Crisafulli Case
History - Submersible Hydraulic Pumps Used In Exxon's Valdez Oil Spill Cleanup
February 17, 1997
SRS Crisafulli
P.O. Box l051
Glendive, MT 59330 -1051
Dear Mr. Richards:
During early June, 1989, Northwest EnviroField Services (West Pac
Environmental) traveled to Valdez, Alaska in response to a request for
introduction from the Exxon Corporation, Houston, Texas. During this visit
it was observed that although the removal and cleanup of crude oil from
Prince William Sound was the focal point of all intellect, an unforeseen
or pending issue of considerable magnitude was starting to surface. This
issue regarded the removal of the recovered crude oil from the various
types of barges on lease to Exxon. With daily rental rates ranging from
$3,000 to $7,000 it was noted during several discussions with barge
personnel that the off-loading of the recovered oil was of little concern,
for the longer the sour crude remained aboard, the greater financial
dividends to be made. Following the June visit to Valdez several contracts
were awarded to Northwest Environmental Field Services (West Pac
Environmental) with the most challenging requiring the off-loading of the
Exxon leased barges. In many of the cargo holds the crude oil, with its
heavy paraffins and high sulfur content had emulsified with its
associated sea water and was so heavy and viscous that a demonstration
proved that it could not be poured out of a 55 gallon drum! In addition,
the gluey mousse was riddled with seaweed, kelp, rocks, and other debris.
Northwest EnviroField Services (West Pac Environmental) successfully
off-loaded in excess of 10,000,000 gallons of this Valdez crude utilizing
their expertise, centralized heat and the reliable power of their
CRISAFULLI submersible pumps. The CRISAFULLI pump was outfitted with a
masticator blade which literally chewed up most of the debris it
encountered. The CRISAFULLI pumps were run 24 hours daily and in an
environment that would destroy almost anything with moving parts. However,
this hostile atmosphere did not challenge the incredible performance of
our CRISAFULLI pumps. In late December of 1989 and early January 1990, the
Exxon Corporation decided to off-load their two remaining barges of Valdez
crude in Texas City, Texas. As a gesture of goodwill toward the local
contractors, Northwest EnviroField Services (West Pac Environmental) was
retained for their expertise and project control but the critical
off-loading responsibilities were given to a local contractor. This
contractor boasted that he manufactured the most reputable pumps in the
world. As a matter of fact, this manufacturer detailed how their pumps
could pump ice cold molasses that was near rock hard for distances in
excess of 1,000 feet! At the conclusion of this statement, I looked at my
fellow associate, Mr. Larson, and we both uncontrollably smiled. Prior to
off-loading activities, a large crane was used to place the hydraulic
power pack for the new pumping system aboard the barge of Valdez mousse.
Within 48 hours the pumping contractor admitted defeat and quickly
disappeared from the job site. Once again Northwest EnviroField Services
utilized the services of their CRISAFULLI arsenal and, as expected, the
integrity and performance of the CRISAFULLI pump was outstanding. Although
I write you this letter of recommendation and appreciation several years
after the fact, I feel that our success was due in a large part to the
CRISAFULLI pump and for this I feel that our praise and recognition should
be given.
Mike Green
Sales/Operations Manager, West Pac Environmental, Inc.
54 South Dawson
Street, Seattle, Washington 98134
Phone 206 762-1190
Fax 206 762-9362
Double click photo to enlarge it.
After 40 years, customers still say "Crisafulli is
the best." Crisafulli Pumps, Dredges, and Power Units are customizable - Choose
special materials of construction, power source, bearings and
suction.
Each
Crisafulli Pump has a Crisafulli Impeller Inside - your assurance
of quality, performance, reliability and long useful life.
Contact
us today at the factory or through one of our dealers or reps to order
your Crisafulli Pump, Dredge, and Power Unit or to discuss your special applications to
enable us to custom design your Crisafulli equipment.
The wide range of performance and application capabilities of the rugged,
reliable Crisafulli Pump, Dredge, and Power Unit product line, each model
of which can be customized to our customer's special requirements,
provides our customers with what we call "The Crisafulli
Advantage."
As a Montana manufacturer proud of
our roots in the American West,
we show below a picture of a Montana or Western scene or Western wildlife.
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