This paper summarizes the surface damage mechanisms that were observed in three double-screw
pumps used for the transfer of high viscosity crude oil and their relations with pump operation
conditions, flow characteristics and material defects.
Erosion-corrosion governs the degradation of the screws; however the balance between chemical and
mechanical damage varied according to local flow pattern and content of formation water, gas and
solids. Along the screws, the thickness of the fluid film between threads and the inner surface of the
pump case varies when excessive screw deflection occurs. Flow instability, mainly local gas
compression - decompression, enhances the erosive attack with solid particles and intensify the fatigue
inducing conditions. Contact areas between spindle and bearing or gears are corroded by the pumped
fluid leaked through the mechanical seals, which viscosity is reduced due to the contained gas;
clearances that developed in these corroded areas enhance fatigue.
Key words: screw-pump, corrosion – erosion, multiphase – flow, NiCrBSi coating