Pumps for Oil & Gas Terminals

Centrifugal Pumps in Auxiliary Systems

While positive displacement pumps dominate product transfer, centrifugal pumps remain common in broader industrial market applications for auxiliary services.

Centrifugal pumps, including ANSI-style designs, are most often found in auxiliary terminal systems. They are commonly used for wastewater, saltwater and other non-product fluids where high flow and lower pressure requirements dominate.

While centrifugal pumps can be effective in these roles, they are generally not preferred for primary fuel transfer because they lack the self-priming capability and consistent displacement needed under varying terminal conditions.

Key Pump Selection Factors for Terminal Applications

Choosing the right pump for a terminal application comes down to understanding a few critical factors. Flow rate is often the starting point, as terminals move large volumes of product and require pumps sized appropriately to meet throughput demands.

Sliding vane pumps are most frequently used for primary transfer because they align well with terminal operating conditions. Gear pumps support more specialized needs, while centrifugal and diaphragm pumps fill important auxiliary roles. Selecting the right pump requires matching the technology to the fluid, the system design and the expectations for uptime and maintenance.

Viscosity plays an equally important role, as even small changes in fluid properties can influence pump efficiency and wear. System pressure, material compatibility and the ability to handle continuous operation must all be evaluated together rather than in isolation.

Reliability is frequently the deciding factor in terminal pump selection. Pumps are expected to run consistently with minimal intervention and unplanned downtime can quickly disrupt operations and distribution schedules. Lead time and availability also matter, as the ability to deliver a pump quickly can influence purchasing decisions just as much as technical specifications.

Maintenance, Repair and Replacement Considerations

Maintenance strategy is a key consideration in terminal environments. Using genuine pump parts including specialty solutions like Chem‑Fuse® helps reduce unplanned downtime and extend equipment life. Repair-versus-replace decisions are usually driven by performance trends rather than sudden failure. A gradual loss of flow or efficiency often signals internal wear.

While many pumps are repairable, repeated maintenance cycles eventually become less economical than replacement, particularly when downtime costs are factored in. For terminals, long-term reliability often outweighs the lowest upfront cost.

Maintaining consistency across pump manufactures such as Wilden® and All-Flo™ also simplifies training, spare parts management and long-term maintenance planning across terminal operations.

Partnering on Terminal Pump Solutions

Terminal operators often reference solutions used in other industries, such as agriculture and paints and coatings, when evaluating pump performance under demanding transfer conditions.

Pump selection for oil & gas terminals is ultimately about understanding how these facilities actually operate. The most successful solutions account for real transfer conditions, not just theoretical performance curves.

PSG® works closely with terminal operators to evaluate applications, identify the right pump technology and support long-term reliability across terminal operations.

For many terminal operators, replacement decisions are influenced by the availability of prove pump platforms from Wilden® and All-Flo™ that can be integrated quickly with existing infrastructure.

If you need help selecting a pump for an oil & gas terminal application, our team can assist with sizing, material selection and technology recommendations based on real-world experience. You can contact us directly to speak with a specialist.