Delivering reliability: A string test of a large pump package for an offshore oil and gas facility

A string test, unlike a typical component factory acceptance test, is the combined test of the critical equipment of a system. This paper will describe the preparation for and the execution of a string test of a waterflood injection pump system for installation on an offshore floating production facility. The system will be used to inject seawater into a production reservoir. The string test referenced in this paper, included the project variable frequency drive, main waterflood injection pump and motor, gearbox, lube oil system, and waterflood charge pump. This paper will discuss the agreements between the end user and the equipment suppliers to deliver the string test. In addition, the responsibilities and contributions of the end user and equipment suppliers will be described. Finally, the results of the string test and lessons learned will be presented.