Lightweight pumpset for filling and pressure testing of pipelines

 Across the whole of Europe there are numerous pipelines projects being performed. In total, more than 3500 kilometres of pipeline (2200 miles) for the transport of gas, oil and/or water are being laid.
 
After the sections of pipe have been completed, the new pipeline has to be tested for leaks before it can be put into use. For this purpose, BBA Pumps has developed and built two lightweight pump sets based completely on the specifications as provided by a Dutch contracting company that is taking part in a large number of pipeline projects. 
  

Each set consists of two pumps mounted on a single skid. The first pump provides a duty point of 80 m3/h @ 15 bars of pressure and is used to fill the newly constructed pipeline with water. After the pipeline section is completely filled with water, the second pump is switched on to build the pressure inside the pipeline up to 250 bar. Any leaks in the pipeline section will become imminent, allowing them to be repaired before the trench is closed and the pipeline is buried.
 
The pumps can be switched on or off using a mechanical power take-off clutch and each set is equipped with two digital water meters. As the water meters are accurate op to tenths of a percentage, the whole process can be monitored exactly. As the pump sets need to be transported by a normal trailer, the pumps were built to meet the weight restrictions as stipulated by the customer. By using aluminium for the canopy, BBA Pumps has been able to limit the weight to just 2000 kg, meeting the customers’ restrictions.