A fluid processing machine that includes a stator capable of generating an electromagnetic field and a first rotor section having at least one impeller and at least one permanent magnet. The stator is configured to electromagnetically engage with the first rotor section so as to rotate the first rotor section about a central axis in a first rotational direction. Further rotor sections can also be included that are induced to rotate in the first rotational direction. Other rotator sections with impellers and permanent magnets can also be included that are driven in a second, contra-rotating, direction by a second stator. Several of the fluid processing machine can be distributed within a surface system or subsea system that transports produced fluid from wells to a surface facility.

A method of sharing load between a plurality of parallel fluid pumps in a subsea fluid pumping system having first and second pumping units, each of which includes a respective first and second pump, the method including establishing a pump limit characteristics diagram for the first pumping unit by mapping a minimal allowable torque of the first pumping unit as a function of a differential pressure across the first pump, identifying a permissible operating region of the first pumping unit defined by a set of minimum allowable torque values for the first pumping unit, establishing a pump limit characteristics diagram for the second pumping unit by mapping a minimal allowable torque of the second pumping unit as a function of a differential pressure across the second pump, identifying a permissible operating region of the second pumping unit defined by a set of minimum allowable torque values for the second pumping unit, monitoring the torque of the first pumping unit and the differential pressure across the first pump, acquiring a monitored torque value (T.sub.ma) and a monitored differential pressure value (DP.sub.ma) of the first pumping unit, identifying the minimum allowable torque value (T.sub.0a) of the first pumping unit corresponding to the monitored differential pressure value (DP.sub.ma) of the first pumping unit, monitoring the torque of the second pumping unit and the differential pressure across the second pump, acquiring a monitored torque value (T.sub.mb) and a monitored differential pressure value (DP.sub.mb) of the second pumping unit, identifying the minimum allowable torque value (T.sub.0b) of the second pumping unit corresponding to the monitored differential pressure value (DP.sub.mb) of the second pumping unit, and regulating the rotational speed of the first and second pumps such that T.sub.ma/T.sub.0b equals T.sub.mb/T.sub.0b.

A method of sharing load between a plurality of parallel fluid pumps in a subsea fluid pumping system having first and second pumping units, each of which includes a respective first and second pump, the method including establishing a pump limit characteristics diagram for the first pumping unit by mapping a minimal allowable torque of the first pumping unit as a function of a differential pressure across the first pump, identifying a permissible operating region of the first pumping unit defined by a set of minimum allowable torque values for the first pumping unit, establishing a pump limit characteristics diagram for the second pumping unit by mapping a minimal allowable torque of the second pumping unit as a function of a differential pressure across the second pump, identifying a permissible operating region of the second pumping unit defined by a set of minimum allowable torque values for the second pumping unit, monitoring the torque of the first pumping unit and the differential pressure across the first pump, acquiring a monitored torque value (T.sub.ma) and a monitored differential pressure value (DP.sub.ma) of the first pumping unit, identifying the minimum allowable torque value (T.sub.0a) of the first pumping unit corresponding to the monitored differential pressure value (DP.sub.ma) of the first pumping unit, monitoring the torque of the second pumping unit and the differential pressure across the second pump, acquiring a monitored torque value (T.sub.mb) and a monitored differential pressure value (DP.sub.mb) of the second pumping unit, identifying the minimum allowable torque value (T.sub.0b) of the second pumping unit corresponding to the monitored differential pressure value (DP.sub.mb) of the second pumping unit, and regulating the rotational speed of the first and second pumps such that T.sub.ma/T.sub.0b equals T.sub.mb/T.sub.0b.

A gas compressor comprising a drum affixed to a rotating shaft, the drum including a plurality of compression channels between a common pressure zone and an interior surface of the drum distal to an axis of rotation. A static vane return assembly adjacent the compression channels includes vanes extending from an inlet at an outer circumference to the common pressure zone and directing gas into the common pressure zone, either through the vanes or via separate channels or ducts. Fluid inside the rotating drum forms an annular lake that is drawn through the vanes and into the common pressure zone. Fluid is then forced into the compression channels where gas in the fluid is compressed as it travels from the common pressure zone toward the interior surface. The pressurized gas is separated from the liquid prior to leaving the compression channel assembly while the liquid is returned to the lake.

A gas compressor comprising a drum affixed to a rotating shaft, the drum including a plurality of compression channels between a common pressure zone and an interior surface of the drum distal to an axis of rotation. A static vane return assembly adjacent the compression channels includes vanes extending from an inlet at an outer circumference to the common pressure zone and directing gas into the common pressure zone, either through the vanes or via separate channels or ducts. Fluid inside the rotating drum forms an annular lake that is drawn through the vanes and into the common pressure zone. Fluid is then forced into the compression channels where gas in the fluid is compressed as it travels from the common pressure zone toward the interior surface. The pressurized gas is separated from the liquid prior to leaving the compression channel assembly while the liquid is returned to the lake.

A fluid processor for use in a downhole pumping operation includes a fluid processing stag, a nozzle stage and a gas compressor stage. The nozzle chamber is configured as a convergent-divergent nozzle and the variable metering member is configured for axial displacement within the convergent section to adjust the open cross-sectional area of the nozzle. A method for producing fluid hydrocarbons from a subterranean wellbore with a pumping system includes the steps of measuring a first gas-to-liquid ratio of the fluid hydrocarbons and operating a motor within the pumping system to operate at a first rotational speed. The method continues with the steps of measuring a second gas-to-liquid ration of the fluid hydrocarbons with the sensor module, where the second gas-to-liquid ratio is greater than the first gas-to-liquid ratio, and operating the motor at a second rotational speed that is faster than the first rotational speed.

A fluid processor for use in a downhole pumping operation includes a fluid processing stag, a nozzle stage and a gas compressor stage. The nozzle chamber is configured as a convergent-divergent nozzle and the variable metering member is configured for axial displacement within the convergent section to adjust the open cross-sectional area of the nozzle. A method for producing fluid hydrocarbons from a subterranean wellbore with a pumping system includes the steps of measuring a first gas-to-liquid ratio of the fluid hydrocarbons and operating a motor within the pumping system to operate at a first rotational speed. The method continues with the steps of measuring a second gas-to-liquid ration of the fluid hydrocarbons with the sensor module, where the second gas-to-liquid ratio is greater than the first gas-to-liquid ratio, and operating the motor at a second rotational speed that is faster than the first rotational speed.

A retrofittable control system for controlling an engine and a clutch of a frost fan may include a data processing system, a thermostat, a human machine interface, a throttle control module, and/or a clutch control module. The control system may be configured to automatically start the fan when the thermostat detects a temperature below a user defined turn-on temperature, and to automatically shut down and park the fan when the thermostat detects a temperature above a user defined turn-off temperature. In some examples, starting up the fan may include running a clutch engagement sequence that engages the clutch at different speeds for different durations.

A drainage apparatus for a motorcompressor comprises a first pipe with a first end configured to be inserted in a drainage sump of a motorcompressor; a second end configured to be connected to a duct of a stage of the motorcompressor; a device for generating a pressure difference between said second and said first end so that liquid is taken from said drainage sump and delivered into said duct.

A drainage apparatus for a motorcompressor comprises a first pipe with a first end configured to be inserted in a drainage sump of a motorcompressor; a second end configured to be connected to a duct of a stage of the motorcompressor; a device for generating a pressure difference between said second and said first end so that liquid is taken from said drainage sump and delivered into said duct.