Fresh Water Seal Flush for Water Injection Pumps

This study was performed at Mobil Salt Creek Field Unit in Kent County, TX and consisted of mechanical seal failures for Bingham split case centrifugal injection pumps. For individuals who are unfamiliar with the operation or function of mechanical seals, a reference is included in the study (see Appendix A - Fundamentals of Mechanical Seals). Due to the injection of C02, in addition to water, into the Mobil Salt Creek reservoir for increased oil production, the associated composition of the reservoir water changed greatly. The total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, and entrained gases in the produced water changed dramatically from the former water flood or water driven reservoir. Consequently, when there were any changes in pressure or increases in temperature, solids, scaling, or "salting" was occurring. This increase in temperature or pressure drop can be quite common when dealing with the mechanical seal system. The mechanical seal system consists of three (3) items. Those items are water composition, seal material selection/design, and seal flush system. This brought to light the complexity of the mechanical seal issue.