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An Overview of Hydra-Cell Diaphragm Pumps for Saltwater Disposal or Produced Water
Diaphragm pumps fall under the classification of positive displacement pumps that utilize the grouping of the reciprocating operation of thermoplastic, rubber and Teflon diaphragms. Their flow rates will vary little with the discharge pressure, which means the pump functions against the specified pump speed.
Diaphragm pumps can transfer either low, high or medium viscous liquids and even liquids with large solids. They even manage strong chemicals like acids because developers equip them with multiple kinds of diaphragms and body materials.
Diaphragm pumps are a popular choice for saltwater disposal because they effectively handle abrasive and corrosive fluids. When companies extract oil or gas from the earth, it needs to be more pure for distribution. The saltwater collected with the oil or gas is considered hazardous because of its high salt content, hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) or other compounds.
Are “saltwater disposal” and “produced water disposal” the same?
Saltwater disposal is the process of removing saltwater, also called "produced water disposal." Produced water has very high salinity levels, so people often refer to it as 'saltwater'. The extraction process produces this water along with oil and gas.
JJ Tech specializes in saltwater disposal using Hydra-Cell Diaphragm Pumps because of their many advantages over other methods.
Ten Advantages of Diaphragm Pumps for Produced Water Disposal
- Resists Corrosion: One of the primary advantages of diaphragm pumps is their corrosion resistance. Saltwater is highly corrosive, and traditional pumps made of metal can quickly corrode and fail. However, manufacturers typically make diaphragm pumps from polypropylene or Teflon, which highly resist corrosion, making them an excellent choice for pumping saltwater and other highly corrosive fluids.
- Endures Abrasive Fluids: Saltwater can be highly abrasive, containing sand, sediment and other materials that can cause damage to conventional plunger pumps. Diaphragm pumps have no mechanical seals to fail, leak or replace, making them much more durable for abrasive fluid applications. The diaphragm can act as a barrier between the fluid and the pump's mechanical components, preventing damage and reducing maintenance requirements.
- Reduces Maintenance: Diaphragm pumps are relatively simple in design, making them easy to maintain. They typically have fewer moving parts than other types of pumps, reducing the chances of mechanical failure. Additionally, you can easily replace the worn or damaged diaphragm, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
- Minimizes Costs: Diaphragm pumps are cost-effective, particularly compared to other types of pumps. They have a lower upfront cost than other pumps and require less maintenance, reducing operating costs.
- Maximizes Efficiency: Diaphragm pumps are energy efficient compared to other pumps, such as centrifugal pumps. They use less energy to operate, reducing energy costs and minimizing the environmental impact of pumping operations.
- Affords Versatility: People use diaphragm pumps in various applications because of their versatility. Companies commonly use them for saltwater disposal and other industries, such as chemical processing and wastewater treatment. People commonly use them in saltwater disposal but can also serve in other sectors, such as chemical processing and wastewater treatment.
- Increases Run Times: Diaphragm pumps are self-priming and can operate without a separate priming mechanism, which is particularly useful in salt water disposal, where pumps may need to be started and stopped frequently. And, because they do not depend on process fluid for lubrication, diaphragm pumps can run dry indefinitely without incurring damage.
- Handles Viscous Fluids: Diaphragm pumps can effectively handle viscous fluids, such as sludge or oily water, because the diaphragm can act as a seal, preventing leaks and reducing the chances of clogs or blockage
- Protects the Environment: Diaphragm pumps don't require lubricants or oils that could contaminate the fluid they pump, making them environmentally safe and an excellent choice for saltwater disposal, where environmental concerns are a top priority.
- Handles High Pressure: Diaphragm pumps can take high-pressure applications, making them ideal for saltwater disposal operations. They can handle pressures of up to 120 PSI, allowing them to pump fluids over long distances and up steep inclines.
Produced Water Disposal with Hydra-Cell Diaphragm Pumps
Hydra-Cell positive displacement pumps feature a sealless pumping chamber and a hydraulically-balanced diaphragm design, enabling the pumps to provide leak-free, low-maintenance performance while processing complex fluids over various pressures and flows. Hydra-Cell pumps can run dry without damage and handle abrasives and particulates (up to 500 microns) that can destroy other pumps.
Multiple diaphragms minimize pulsations, so Hydra-Cell operates virtually pulse-free, often eliminating the need for expensive pulsation dampeners. Hydra-Cell diaphragm pump’s patented diaphragm-position control technology enables functionality while protecting the pump in case of a closed inlet due to abnormal or adverse conditions or operational error. And its compact vertical V-belt skid designs afford a smaller installation footprint.
How Hydra-Cell Diaphragm Pumps Work for Produced Water Disposal
Hydra-Cell pumps inject saltwater at high pressure into the wells to safely and efficiently dispose of the fluid for produced water disposal applications. Its sealless design means there is no packing to leak or replace. Since Hydra-Cell does not leak, it is the preferred and easier choice for oil and gas companies to meet the environmental regulations of the well site. Hydra-Cell T and Q Series pumps feature a sealless design, eliminating cleanup costs from leaking seals or packing and protecting operators from dangerous fluids such as hydrogen sulfide.
T Series Diaphragm Pump for Produced Water Disposal
For maximum flow rates up to 96 gpm (366.1 l/min)
- The sealless design separates the power end from the process fluid end, eliminating leaks, hazards and the expense associated with seals and packing
- Low NPSH requirements allow for operation with a vacuum condition on the suction - positive inlet pressure is not necessary
- The design allows operation with a closed or blocked suction line and runs dry indefinitely without damage, eliminating downtime and repair costs
- Diaphragm handles more abrasives with less wear than gear, screw or plunger pumps
- Hydraulically balanced diaphragms to handle high pressures with low stress
- Low-pulse, linear flow due to its multiple diaphragm design
Q Series Diaphragm Pumps for Produced Water Disposal
For maximum flow rates up to 157 gpm (595 l/min)
- The sealless design separates the power end from the process fluid end, eliminating leaks, hazards and the expense associated with seals and packing
- Low NPSH requirements allow for operation with a vacuum condition on the suction - positive inlet pressure is not necessary
- The design allows operation with a closed or blocked suction line and runs dry indefinitely without damage, eliminating downtime and repair costs
- Diaphragm design handles more abrasives with less wear than gear, screw or plunger pumps
- Hydraulically balanced diaphragms to handle high pressures with low stress
- Low-pulse, linear flow due to its multiple diaphragm design
- Lower energy costs than centrifugal pumps and other pump technologies
- Durable construction for long life with minimal maintenance
- The compact design and double-ended shaft provide a variety of installation options
Contact JJ Tech for Your Produced Water Disposal Needs
JJ Tech is a leading supplier of Hydra-Cell Diaphragm Pumps for produced water disposal and artificial lift methods in challenging wells. The Hydra-Cell Diaphragm Pumps Wanner T and Q Series range from 40 HP to 330 HP in five different product options. Contact Us to learn how these innovative pumps can benefit your produced water disposal or artificial lift operations.