Electrical Submersible Pump
Electrical Submersible Pump Analysis and Design
May 30, 2001
Electrical Submersible Pump Analysis and Design
Case Services, Inc.
Abstract
Case Services’ software provides production optimization for a variety of different methods of artificial lift. This paper discusses the dominant factors in electrical centrifugal submersible pump design and monitoring. Emphasis is placed on three areas: • • • Well inflow performance behavior. Fluid Pressure-Volume-Temperature and phase behavior. Pump equipment performance specifications.
An examination of fluid dynamics within a centrifugal pump provides appreciation for the need to analyze the pump “one stage at a time.” The importance of individual pump testing is also identified. This paper focuses on the three ESP products in the csLIFT suite, csSubmersible, csSubsAnalysis, and csSubsDesign. Methods are proposed by which the pump, motor, producing formation, and fluids are considered a complex system, which can be modeled by csLIFT computer software. csSubsAnalysis and csSubsDesign provide a basis for the prediction of the equilibrium point at which a particular set of equipment might operate under specific well conditions. csSubsDesign permits an analyst to compare a number of designs for desirability. Further discussion illuminates the value of periodic monitoring of electrical centrifugal submersible pump installations with csSubsAnalysis. Methods are proposed by which monitoring can identify changes in operating conditions which could adversely impact pump life.
05/30/01
Page 1
Electrical Submersible Pump Analysis and Design
Case Services, Inc.
Introduction
Centrifugal pumps powered by downhole motors have been used for decades to lift fluids from oil wells. These pumps and their coupled motors are commonly referred to as “Electrical Submersible Pumps” or “ESPs”. In recent years, the meaning of the term “ESP” has become clouded with the application of downhole electric motors coupled to progressive cavity
May 30, 2001
Electrical Submersible Pump Analysis and Design
Case Services, Inc.
Abstract
Case Services’ software provides production optimization for a variety of different methods of artificial lift. This paper discusses the dominant factors in electrical centrifugal submersible pump design and monitoring. Emphasis is placed on three areas: • • • Well inflow performance behavior. Fluid Pressure-Volume-Temperature and phase behavior. Pump equipment performance specifications.
An examination of fluid dynamics within a centrifugal pump provides appreciation for the need to analyze the pump “one stage at a time.” The importance of individual pump testing is also identified. This paper focuses on the three ESP products in the csLIFT suite, csSubmersible, csSubsAnalysis, and csSubsDesign. Methods are proposed by which the pump, motor, producing formation, and fluids are considered a complex system, which can be modeled by csLIFT computer software. csSubsAnalysis and csSubsDesign provide a basis for the prediction of the equilibrium point at which a particular set of equipment might operate under specific well conditions. csSubsDesign permits an analyst to compare a number of designs for desirability. Further discussion illuminates the value of periodic monitoring of electrical centrifugal submersible pump installations with csSubsAnalysis. Methods are proposed by which monitoring can identify changes in operating conditions which could adversely impact pump life.
05/30/01
Page 1
Electrical Submersible Pump Analysis and Design
Case Services, Inc.
Introduction
Centrifugal pumps powered by downhole motors have been used for decades to lift fluids from oil wells. These pumps and their coupled motors are commonly referred to as “Electrical Submersible Pumps” or “ESPs”. In recent years, the meaning of the term “ESP” has become clouded with the application of downhole electric motors coupled to progressive cavity