Magnetic Field Source Prevents Ferromagnetic Particle Deposition on ESP
Solution Overview
Problem
Solid accumulation on electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) leads to efficiency reduction, wear, and failure due to friction, imbalance, and blockages, with conventional annular diverter valves introducing potential weak points and unwanted fluid circulation.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic field source is positioned above the ESP to suspend ferromagnetic particles, preventing them from settling on the pump components during a powered-off state, using either permanent magnets or an electric coil to generate a magnetic field that counteracts the weight and drag forces of these particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an annular diverter valve is used to prevent solids from accumulating on the ESP, then solids deposition is reduced, but the system introduces potential weak points and unwanted fluid circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful function of the annular diverter valve (introducing weak points and unwanted fluid circulation) while retaining the beneficial function (preventing solids deposition). This is achieved by replacing the mechanical valve system with a magnetic field-based particle separation system that eliminates the need for annular communication points and moving parts, thus removing the source of reliability issues while maintaining solids prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical annular diverter valve system with a magnetic field-based particle separation mechanism. Instead of using mechanical moving parts (flappers, sliding sleeves) to divert solids, the invention uses magnetic fields to attract and hold ferromagnetic particles, eliminating mechanical complexity and potential failure points while achieving the same protective function
2Reliability
If the ESP is shut off to allow solids to be carried out by flow, then solids deposition is reduced, but pump production stops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the magnetic field to prevent solids deposition before it occurs during pump operation. Rather than shutting down the pump to clear solids, the magnetic field continuously attracts and holds ferromagnetic particles away from the ESP components during normal operation, eliminating the need for production interruptions while maintaining both reliability and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field-based system enables continuous protection against solids deposition without requiring pump shutdowns. The magnetic field operates continuously during pump operation, continuously attracting and holding particles away from the ESP, thus maintaining both continuous production and continuous protection, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity
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
This solution effectively prevents solid accumulation on ESP components without introducing moving parts or annular communication points, ensuring continuous operation and reducing the risk of electrical cable failures and pump breakage.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field source positioned above the ESP. The magnetic field source generates a magnetic field configured to suspend iron-containing particles above a discharge of the ESP
Implementation Method 2
using either permanent magnets or an electric coil to generate a magnetic field that counteracts the weight and drag forces of these particles
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for use with an electrical submersible pump (ESP). The system includes an ESP mounted on a tubing and a magnetic field source positioned above the ESP. The magnetic field source generates a magnetic field configured to suspend iron-containing particles above a discharge of the ESP. The magnetic field prevents an accumulation of the iron-containing particles onto components of the ESP during a powered-off state of the ESP.