engineering obstacle.

NPSH is a critical consideration in pump design and operation. When insufficient NPSH is available, vapour bubbles can form within the fluid before entering the pump. This phenomenon, known as cavitation, can cause severe vibration, noise, loss of performance and ultimately extensive damage to pump components.

Several pump manufacturers were approached during the early stages of the project in an effort to find a suitable solution. However, none were able to provide a technically viable design capable of operating reliably under such extreme suction conditions.

Recognising the specialist nature of the challenge, the project team turned to Amarinth for support.

Bespoke Engineering for Reliable Performance

Drawing upon decades of experience in designing pumping systems for difficult process applications, Amarinth collaborated closely with the pipeline engineers to develop a bespoke solution specifically tailored to the project's operating requirements.

Rather than relying on a conventional priming chamber arrangement, Amarinth engineered an innovative system combining an API 610 centrifugal pump with a specially designed upstream vacuum unit. This approach generates the required suction force to lift the process fluid and maintain reliable operation despite the absence of a traditional suction head.

The result is a robust and commercially viable pumping solution capable of overcoming conditions that had previously stalled the project.

Innovative System Design

The bespoke system incorporates several advanced features that work together to ensure dependable operation and long-term reliability.

Venturi Effect Ejector Technology

The primary unit utilises an ejector system to generate a vacuum within the pipework, enabling the process fluid to be lifted efficiently to the pump.

By harnessing the venturi effect, the design requires very few moving parts, significantly reducing potential failure points and maintenance requirements. The simplicity of the design also contributes to improved operational reliability in demanding oil and gas applications.

Importantly, the system is fully ATEX compliant, making it suitable for operation within hazardous environments commonly found across upstream and midstream energy facilities.

Automated Fluid Management

An advanced automated control system manages the entire priming process.

The system initially removes air from the pipework, creating the conditions necessary to lift the fluid to the pump level. Once the centrifugal pump has been fully primed and is ready for operation, the control system automatically activates the pump and deactivates the primary vacuum unit.

This automated approach improves efficiency, minimises operator intervention and helps ensure consistent performance throughout the pumping cycle.

Modular and Flexible Construction

The self-priming units have been designed using a fully modular architecture, allowing the system to be adapted to specific project requirements.

Materials used within the priming unit are selected to match the associated pipework and pump construction, ensuring compatibility across the installation. In addition, critical components are chosen in accordance with the customer's Approved Vendor List (AVL), simplifying procurement and supporting compliance with project specifications.

The modular design also offers flexibility for future maintenance, upgrades and operational adjustments if required.

Delivering a Commercially Viable Solution

By combining specialist pump engineering expertise with a practical understanding of low NPSH applications, Amarinth has successfully developed a solution that addresses a challenge many manufacturers were unable to overcome.

The project demonstrates the importance of bespoke engineering when standard equipment cannot meet the demands of complex process environments. It also reinforces the role of innovative pumping technology in supporting the safe and efficient expansion of critical oil and gas infrastructure across Africa.

Commenting on the project, Oliver Brigginshaw, Managing Director of Amarinth, said:

“We are delighted to have partnered on this challenging project for the NLNG pipeline. Our ability to engineer bespoke solutions where others cannot is a testament to our technical agility and deep understanding of fluid dynamics. This project further underlines our commitment to supporting the Nigerian oil and gas industry with reliable, high-performance pumping technology.”

As investment continues across Nigeria's oil and gas sector, projects such as the Gbetiokun Field expansion highlight the growing demand for specialist pumping solutions capable of delivering reliable performance under challenging operating conditions.

Through its expertise in API 610 pumps, low NPSH applications and bespoke engineering design, Amarinth continues to support complex infrastructure projects both across Africa and globally.

For further information visit www.amarinth.com

Contact Details

Amarinth Ltd

01394462120
enquiries@amarinth.com
http://www.amarinth.com
Bentwaters Parks, Rendlesham, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 2TW GB

About us

Amarinth is a world-leading company specialising in the design, application and manufacture of centrifugal pumps and associated equipment to the offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration, production and refining industry, petrochemical, chemical and industrial markets.

We provide engineered-to-order solutions on the shortest lead times in the industry, often manufactured in exotic materials, and customised to fit your exact requirements according to the highest international industry standards, including API 610 and ISO 5199. Combining our depth of experience in the manufacture and supply of pumps and spares with our dedication to customer-oriented solutions, our aim is to deliver innovative products and services that help you meet and exceed your business goals.

From our design and manufacturing headquarters in the United Kingdom, we provide support to our clients throughout Europe, the Middle-East and Asia and our engineering expertise is often deployed into the furthest corners of the world to assist with the installation and commissioning of our products. Furthermore, we have fostered strong relationships with specialist organisations within these regions to provide additional in-country services to best meet our customers’ needs.

Where we supply to

Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, North America

Industries we supply to

Automation, Chemicals, Consultants, Components Electronics, Energy and Power, Food and Beverage, Glass Ceramics Cement, Metals and Minerals, OEM, Paper and Pulp, Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Toiletries, Plastics and Rubber, Recycling, Textiles, Tobacco, Water and Wastewater