Electric submersible pump event detection

Abstract

A method for monitoring operation of an electric submersible pump. The method includes receiving data signals indicating values for a plurality of parameters regarding operation of the electric submersible pumping system; establishing, for at least some of the plurality of parameters, an associated reference signal; and detecting a deviation of one of the parameters from the reference signal associated with that parameter. As a result of the deviation having a rate of change below a predetermined threshold, the method includes updating the value of the reference signal to reflect the deviation. As a result of the deviation having a rate of change above the predetermined threshold, the method includes detecting an event and generating an indication of the event. The indication of the event further depends on a type of the parameter and a direction of the deviation from the reference signal.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 089,480 filed Dec. 9, 2014, entitled “Electric Submersible Pump Event Detection,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.BACKGROUND[0002]Electric submersible pumps (ESPs) may be deployed for any of a variety of pumping purposes, and often comprise a submersible pump powered by a submersible motor which is protected by a motor protector. For example, where a substance (e.g., hydrocarbons in an earthen formation) does not readily flow responsive to existing natural forces, an ESP may be implemented to artificially lift the substance. If an ESP fails during operation, the ESP must be removed from the pumping environment and replaced or repaired, either of which results in a significant cost to an operator.[0003]In various applications, sensors or other detectors are used to detect pumping system failure and to output a warning r...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]Still other embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to receive data indicative of a plurality of observable parameters from one or more sensors; establish, for at least some of the plurality of parameters, an associated reference signal; detect a deviation of one of the parameters from the reference signal associated with that parameter; as a result of the deviation having a rate of change below a predetermined threshold, update the value of the reference signal to reflect the deviation; and as a result of the deviation having a rate of change above the predetermined threshold, generate an indication of an event. The indication of the event depends on a type of the parameter and a direction of the deviation from the reference signal.

Problems solved by technology

If an ESP fails during operation, the ESP must be removed from the pumping environment and replaced or repaired, either of which results in a significant cost to an operator.

However, such techniques may not address pumping system issues soon enough and may be subject to errors.

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