Electric Submersible Pump Slip Assembly Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric submersible pumps experience operational issues due to vibrations during production, which reduce their lifespan and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a slip assembly with flexible and rigid slips that engage with the wellbore wall to dampen and secure the motor, utilizing a damper to absorb kinetic energy and prevent axial and radial vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the motor operates during production, then the pump can lift hydrocarbons, but vibrations are generated that reduce pump life and cause operational issues
Solution Approach 1:
The slip assembly acts as an intermediary between the motor and the wellbore wall. It includes a first slip with a damper that engages the wellbore wall to dampen vibrations, and a second slip that secures the assembly to the wall, thereby isolating the motor from harmful vibrations while maintaining operational productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The damper in the first slip provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and dissipating vibration energy before it can propagate through the motor and pump components. This preventive measure reduces operational issues and extends pump life without affecting the lifting capability
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid securing methods are used to fix the motor to the wellbore, then axial movement is prevented, but vibrations are amplified
Solution Approach 1:
The slip assembly differentiates between axial and radial directions: the second slip provides rigid securing to prevent axial movement, while the first slip with damper provides flexible vibration damping for radial vibrations. This localized quality approach stabilizes position without amplifying vibrations
Solution Approach 2:
The slip assembly combines rigid components (second slip for securing) with flexible damping materials (first slip with damper) to create a composite structure that simultaneously prevents axial movement and dampens vibrations
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
Reduces operational issues and extends the run life of the electric submersible pump by effectively damping vibrations, maintaining normal operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The first slip is flexible and engages, with the second slip set, the wall of the wellbore to dampen a vibration of the motor
Implementation Method 2
The damper absorbs the kinetic energy released by the motor while vibrating
Implementation Method 3
The first slip is flexible and engages, with the second slip set, the wall of the wellbore to dampen a vibration of the motor
Data Source
AI summary
An electric submersible pump assembly that has a motor, a pump, and a slip assembly. The pump is driven by the motor to flow production fluid up the wellbore through a wellbore string. The slip assembly is attached to the electric submersible pump assembly and resides downhole of the motor. The slip assembly has a first slip and a second slip. The first slip is coupled to the electric submersible pump assembly at or downhole of the motor. The first slip is flexible and engages, with the second slip set, the wall of the wellbore to dampen a vibration of the motor. The second slip is coupled to the electric submersible pump assembly at or downhole of the motor, and is set on a wall of the wellbore, securing the electric submersible pump assembly to the wall of the wellbore.