Wave Spring Dampening Thrust Runner Vibration in ESP

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrical submersible well pumps (ESP) experience vibration at high rotational speeds, leading to component fatigue and potential motor lubricant contamination by well fluid, which can cause motor failure.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of radially compressible wave springs between the thrust runner and the shaft, and between the screw pump and the shaft, to reduce vibrations and prevent well fluid migration into the motor lubricant.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the shaft operates at high rotational speeds to increase productivity, then the pump output increases, but vibration occurs causing component fatigue and potential motor failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump outputVSAvoidcomponent fatigue resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A vibration dampener is pre-installed on the shaft between the thrust runner and the shaft to provide cushioning before vibration damage occurs. The dampener includes a dampening element positioned within a recess, ready to absorb and dissipate vibrational energy that arises during high-speed operation, thereby preventing component fatigue while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Productivity

If the shaft operates at high rotational speeds to increase productivity, then the pump output increases, but vibration causes well fluid leakage into the motor lubricant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump outputVSAvoidwell fluid leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration dampener is installed in advance on the shaft to cushion against vibrations before they can cause seal failure and well fluid leakage. By absorbing vibrational energy during normal high-speed operation, the dampener prevents the conditions that lead to seal deterioration and subsequent contamination of motor lubricant by well fluid

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration dampener acts as an intermediary element between the thrust runner and the shaft, absorbing and dissipating vibrational energy before it can propagate through the system and cause harmful effects such as seal failure and well fluid leakage into the motor lubricant

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If a rigid connection is used between the thrust runner and the shaft to maintain structural strength, then assembly is simple, but vibration is amplified causing component failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidvibration resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a completely rigid connection, a vibration dampener with dampening elements is installed between the thrust runner and the shaft. This provides structural strength while simultaneously cushioning against vibrations, preventing the amplification of vibrational forces that would lead to component failure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between the thrust runner and the shaft is changed from completely rigid to semi-rigid by incorporating vibration dampening elements. This parameter change allows the connection to maintain structural strength while introducing vibration absorption capabilities, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 wave springs effectively dampen vibrations, reducing the risk of component fatigue and motor lubricant contamination, thereby enhancing the reliability and longevity of the ESP system.

Implementation Method 1

a radially compressible vibration dampening ring between the thrust runner and the shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration dampening: Damping

Implementation Method 2

radially compressible wave springs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3969723B1Thrust runner vibration dampening spring in electrical submersible pump

Publication Date: 2024.03.06 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

A submersible pump assembly (11) has a seal section (19) between the motor (17) and the well fluid pump (12), the seal section having a housing (25), a shaft (21) and a thrust bearing unit. The thrust bearing unit includes a thrust runner (35) mounted to the shaft that rotates against a thrust bearing base (33) fixed in the housing. An annular, metal thrust runner wave spring (51) has an inner diameter surface (73) in contact with the shaft and an outer diameter surface (71) in contact with the runner bore (68). The wave spring has a transverse width between the inner diameter surface and the outer diameter surface that is elastically deflectable, exerting an inward bias force against the shaft and an outward bias force against the runner bore.