Electric Submersible Pump Event Detection via Reference Signal Deviation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting failures in electric submersible pumps (ESPs) are often delayed and prone to errors, leading to increased costs and potential pump damage due to insufficient early detection and incorrect categorization of events.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for monitoring ESP operations using sensors to generate data on various parameters, processing this data with an automatic event detection algorithm to detect deviations and generate indications of events, allowing for real-time adjustments to prevent failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sensor-based monitoring methods are used to detect pumping system failures, then failure detection capability is provided, but detection timing is delayed and error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously monitoring multiple parameters and establishing reference signals before actual failures occur. The method detects deviations from reference signals and updates references proactively, enabling early warning of potential failures rather than reactive detection after failure has occurred.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing actual parameter values against established reference signals and using the results to update reference signals dynamically. This closed-loop feedback mechanism improves detection accuracy over time by adapting to changing operating conditions while maintaining reliable failure detection.
2Measurement precision
If multiple parameters are monitored with continuous reference signal updates, then detection accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by using a single processor to perform multiple functions: receiving sensor data, establishing reference signals, detecting deviations, updating references, and generating indications. This multi-functional approach achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing system complexity, as one component handles diverse monitoring tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity through parameter changes by dynamically adjusting reference signal values based on observed parameter deviations. Rather than increasing hardware complexity, the system achieves improved detection precision by adaptively changing the reference parameters themselves, allowing the same hardware to handle varying operational conditions.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If real-time parameter monitoring and automatic event detection are implemented, then operational life of ESP is prolonged, but data processing requirements and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically detecting events and generating indications without requiring external intervention or complex external processing systems. The processor within the monitoring system handles all computational tasks independently, reducing the need for additional energy-intensive external computing resources while still achieving extended ESP operational life through proactive failure prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
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.