Patent ID: 8752674
Filing Date: 2014-06-17
Classification: E21B,F01C,F04C,F04D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A system for momentary hydrostatic operation of hydrodynamic thrust bearings in a vertical fluid displacement module for subsea operation comprising a motor and a pump or compressor, wherein said module is connected to a pressure control unit located subsea and arranged for controlling the supply and the discharge of barrier and lubrication fluids to and from said module, barrier and lubrication fluid being circulated within the motor at a first pressure in a motor barrier and lubrication fluid circuit, and barrier and lubrication fluid being circulated within the pump/compressor in a pump/compressor barrier and lubrication fluid circuit at a second pressure lower than said first pressure, the system comprising: a fluid supply line connecting a flow control unit and hydrodynamic thrust bearing(s) in the pump/compressor, a flow control module in the fluid supply line controllable for momentarily supplying fluid to the thrust bearing(s) at a pressure sufficient to generate a fluid film between thrust-engageable surfaces in the thrust bearing(s) at start-up and shut-down, respectively of the pump/compressor, and a fluid communication from the thrust bearing(s) to the barrier and lubrication fluid circuit in the pump/compressor, whereby fluid flow between the thrust-engageable surfaces at start-up and shut-down, respectively, is generated in response to fluid discharge from the pressure control unit to a process fluid flow.