Abstract
The main objective of this paper is to investigate the condition monitoring based on electric signature analysis for electric submersible pumps (ESPs) as introduced in our previous paper, SPE-201169-MS. While an ESP core physical concept is similar to other rotary electric machinery, they have unique features which make their selection, installation and operation different than typical rotating equipment applications. For the purpose of this study, a scale-down ESP system and flow loop was utilized to replicate an actual ESP application. Condition monitoring of the ESP was completed with mechanically and electrically induced vibrations and compare the results vis-à-vis those obtained by a common vibration analysis method. Furthermore, by running the ESP at various operation points, we show how the mechanical and electrical efficiency of the pump, induction motor and variable frequency drive are intertwined. This observation may suggest an interesting insight for further discussion on ESP optimization.
