Category Archives: Artificial Lift

To get the most out of your Artificial Lift System, you need to understand how it works and how it should be maintained for optimal performance.

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Total Dynamic Head Calculation

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In this article “ Total Dynamic Head Calculation ”, the concept of the dynamic head is further detailed. As discussed in the previous article titled: “Total Dynamic Head (TDH)”, TDH is the sum of three basic components:

  1. Net Vertical Lift (NL) = is the net distance where the fluid must be lifted,
  2. Tubing Friction Loss (TFL) = Flow disturbance in the tubing string during pumping process,
  3. Tubing Head Pressure (THP) = Pressure which the unit must pump against (back pressure caused by choking on well head).

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Total Dynamic Head (TDH)

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To properly select the pump, well performance must be estimated. Fundamentally, well performance estimates define what additional energy (i.e., volumetric flow rate and differential pressure or head) must be supplied by the pump to deliver a desired stock tank flow rate (API RP11 S4).

It is common to simplify the procedure by combining or summarizing the additional energy that the pump must supply into a single term, Total Dynamic Head (TDH). TDH is a summation of the net vertical distance fluid must be lifted from an operating fluid level in the well, the frictional pressure drop in the tubing and the desired wellhead pressure.

TDH = HD + HF + HT

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Variable Frequency Drive Basics

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In this article, Variable Frequency Drive (also, named: Variable Speed Drive) basics are presented in a simple and easy way with explanation graphs. To understand how the Frequency Speed Controller operates, it is necessary to understand how the VSD supplies variable voltage and frequency for speed control.

The below block diagram illustration depicts a typical three-phase AC variable speed drive system. It has three main components: an Operator Control, a Drive Controller, and an AC Motor.

An Operator Control device provides a means to start and stop the motor and adjust the operating speed. The Drive Controller consists of a variety of components that work together to convert an AC input into a frequency and voltage output necessary to change the speed of an AC motor.

Main sections of a Variable Frequency Drive:

The converter section:

This section converts the incoming 3-phase AC voltage to DC voltage. The converter is essentially a 3-phase, full wave rectifier with Silicon Control Rectifiers, a specialized type of control diode, in the bridge.

The following video explains what SCR is and how it works:

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Introduction to transformer: How it works?

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The transformer is used to convert the incoming voltage at the location to the correct voltage (for the submersible motor in case of ESP). Transformer selection is based on mainly 4 parameters:

  • Power rating in KVA (Kilo Volt Amperes),
  • Primary voltage,
  • Secondary voltage,
  • Tap arrangement.

Power rating in KVA for three phase transformer:

The calculation of power rating in KVA for a Three Phase Transformer is based on Winding Voltage and Amperage information. The simple formula to calculate the rating of three phase transformers is:

KVA = (√3. V x I) /1000

Refer to the post titled “How to Calculate the Required KVA Rating for three Phase Transformers? ” for more details.

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Cable Armor

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As per API RP11S5, cable armor is the outer covering of the cable which provides mechanical protection during installation and removal of cables. In addition to mechanical protection, the armor provides mechanical constraint against swelling and expansion of underlying elastomeric materials in case of any exposure to well fluids.

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