Framo Selects Castrol Brayco Micronic SBF

05 July 2010

The Norwegian pump specialist Framo Engineering has approved Castrol Brayco Micronic SBF (Subsea Barrier Fluid) for use in its industry leading subsea multiphase booster pumps.

Tightening offshore environmental legislation means that conventional oils are now being phased out for sensitive subsea applications in areas such as the North Sea.

Oyvind Berg, Account Manager for Castrol Norway, said: “Working closely with Framo, Castrol Offshore has developed the only fully OSPAR compliant oil with electrical insulation and seawater stability. Castrol Brayco Micronic SBF is used to cool the high-speed motor unit (400kW), and lubricate the mechanical seals of the multiphase booster pumps.”

The multimillion-dollar installations are electrically operated and sit on the seabed next to the wells. They pump a mixture of crude oil, gas and water to the surface, and are used to increase oil recovery after the reservoir pressure starts to decline through time. The lubricating oil is supplied through a control umbilical from the surface, which also carries the electrical power and communication system.

Oyvind added: “Castrol Brayco Micronic SBF is a key example of our investment in research and development to deliver top flight performance hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility.”

The first full field trial is underway with Statoil on its Gullfaks B platform, in the northern part of the Norwegian North Sea.