Gas Purging System for Electric Submersible Pump Thrust Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Excess gas accumulation between the thrust bearing and thrust runner in electric submersible pumping systems leads to wear and potential failure, as existing systems are inadequate in effectively removing gas from these sensitive regions.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a gas purging system that operates during the rotation of the submersible pump's shaft to move gas away from the thrust bearing section to a collection region, utilizing features like helical grooves along the shaft for centrifugal separation and gravity separation in a sump chamber, with baffles and gas discharge passages to vent the gas externally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas purging system is integrated into electric submersible pumping system, then gas removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas purging system is integrated into the existing electric submersible pumping system by utilizing the motor housing and shaft structures. The helical grooves are formed directly on the shaft, and the gas collection chamber is incorporated within the motor housing, merging gas removal functionality with existing structural elements to minimize additional complexity while improving gas removal effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft serves multiple functions: it transmits rotational power to the pump and simultaneously acts as a gas pumping element through its helical grooves. The motor housing also serves dual purposes as both the motor enclosure and the gas collection chamber, reducing the need for separate dedicated gas removal components
2Reliability
If helical grooves are formed on the shaft for centrifugal separation, then gas separation efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The helical grooves on the shaft utilize centrifugal force generated during rotation to separate gas from liquid. As the shaft rotates, the helical grooves create a pumping action that moves gas-laden liquid from the thrust bearing region toward the gas collection chamber, where centrifugal separation occurs, efficiently removing gas without complex mechanical separation devices
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
Effectively removes gas from the thrust bearing section, preventing damage and failure by ensuring a stable fluid film between the thrust runner and thrust bearing, enhancing the operational reliability of the electric submersible pumping system.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing features like helical grooves along the shaft for centrifugal separation
Implementation Method 2
gravity separation in a sump chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates removal of gas from a gas-sensitive region in an electric submersible pumping system. A gas purging system is integrated into the electric submersible pumping system. During operation of the electric submersible pumping system, the gas purging system also is operated to move gas away from the gas-sensitive region, e.g. a thrust bearing region, and to a collection region or other suitable region. In some embodiments, the gas which accumulates in a collection region may be discharged to a region external of the electric submersible pumping system.