Electric Submersible Pump Shift Detection via Pressure Averages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Oil and gas production systems face challenges in accurately controlling flow rates in electric submersible pumps due to high pressures and long wellbores, leading to undetected shifts in tubing pressure differences that can result in downtime and potential pump damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that monitor electric submersible pumps by analyzing data streams for tubing pressure differences, drive frequency, and volts/hertz ratios to automatically detect shifts by calculating leading and lagging averages and sending signals for validation and potential offset adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional manual detection methods are used for shifts, then system complexity is reduced, but detection reliability and response time deteriorate leading to downtime and pump damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects shifts by comparing leading and lagging averages of differential tubing pressure without requiring manual intervention. The processor autonomously identifies when the difference exceeds a threshold and triggers appropriate responses, enabling the system to monitor and correct itself
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors differential tubing pressure and provides feedback by comparing current readings with historical averages. When deviations exceed predetermined thresholds, the system generates alerts and can automatically adjust pump operations to maintain optimal performance
2Loss of time
If automatic shift detection is implemented, then detection reliability improves, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates leading and lagging averages of differential tubing pressure and establishes predetermined thresholds before shifts occur. This preliminary preparation enables rapid automatic detection and response when actual shifts happen, minimizing downtime without requiring complex real-time calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring with automated electronic processing. A processor automatically compares pressure data against predetermined thresholds and triggers responses, eliminating the need for manual detection while managing complexity through software-based solutions
3Productivity
If manual shift detection is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases due to undetected shifts causing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors differential tubing pressure and detects shifts without manual intervention. When shifts are detected, the system can automatically trigger responses such as alerts or pump adjustments, maintaining continuous production and maximizing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously feedbacks on pump performance by monitoring differential tubing pressure and comparing it with established baselines. This automated feedback loop enables rapid detection of shifts and immediate corrective actions, maintaining optimal productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method and apparatus for monitoring an electric submersible pump and detecting a shift are disclosed. A leading and a lagging average over a predetermined period of time may be determined for a data stream obtained from an oil and gas production system, and a difference between the leading average and the lagging average may be used to detect a shift.