Chapter 13: Electrical Submersible Pumps

The electrical submersible pump, typically called an ESP, is an efficient and reliable artificial-lift method for lifting moderate to high volumes of fluids from wellbores. These volumes range from a low of 150 B/D to as much as 150,000 B/D (24 to 24,600 m ³ /d). Variable-speed controllers can extend this range significantly, both on the high and low side. The ESP’s main components include: a multistaged centrifugal pump, a three-phase induction motor, a seal-chamber section, a power cable, and surface controls. The components are normally tubing hung from the wellhead with the pump on top and the motor attached below. There are special applications in which this configuration is inverted. This chapter provides a general understanding of the ESP artificial-lift method. The topics covered include: the ESP system components and accessories, principles of operation, ESP system selection and performance calculations, installation and handling, and maintenance and troubleshooting. In addition, references are given to lead the reader to more-detailed operation and performance information.