How Can you Optimise the Performance of a Progressive Cavity Pump?

Fluids are raised from the reservoir to the surface using progressive cavity pumps (PCPs), a form of artificial lift device that uses a spinning helical rotor inside a fixed stator. Because PCPs can handle high viscosity, solids, and gas-content fluids with low power consumption and little maintenance, they are frequently utilised in the oil and gas production industry.




A progressive cavity pump's (PCP) optimal performance is achieved by a combination of good design, operating, and maintenance procedures. Positive displacement pumps, or PCPs, are widely employed in a variety of sectors to pump viscous fluids. Here are some pointers to improve a PCP's performance:

Choose the Appropriate Pump

The first step in optimising a PCP's effectiveness is to choose the appropriate transfer pump for your well's conditions and production goals. It is necessary to match the pump capacity, head, torque, speed, and elastomer type with the fluid characteristics, flow rate, depth, temperature, pressure, and gas-liquid ratio of your well. To assist you in choosing the best pump for your well, software tools, pump curves, and vendor recommendations are available.

Make Sure the Pump is Installed Appropriately

The proper installation of the pump in the well is the second step toward optimising a PCP's performance. The pump must be positioned about the tubing, the stator must be fastened and centralised, the rotor must be oiled and shielded from corrosion, and the pump intake must be above any holes or sand screens. To reduce rod wear and failures, you should also use appropriate rod guides, centralizers, and couplings and refrain from bending, stretching, or twisting the rod string excessively.

Operate the Pump Effectively

Operating the pump effectively by the wells and the pump's characteristics is the third step in optimising a PCP's performance. To attain the intended flow rate and pressure, you must modify the pump's power, torque, and speed to prevent over or under-pumping the well. To maximise the pump's production and minimise its energy usage, you must also keep an eye on the pump performance indicators, which include fluid level, drawdown, pump fill age, net positive suction head, and pump efficiency.

Control the Gas Interference

Controlling gas interference, which can lower pump efficiency and result in mechanical issues, is the fourth phase in PCP performance optimization. Before the gas enters the pump, you must determine the source and volume of gas in your well and utilise the proper techniques to dissolve, vent, or separate the gas. To reduce gas interference and enhance pump performance, you can employ gas separators, gas anchors, gas vents, gas slugs, or gas bypass devices.

 

Handle the Abrasives and Solids

Handling particles and abrasives that can harm pump parts and shorten pump life is the fifth stage to maximise a PCP's performance. Before the solids and abrasives in your well reach the pump, you must measure their size, shape, concentration, and hardness. You must then employ the appropriate techniques to filter, settle, or dilute them. To help you manage the solids and abrasives and prolong the life of the pump, you can use sand screens, gravel packs, filters, or chemical treatments.

 

Regularly Maintain the Pump

Preventing breakdowns and downtime by performing routine maintenance on the pump is the last and sixth step toward optimising the operation of a PCP. In addition to following the manufacturer's instructions and recommended procedures for pump maintenance, you must examine, clean, and replace the pump's components as needed. To evaluate the condition and performance of the pump, you need also to do periodic testing, such as vibration analysis, fluid analysis, and pressure tests. You may extend the pump's lifespan and reduce the need for expensive repairs by performing routine maintenance on it.

Conclusion

Using these techniques, you may eventually increase a Progressive Cavity Pump's efficiency and lower maintenance costs by improving its performance and dependability.

Risansi offers a range of progressing cavity pumps for demanding positive displacement process applications. Our pumps provide a near-constant flow rate and suction lift capability for handling wastewater sludge, slurries, viscous and shear-thinning non-Newtonian fluids.

Check the website for more details.

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