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The oil and gas industry operates in some of the world’s most demanding environments, where safety, reliability, and performance are non-negotiable. From remote drilling platforms to urban distribution hubs, pumps are essential for keeping critical processes running smoothly.

Whether upstream, midstream, or downstream, pump systems in the oil and gas industry must move a wide range of fluids—often flammable, abrasive, or corrosive—while operating under high pressure, extreme temperatures, or hazardous conditions. Choosing the right pump ensures safety compliance, optimised flow, and reduced maintenance costs.

Oil and Gas Industry Key Applications

1. Crude Oil Transfer and Handling

Across exploration and production sites, crude oil must be efficiently moved from wells to separation units, pipelines, or holding tanks. In the oil and gas industry, API 610 centrifugal pumps and progressive cavity pumps are preferred for their high flow capabilities, solids handling, and ability to manage fluctuating viscosities without system interruption.

2. Chemical Injection and Additive Dosing

To protect pipelines and maintain process performance, precise dosing of chemical additives like corrosion inhibitors, hydrate blockers, and demulsifiers is essential. High-pressure metering pumps are used for their accuracy and dependability, especially in offshore or hazardous areas where downtime is costly and dangerous.

3. Produced Water and Slurry Management

Produced water is a by-product of oil extraction and often contains oil, sand, and various chemicals. Pumps handling these mixtures must be abrasion- and corrosion-resistant. Diaphragm and peristaltic pumps offer excellent performance in separation and disposal systems, while slurry pumps are used when solids content is high.

4. Refining and Process Circulation

Downstream oil and gas operations involve complex fluid handling between units such as distillation columns, catalytic crackers, and reactors. Pumps in these applications must resist chemical attack and deliver leak-free performance. Magnetic drive and seal-less centrifugal pumps help mitigate fire risks when moving flammable or toxic hydrocarbons.

5. Fuel Transfer and Loading Systems

Fuel storage and distribution systems depend on precise, safe transfer of products like diesel, aviation fuel, and petrol. Gear and vane pumps certified to ATEX standards are used in terminals and vehicle depots for their spark-free design, flow control, and ability to handle volatile fluids without leaks or spills.

6. Offshore and Subsea Systems

In offshore and subsea operations, pump systems face high pressures, saltwater corrosion, and limited maintenance access. Skid-mounted or modular pumps are used in drilling rigs and production modules, built for redundancy and ease of service. These systems must operate autonomously under rugged marine conditions while maintaining flow stability.

Environmental and safety regulations in the oil and gas industry continue to tighten. As a result, pump selection and installation must align with standards like API, ISO, and ATEX. System efficiency and energy recovery are also becoming key considerations, especially in downstream operations.

For more information on offshore safety and fluid handling regulations, consult the UK Health and Safety Executive’s offshore guidance.

How Tomlinson Hall Can Help?

With decades of experience supporting the oil and gas industry, Tomlinson Hall & Co Ltd supplies pump systems that meet the sector’s strict safety and performance demands.

We help our customers select robust, compliant pumps for upstream extraction, midstream transfer, and downstream refining—tailored to handle aggressive fluids, high temperatures, and hazardous zones.

Our oil and gas solutions include:

  • API 610 and ATEX-certified pumps for explosive environments
  • Slurry and chemical dosing systems for production and refining
  • Fuel transfer pumps for depots, terminals, and logistics hubs
  • Marine-grade systems for offshore and subsea installations
  • Full support including specification, supply, and aftersales service

Whether you need durable transfer pumps or precision dosing units, our team delivers dependable pumping solutions built for the energy sector.

Need expert advice for your oil and gas application?
Get in touch with Tomlinson Hall today—we’re here to help.

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