The Electric Submersible Pump or ESP is a pump powered by an electric motor
suspended down hole on a tubing string. The pump receives power from a cable
secured to the exterior of the tubing. Your surface location only requires a
power transformer and switchboard.. typically most are a 12 volt pump.
Due to these simple requirements, the
electrical submersible pump is a popular choice for space limited applications
such as offshore facilities. They are also used in locations where a large
quantity of pressurized gas is not available for a gas lift system. Typically
Advantages of
the ESP - Electrical Submersible Pump are:
No Sucker Rods or associated issues
Fewer moving parts than reciprocating type pump
Can be applied in deviated or slant hole application
Insignificant above ground footprint
Possible weight savings, especially when weight of power
generating equipment can be ignored
Operational cost savings possible by using VFD controller to
match power requirements
May have a lower life cycle cost in shallow operations
Disadvantages to
the Electric Submersible Pump are:
Limited operational life of a complicated system
The pump itself is a centrifugal type that can be damaged by
solids or debris, protective shrouds are used over the fluid intakes to
prevent this from occurring
Exposure to large volumes of free gas can cause cavitation
damage to impellers
Exposure to large volumes of free gas can cause overheating
Low mass flow rates will cause overheating
High temperature formations will shorten life of motor
winding insulation (shorten motor life)
Electrical power surges from lightning strikes can damage
electrical components
Expenses associated with copper wire, deeper installation
require more copper per foot than a shallow installation
Pump pulling involves a extra work in pulling and stacking
wire in tandem with production tubing
