Electric Submersible Pumps in the Oil and Gas Industry

Written by Steve Breit and Neil Ferrier, Wood Group ESP, Inc.

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Surface Applications

Electric submersible pump (ESP) systems are now providing specific solutions to a wide range of surface fluid-movement applications. These systems feature a direct-drive, multistage centrifugal design suited for most high-pressure, low- to medium volume and environmentally sensitive applications. Building on the rugged oil field ESP technology, these surface pumping systems (SPS) (Figure 3) have developed a reputation as an alternative to vertical turbine, split-case (SC) and positive displacement (PD) pumps.

Table 2 provides a comparison of the SPS to both positive displacement reciprocating and centrifugal split-case (SC) pumps. While some of the issues listed impact initial design considerations, others provide a comparison of long-term operational differences.

Offering a low surface profile coupled with quiet vibration-free operation, these surface pumps can be electric-, gas- or diesel-powered. They can typically handle up to 2000-gpm (64,000-bfpd) and discharge pressures ranging up to 6000-psi. They feature design flexibility that facilitates onsite installation and maintenance with minimal site preparation.

SPS technology has proven effective for numerous fluid-handling applications in the petroleum industries, including:

Produced water injection
Produced water disposal
Waterflood injection
Wash water circulation
Pipeline booster
CO2 flood injection/booster
Crude oil transfer
NGL/propane, ethane, amine and other gas services
Condensate transfer
FPSO fluid handling
Power fluid pumps for downhole jet/hydraulic pumps

Conclusion

As system design engineers and operators evaluate costs, maintenance requirements, environmental impact, efficiency and flexibility, they are finding more applications where multistage centrifugal pumping systems provide advantages for downhole and surface applications.

Steve Breit is the vice president of technology, Wood Group ESP, Inc., 5500 S.E. 59th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73135.

Neil Ferrier is the general manager of surface pumping systems, Wood Group ESP, Inc., 19416 Park Row, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77084, www.woodgroup.com.

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