Dynamic multiphase flow behavior inside a mixed flow electrical submersible pump (ESP) has been studied experimentally and theoretically for the first time. The overall objectives of this study are to determine the flow patterns and bubble behavior inside the ESP and to predict the operational conditions that cause surging. An experimental facility has been designed and constructed to enable flow pattern visualization inside the second stage of a real ESP. Special high-speed instrumentation was selected to acquire visual flow dynamics and bubble size measurements inside the impeller channel. Experimental data were acquired utilizing two types of tests (surging test and bubble diameter measurement test) to completely evaluate the pump behavior at different operational conditions. A similarity analysis performed for single-phase flow inside the pump concluded that viscosity effects are negligible compared to the centrifugal field effects for rotational speeds higher than 600 rpm. Therefore, the two-phase flow tests were performed for a rotational speeds of 600, 900, 1200, and 1500 rpm. Results showed formation of a large gas pocket at the pump intake during surging conditions.
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e-mail: Mauricio.prado@utulsa.edu
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December 2011
Research Papers
Experimental Visualization of Two-Phase Flow Inside an Electrical Submersible Pump Stage
Mauricio Gargaglione Prado
Mauricio Gargaglione Prado
Associate Professor
Department of Petroleum Engineering,
e-mail: Mauricio.prado@utulsa.edu
The University of Tulsa
, Tulsa, OK 74104
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Lissett Barrios
Artificial Lift Engineer
Mauricio Gargaglione Prado
Associate Professor
Department of Petroleum Engineering,
The University of Tulsa
, Tulsa, OK 74104e-mail: Mauricio.prado@utulsa.edu
J. Energy Resour. Technol. Dec 2011, 133(4): 042901 (12 pages)
Published Online: November 10, 2011
Article history
Received:
March 22, 2010
Revised:
August 11, 2011
Accepted:
August 30, 2011
Online:
November 10, 2011
Published:
November 10, 2011
Citation
Barrios, L., and Prado, M. G. (November 10, 2011). "Experimental Visualization of Two-Phase Flow Inside an Electrical Submersible Pump Stage." ASME. J. Energy Resour. Technol. December 2011; 133(4): 042901. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4004966
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