How improper pump selection influences ESP cable failure

Journal Article · Mon Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1984 · Pet. Eng. Int.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6367408

Beavers, J

ESP cable failures can sometimes seem to result from high-temperature damage even though the well temperature is far below the temperature rating of the cable. Recent studies show that the problem is one of low well productivity, either from a pumped-off or a gas-locked condition, and that the excessive heat is generated in the pump. In both cases, the problem is caused by misapplied equipment. In the pumped-off condition the pump is oversized. In the gas-locked condition, a proper gas separator should be used. The importance of proper pump selection is emphasized. Both conditions cause excessive heat buildup in the pump. When flow decreases as in either of these conditions, energy continues to be added to the fluid, but pump efficiency decreases and flow decreases. The losses or inefficiencies of the system are transferred to a lesser weight of fluid, so the fluid temperature rises even more.

• Research Organization: Centrilift-Hughes, Claremore, Okla.
• OSTI ID: 6367408
• Journal Information: Pet. Eng. Int.; (United States), Vol. 56:12
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
ELECTRIC CABLES
FAILURES
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
OIL WELLS
PUMPS
WELL TEMPERATURE
PERFORMANCE
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRICAL INSULATION
POLYPROPYLENE
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT
WORKING FLUIDS
CABLES
CONDUCTOR DEVICES
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
POLYMERS
POLYOLEFINS
RESERVOIR TEMPERATURE
WELLS
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production