Experimental Analysis on the Velocity of Oil Drops in Oil–Water Two-Phase Flows in Electrical Submersible Pump Impellers

2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodolfo Marcilli Perissinotto ◽  
William Monte Verde ◽  
Jorge Luiz Biazussi ◽  
Marcelo Souza de Castro ◽  
Antonio Carlos Bannwart
Keyword(s):  
Water Flow ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Water Flow Rate ◽  
Submersible Pump ◽  
Complex Flow ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Water Dispersion ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Oil In Water ◽  
Electrical Submersible Pump

The objective of this research is to investigate the velocity of oil drops within the impeller of an electrical submersible pump (ESP) working with oil-in-water dispersion flows at different operational conditions. An experimental study was conducted using an ESP prototype with a transparent shell designed to enable flow visualization within the impeller channels. The tests were performed at three rotational speeds, 600, 900, and 1200 rpm, for three water flow rates, 80%, 100%, and 120% of the best efficiency point (BEP). A high-speed camera (HSC) with a lighting set captured images of the oil-in-water dispersion at 1000 frames per second. The images observation suggests the presence of a turbulent flow in the impeller. The turbulence, associated with high rotation Reynolds numbers, causes the oil drops to become smaller as the impeller rotational speed and the water flow rate increase. Despite this rotating environment, the oil drops generally have a spherical shape. Regarding the kinematics, the images processing reveals that the velocity of oil drops has a magnitude around a unit of m/s. The velocity depends on the oil drop position in the channel: oil drops that stay close to a suction blade (SB) have significantly higher velocities than oil drops that stay close to a pressure blade (PB). Considering a complex flow with water velocity profiles and pressure gradients, the analysis of oil velocity curves indicates the occurrence of accelerations that may be caused by drag and pressure forces acting on the oil drops.

Experimental Visualization of Two Phase Flow Inside an Electrical Submersible Pump Stage

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lissett Barrios ◽  
Mauricio Gargaglione Prado
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Two Phase Flow ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Bubble Diameter ◽  
Phase Flow ◽  
Submersible Pump ◽  
Bubble Behavior ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Electrical Submersible Pump

Dynamic multiphase flow behavior inside a mixed flow Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) has been studied experimentally and theoretically for the first time. The overall objectives of this study are to determine the flow patterns and bubble behavior inside the ESP and to predict the operational conditions that cause surging. An experimental facility has been designed and constructed to enable flow pattern visualization inside the second stage of a real ESP. Special high speed instrumentation was selected to acquire visual flow dynamics and bubble size measurements inside the impeller channel. Experimental data was acquired utilizing two types of tests (surging test and bubble diameter measurement test) to completely evaluate the pump behavior at different operational conditions. A similarity analysis performed for single-phase flow inside the pump concluded that viscosity effects are negligible compared to the centrifugal field effects for rotational speeds higher than 600 rpm. Therefore, the two-phase flow tests were performed for rotational speeds of 600, 900, 1200, and 1500 rpm. Results showed formation of a large gas pocket at the pump intake during surging conditions.

Experimental Visualization of Two-Phase Flow Inside an Electrical Submersible Pump Stage

2011 ◽  
Vol 133 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lissett Barrios ◽  
Mauricio Gargaglione Prado
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Two Phase Flow ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Bubble Diameter ◽  
Phase Flow ◽  
Submersible Pump ◽  
Bubble Behavior ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Electrical Submersible Pump

Dynamic multiphase flow behavior inside a mixed flow electrical submersible pump (ESP) has been studied experimentally and theoretically for the first time. The overall objectives of this study are to determine the flow patterns and bubble behavior inside the ESP and to predict the operational conditions that cause surging. An experimental facility has been designed and constructed to enable flow pattern visualization inside the second stage of a real ESP. Special high-speed instrumentation was selected to acquire visual flow dynamics and bubble size measurements inside the impeller channel. Experimental data were acquired utilizing two types of tests (surging test and bubble diameter measurement test) to completely evaluate the pump behavior at different operational conditions. A similarity analysis performed for single-phase flow inside the pump concluded that viscosity effects are negligible compared to the centrifugal field effects for rotational speeds higher than 600 rpm. Therefore, the two-phase flow tests were performed for a rotational speeds of 600, 900, 1200, and 1500 rpm. Results showed formation of a large gas pocket at the pump intake during surging conditions.

Experimental Characterization of a Modified Airlift Pump

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Afshin Goharzadeh ◽  
Keegan Fernandes
Keyword(s):  
Water Flow ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Water Flow Rate ◽  
High Speed Photography ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Inner Diameter ◽  
Airlift Pump ◽  
Flow Map ◽  
Churn Flow

This paper presents an experimental investigation on a modified airlift pump. Experiments were undertaken as a function of air-water flow rate for two submergence ratios (ε=0.58 and 0.74), and two different riser geometries (i) straight pipe with a constant inner diameter of 19 mm and (ii) enlarged pipe with a sudden expanded diameter of 19 to 32 mm. These transparent vertical pipes, of 1 m length, were submerged in a transparent rectangular tank (0.45×0.45×1.1 m3). The compressed air was injected into the vertical pipe to lift the water from the reservoir. The flow map regime is established for both configurations and compared with previous studies. The two phase air-water flow structure at the expansion region is experimentally characterized. Pipeline geometry is found to have a significant influence on the output water flow rate. Using high speed photography and electrical conductivity probes, new flow regimes, such as “slug to churn” and “annular to churn” flow, are observed and their influence on the output water flow rate and efficiency are discussed. These experimental results provide fundamental insights into the physics of modified airlift pump.

Modeling Two-Phase Flow Inside an Electrical Submersible Pump Stage

2011 ◽  
Vol 133 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lissett Barrios ◽  
Mauricio Gargaglione Prado
Keyword(s):  
Drag Coefficient ◽  
Bubble Size ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Mechanistic Model ◽  
Force Balance ◽  
Submersible Pump ◽  
Bubble Behavior ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Electrical Submersible Pump

Dynamic multiphase flow behavior inside a mixed flow electrical submersible pump (ESP) has been studied experimentally and theoretically for the first time. The overall objectives of this study are to determine the flow patterns and bubble behavior inside the ESP and to predict the operational conditions that cause surging. The theoretical study includes a mechanistic model for the prediction of the flow behavior inside the pump. The model comprises a one-dimensional force balance to predict occurrence of the stagnant bubbles at the channel intake. This model depends on two important variables, namely the stagnant bubble size and the bubble drag coefficient. The bubble size has been measured and a physically based correlation is presented. A new correlation for the drag coefficient is proposed as a function of rotational speed and Reynolds number. The model enables the prediction of the operational envelope of the ESP, namely the transition to surging.

Visualization of Oil Droplets Within ESP Impellers

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodolfo Marcilli Perissinotto ◽  
William Monte Verde ◽  
Jorge Luiz Biazussi ◽  
Marcelo Souza de Castro ◽  
Antonio Carlos Bannwart
Keyword(s):  
Water Flow ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Average Velocity ◽  
Rotation Speed ◽  
Water Flow Rate ◽  
Oil Droplets ◽  
Drag Forces ◽  
Electrical Submersible Pump ◽  
Velocity Changes

The objective of this research is to investigate the path of oil drops within an Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) impeller, to evaluate its size and velocity as function of water flow rate and the ESP rotation speed. An experimental study was conducted at University of Campinas - Brazil with an ESP prototype designed to allow flow visualization within the impeller through a transparent shell. A high-speed camera with lighting set captures images of the oil droplets at a rate of 1000 frames per second. The set of data was performed at three rotational speeds — 600 rpm, 900 rpm and 1200 rpm — for three water flow rates — 80%, 100% and 120% of the best efficiency point (BEP). The results reveal that the oil drops become smaller when the rotational speed increases. The same behavior is noticed when the water flow rate increases. Generally, the oil droplets have spherical and elliptical shapes that change as function of their position inside the impeller channel. Furthermore, the drops have random trajectories, but a pattern can be detected in three cases: droplets near the pressure blade, droplets near the suction blade and droplets that move from the suction blade to the pressure blade. The average velocity of the oil droplets that move near the suction blade is significantly higher than the average velocity of the droplets that move near the pressure blade. Velocity changes as function of the impeller radius suggest different accelerations that may be caused by drag forces and pressure forces. The size of the oil drops has no significant influence on their velocities.

Modeling Two Phase Flow Inside an Electrical Submersible Pump Stage

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lissett Barrios ◽  
Mauricio Gargaglione Prado
Keyword(s):  
Drag Coefficient ◽  
Bubble Size ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Mechanistic Model ◽  
Force Balance ◽  
Submersible Pump ◽  
Bubble Behavior ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Electrical Submersible Pump

Dynamic multiphase flow behavior inside a mixed flow Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) has been studied experimentally and theoretically for the first time. The overall objectives of this study are to determine the flow patterns and bubble behavior inside the ESP and to predict the operational conditions that cause surging. The theoretical study includes a mechanistic model for the prediction of the flow behavior inside the pump. The model comprises a one-dimensional force balance to predict occurrence of the stagnant bubbles at the channel intake. This model depends on two important variables, namely the stagnant bubble size and the bubble drag coefficient. The bubble size has been measured and a physically based correlation is presented. A new correlation for the drag coefficient is proposed as a function of rotational speed and Reynolds number. The model enables the prediction of the operational envelope of the ESP, namely the transition to surging.

scholarly journals Multiphase gas-flow model of an electrical submersible pump

2018 ◽  
Vol 73 ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Diana Marcela Martinez Ricardo ◽  
German Efrain Castañeda Jiménez ◽  
Janito Vaqueiro Ferreira ◽  
Pablo Siqueira Meirelles
Keyword(s):  
Gas Flow ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Learning Algorithm ◽  
Estimation Error ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Support Vector ◽  
System Response ◽  
Submersible Pump ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Electrical Submersible Pump

Various artificial lifting systems are used in the oil and gas industry. An example is the Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP). When the gas flow is high, ESPs usually fail prematurely because of a lack of information about the two-phase flow during pumping operations. Here, we develop models to estimate the gas flow in a two-phase mixture being pumped through an ESP. Using these models and experimental system response data, the pump operating point can be controlled. The models are based on nonparametric identification using a support vector machine learning algorithm. The learning machine’s hidden parameters are determined with a genetic algorithm. The results obtained with each model are validated and compared in terms of estimation error. The models are able to successfully identify the gas flow in the liquid-gas mixture transported by an ESP.

scholarly journals New correlations for predicting two-phase electrical submersible pump performance under downhole conditions using field data

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thuy Chu ◽  
Tan C. Nguyen ◽  
Jihoon Wang ◽  
Duc Vuong
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Performance Curve ◽  
Submersible Pump ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Pump Performance ◽  
Free Gas ◽  
Electrical Submersible Pump

AbstractElectrical Submersible Pump (ESP) is one of the major Artificial Lift methods that is reliable and effective for pumping high volume of fluids from wellbores. However, ESP is not recommended for applications with high gas liquid ratio. The presence of free gas inside the pump causes pump performance degradation which may lead to problems or even failure during operations. Thus, it is important to investigate effect of free gas on ESP performance under downhole conditions. At present, existing models or correlations are based on/verified with experimental data. This study is one of the first attempts to develop correlations for predicting two-phase gas–liquid pump performance under downhole conditions by using field data and laboratory data. Field data from three oil producing wells provided by Strata Production Company and Perdure Petroleum LLC. as well as experimental data obtained from experimental facility at Production and Drilling Research Project—New Mexico Tech were used in this study. Actual two-phase pump differential pressure per stage is obtained from experiments or estimated from field data and was normalized using pump performance curve. The values are compared to pump performance curve to study the relationships between pump performance and free gas percentage at pump intake. Correlations to predict ESP performance in two-phase flow under downhole and experimental conditions was derived from the results using regression technique. The correlation developed from field data presented in this study can be used to predict two-phase ESP performance under downhole conditions and under high gas fraction. The results from the experimental data confirm the reliability of the developed correlation using field data to predict two-phase ESP performance under downhole conditions. The developed correlation using the laboratory data predicts quite well the two-phase pump performance at the gas fraction of less than 15% while it is no longer reliable when free gas fraction is more than 15%. The findings from this study will help operating companies as well as ESP manufacturers to operate ESPs within the recommended range under downhole conditions. However, it is recommended to use the proposed correlation on reservoirs with conditions similar to those of the three presented wells.

Flow over a stepped chute with and without macro-roughness elements

2004 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 880-891 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Ali Kökpinar
Keyword(s):  
Water Flow ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Length Distribution ◽  
Air Entrainment ◽  
Air Concentration ◽  
Bubble Frequency ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Air Bubble ◽  
Roughness Elements ◽  
Stepped Chute

High-speed two-phase flows over a 30° stepped flume were experimentally investigated using macro-roughness elements. The roughness elements included combinations of steps and horizontal strips. Local values of air concentration, air bubble frequency, and mean chord lengths were measured by a fiber-optical instrumentation system in the air–water flow region. The range of unit discharge of water was varied from 0.06 to 0.20 m2/s. Three step configurations were studied: (i) without macro-roughness elements, (ii) with macro-roughness elements on each step, and (iii) with macro-roughness elements on each second step (AMR configuration). The results were compared in terms of onset flow conditions and internal air–water flow parameters such as local air concentration, mean air bubble chord length distribution, and air bubble frequency in the skimming flow regime. It was observed that the AMR configuration produced the maximum free-surface aeration among the other configurations. This alternative step geometry has potential for less cavitation damage than conventional step geometry because of the greater air entrainment.Key words: stepped chute, air-entrainment, air-water flow properties, macro-roughness elements, skimming flow.

Influences of Impeller Diameter and Diffuser Blades on Air-Water Two-Phase Flow Performance of Centrifugal Pump

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoki Matsushita ◽  
Akinori Furukawa ◽  
Kusuo Okuma ◽  
Satoshi Watanabe
Keyword(s):  
Centrifugal Pump ◽  
Water Flow ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Rotational Speed ◽  
Flow Condition ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Two Phase Flow ◽  
Water Flow Rate ◽  
Phase Flow ◽  
Two Phase

A tandem arrangement of double rotating cascades and single diffuser cascade, proposed as a centrifugal pump with high performance in air-water two-phase flow condition, yields lower head due to the smallness of the impeller outlet in comparison with a impeller with large outlet diameter and no diffuser. Influences of impeller diameter change and installation of diffuser blades on two-phase flow performance were experimentally investigated under the case of the same volute casing. As the result, the similarity law of the diameter of impeller having the similar blade geometry and the rotational speed is satisfied even in two-phase flow condition. Comparing pump performances between a large impeller without diffuser blades and a small one with diffuser blades, higher two-phase flow performance is obtained by controlling the rotational speed of a small impeller with diffuser blades in the range of small water flow rates, while a large impeller with no diffuser gives high performance in the range of high water flow rate and small air flow rate.

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