Industrial Pumps as the Beating Heart of Oil Refineries
Industrial pumps, as the beating heart of refineries, play a crucial role in fluid transfer, pressure maintenance, and ensuring the safe and continuous operation of process units. The proper selection of pumps in oil refineries not only enhances system efficiency but also prevents costly failures, production downtime, and safety hazards.
This article explores the engineering principles, international standards, key selection criteria, and industrial experiences involved in choosing the right pumps for oil and gas refineries, while also highlighting the experience of Aras Mechanical in pump design and supply for projects in Dubai and other international regions.
Types of Pumps Used in Refineries
Depending on the type of fluid, pressure, temperature, and operating conditions, various types of pumps are used in oil refineries:
Centrifugal Pumps
The most commonly used type in refineries
Suitable for high-flow and medium-pressure applications
Used for pumping crude oil, condensate, cooling water, and refined products
Positive Displacement Pumps
Includes gear, piston, diaphragm, and screw pumps
Suitable for viscous, corrosive, or shear-sensitive fluids
Used for transferring additives, lubricants, asphalt, or heavy crude oil
Special Pumps
Dosing pumps for precise chemical injection
Explosion-proof pumps for flammable gas environments
Multistage pumps for very high-pressure applications
Key Criteria for Selecting Refinery Pumps
Selecting the most appropriate pump requires a detailed technical evaluation of the following factors:
Fluid Characteristics
Type of fluid (crude oil, diesel, steam, etc.)
Viscosity and corrosiveness
Presence of suspended solids
Operating Conditions
Required flow rate
Suction and discharge pressures
Operating temperature
Safety and Hazard Classification
Location in hazardous zones (Zone Classification)
Compliance with ATEX and API explosion-prevention standards
Maintainability
Ease of maintenance and accessibility
Repair cost and downtime
Availability of spare parts
International Standards
API 610 for centrifugal pumps in refineries
ANSI / HI for industrial pumps
ISO 5199 / 2858 for projects with European equipment
Explosion-proof (Ex-proof) and environmental compliance requirements
Engineering Process of Pump Selection in Refinery Projects
Process study and preparation of the Pump Data Sheet
Review of P&ID diagrams and system pressure conditions
Calculation of Total Dynamic Head (TDH)
Selection of the proper pump model using software such as PUMP-FLO or Sulzer Select
Issuance of RFQ (Request for Quotation) to qualified suppliers
Technical evaluation, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), and on-site installation
The Role of Aras Mechanical in Refinery Pump Selection and Supply
Aras Mechanical, as the mechanical equipment division of Aras Holding, is responsible for the design, selection, and implementation of industrial pumps in large-scale oil and energy projects.
With extensive experience in refinery projects in Dubai and other international markets, the company adheres to API and ISO standards and performs the following activities:
Complete Pump Package Engineering
Collaboration with reputable global manufacturers (KSB, Sulzer, Flowserve, etc.)
Ensuring technical and economic compliance of equipment
Managing transportation, testing, installation, and commissioning in EPC projects
The proper selection of industrial pumps in oil refineries results from a combination of engineering knowledge, operational experience, process understanding, and deep awareness of international standards.
Companies like Aras Mechanical, which operate with this engineering-based approach, have successfully executed safe, efficient, and high-performance projects in Dubai and other global locations.
Aras Holding, through its subsidiary Aras Mechanical, has played a significant role in the selection, design, and implementation of industrial pumps for oil refineries in Dubai and international markets.
By fully adhering to global standards such as API 610, ISO 2858, and ANSI/HI, the company is actively engaged in worldwide oil, gas, and energy projects.
Aras Mechanical is one of the most specialized subsidiaries of Aras Holding in the fields of piping, pumping, and refinery installation.
By supplying pumps from reputable international brands, the company provides professional, efficient, and safe solutions for industrial projects in Dubai and other countries.
In 2025, modern refineries require equipment designed according to global standards and precise engineering.
Aras Holding, leveraging the expertise of Aras Mechanical, has successfully met this need on an international level.