What makes crude oil difficult to pump
The pump is sized at the coldest working temperature and turns slowly, so the gear teeth fill completely.
In classified areas the pump is evaluated with ATEX documentation, and seals are chosen for the light fractions.
Bearings, clearances and gear profile are chosen to resist wear; for the worst cases the bearings are moved out of the product.
How we build the pump for crude oil
| Recommended series | NAV · CR |
|---|---|
| Flow range of these series | 15 – 4,292 l/min (0.87 – 258 m³/h) |
| Body material | Cast iron as standard; stainless steel NAV for aggressive variants |
| Heating | Recommended in cold climates, for long storage or where the product thickens at night |
| Speed | Low speed: a larger pump turning slowly, often with a gear motor or inverter |
| Shaft seals | Selected for compatibility with the solvent or hydrocarbon |
| Classified areas | Pump evaluated with ATEX documentation |
| Connections | NAV: flanged DN 40 – DN 125 PN 16 |
Where crude oil pumps work
Applications: Tank farms and terminals, truck loading and unloading, early production facilities, small refineries, crude blending, tank recirculation.
Typical markets: Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Libya, Algeria, Nigeria, Angola, Chad, South Sudan, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela. For these sites we size for local conditions: the coldest night temperature, 50 or 60 Hz power, heating available on site and spare parts that can be kept in stock locally.
Recommended pump series
Data we need to size your crude oil pump
- Product name, producer or data sheet of the crude oil
- Viscosity at the pumping temperature, and the lowest temperature on site
- Flow rate required (l/min, m³/h or bbl/h)
- Discharge pressure, or line length, diameter and height
- Suction: tank, line length and diameter, liquid level
- Solids or fillers: type, percentage and particle size
- Power supply: voltage and 50 or 60 Hz; area classification
Frequently asked questions
Which gear pump do you recommend for crude oil?
We normally propose the NAV or CR Series. The NAV is flanged from DN 40 to DN 125, for transfer and plant duty. The final model depends on flow, viscosity at temperature and suction, and is confirmed by our technical office.
Why do you size the pump for crude oil larger than the flow requires?
Because a viscous fluid needs time to fill the gear teeth. A larger pump turning slowly fills completely, runs quietly and wears far less than a small pump at high speed.
How long does a gear pump last on abrasive crude oil?
It depends on the filler and on speed. Low speed, the right clearances and — for heated products — the SEF construction with bearings outside the body extend life considerably.
Can the pump work in an ATEX zone?
For classified areas we evaluate the pump with ATEX documentation. Tell us the zone classification in your request.
Do you supply pumps outside Italy?
Yes. The pumps are built in our Bologna workshop and quoted for export. Write your country in the form and we will size the pump for your power supply (50 or 60 Hz) and site conditions.
This page also covers: Petroleum, Crude.