Amarinth has provided a technically advanced pumping solution for a major LNG expansion project in the Middle East, overcoming significant space and maintenance challenges to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.The company engineered a bespoke suite of API 685 VS4 magnetic drive pumps for in-ground hydrocarbon and solvent drain drum tanks, where conventional solutions were unable to meet strict spatial and safety requirements. The tanks, measuring up to 10 metres in length and 2 metres in diameter, required extremely compact pump configurations to minimise construction costs and flange loading.
To meet these constraints, Amarinth designed 5.5-metre-long vertical pumps with a slim profile capable of threading through tight pipework while maintaining demanding flow performance. Impeller diameters ranged from 235mm to 635mm across the installation.
Working collaboratively with the tank fabricator during early design stages, Amarinth used advanced computer modelling to optimise the pumps. Key innovations included refined bearing spacing to control vibration, a gulley sucker arrangement to remove sediment from tank bases, and a custom baseplate enabling safe monitoring from a single vantage point despite restricted access.
The pumps meet API 685 3rd edition standards, ensuring hermetic sealing and eliminating fugitive emissions. A modular design also enables full interchangeability, allowing a single spare pump to be used across multiple positions, reducing inventory and simplifying maintenance.
To meet tight project timelines, Amarinth adopted a split delivery approach, manufacturing and delivering tested pump batches in parallel with tank construction.
“This project perfectly illustrates our engineering agility.” said Oliver Brigginshaw, managing director at Amarinth. “By collaborating closely with the fabricator and rethinking the modularity of our API 685 VS4 magnetic drive pumps, we have designed a solution that isn’t just technically superior, it’s more cost-effective and easier to maintain.”