Circulation Pump Cooling Mechanical Face Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
In submersible well pump assemblies, the heat generated at the mechanical face seal interface due to rotational sliding engagement is not adequately transferred, leading to insufficient cooling and reduced seal life.
Innovation Solution
A circulation pump is integrated within the seal section, rotating with the shaft, which draws well fluid and discharges it around the mechanical face seal, enhancing cooling by circulating fluid past the seal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mechanical face seal operates with rotational sliding engagement, then sealing function is achieved, but heat is generated at the interface leading to insufficient cooling
Solution Approach 1:
A circulation pump is introduced as an intermediary device within the seal section to actively transport well fluid past the mechanical face seal interface. This mediator facilitates enhanced heat transfer by continuously bringing cooled fluid into contact with the hot seal surfaces, thereby resolving the thermal accumulation problem while preserving the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs hydraulic principles by utilizing well fluid circulation through the seal section. The circulation pump creates a controlled fluid flow that passes over the mechanical face seal, leveraging the hydraulic properties of the fluid to remove heat from the seal interface and maintain acceptable operating temperatures.
2Temperature
If a circulation pump is added to enhance cooling, then seal temperature is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump is merged with the existing seal section structure, integrating the cooling function into the sealing assembly. By combining these functions within the same structural envelope and utilizing the existing well fluid environment, the design minimizes additional complexity while achieving effective seal cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation pump serves multiple functions: it enhances cooling of the mechanical face seal, maintains fluid circulation within the seal section, and utilizes the existing well fluid medium. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated cooling systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The circulation of well fluid effectively increases the cooling of the mechanical face seal, thereby extending its lifespan and improving the overall performance of the submersible pump assembly.
Implementation Method 1
Heat produced at the interface transfers through the head of the seal section and through the lubricant
Implementation Method 2
The circulation pump is mounted to the shaft and within the seal section for rotation therewith. The circulation pump has a discharge that discharges fluid around the shaft seal
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical submersible pump assembly includes a production pump, a motor containing a motor lubricant, and a seal section coupled between the motor and the pump. A drive shaft extends through the seal section, the drive shaft being rotated by the motor for driving the production pump. A mechanical face seal in the seal section seals around the shaft. A circulation pump is mounted to the shaft above the face seal for rotation therewith. An inlet passage leads from an exterior of the seal section to the circulation pump to deliver well fluid to the circulation pump. An outlet passage leads from the circulation pump to the exterior of the seal section to discharge well fluid exterior of the seal section. The rotating component of the face seal is located in the outlet passage.