Submersible Pump Thrust Pad Bypass Channel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In electric submersible pumping systems, the flow of fluids containing solids through the thrust device accelerates wear of thrust pad and thrust washer components due to abrasive particles like sand, leading to premature wear and reduced pump efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A bypass channel is implemented to route the secondary fluid flow from the impeller tip to the inlet, bypassing the thrust device, thereby reducing the exposure of thrust device components to solids and minimizing abrasive wear, with features such as thrust washer retaining structures further preventing solid entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If fluid flows through the thrust device to maintain pressure balance, then pressure equilibrium is achieved, but abrasive wear of thrust pad and thrust washer increases due to solids in the fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow path is segmented into two separate channels: a primary flow path for main fluid circulation and a secondary bypass flow path that avoids the thrust device. This segmentation allows pressure balance to be maintained while preventing solids from contacting the thrust pad and thrust washer, thereby resolving the contradiction between pressure equilibrium and wear resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
A bypass channel acts as an intermediary flow path that redirects fluid containing solids away from the thrust device. The bypass channel serves as a mediator that maintains the necessary pressure differential while protecting the thrust components from direct exposure to abrasive particles, thus resolving the wear issue while preserving pressure balance.
2Stress or pressure
If thrust device components are exposed to fluid containing solids, then pressure balance is maintained, but the lifespan of thrust pad and thrust washer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is divided into separate segments, with the bypass channel providing a dedicated route for solids-laden fluid that circumvents the thrust device. This segmentation enables the thrust components to remain protected while the pressure balance function is maintained through controlled fluid flow in the primary path.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful solids-containing flow is extracted from the main flow path and directed through the bypass channel, separating the pressure-balancing function from the solids transport function. This extraction protects the thrust device components from wear while maintaining necessary pressure equilibrium.
3Device complexity
If no bypass channel is provided, then the structure is simpler, but abrasive wear of thrust device components accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The addition of a bypass channel segments the flow path into distinct routes, creating a more complex but functional structure. This segmentation provides a dedicated protective pathway that prevents solids from contacting the thrust device, thereby improving reliability and wear resistance at the cost of increased structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass channel serves as an intermediary structure that mediates between the simple structural design and the need for wear protection. By introducing this intermediate flow path, the system achieves improved reliability without requiring complete redesign of the entire pump structure.
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
The bypass channel significantly reduces the abrasive wear of thrust device components, extending their lifespan and maintaining pump efficiency even when pumping fluids with solids, by minimizing the flow through the thrust device.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure drop occurs between a tip of the impeller and an inlet of the impeller and causes fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates operation of a pump, such as a submersible pump in an electric submersible pumping system. The pump has a sequential diffuser and impeller which are operationally engaged via a thrust device. In some embodiments, the diffuser and impeller also are operationally engaged via a front seal. A bypass channel is used to route a flow of fluid from a tip region of the impeller to an inlet region of the impeller without passing through the thrust device during operation of the pump.