A modern approach to the selection of electric submersible progressing cavity pumps for the pumping production systems

Abstract Using the nodal analysis method, a wellbore pressure drop model for the pumping production systems was established by considering the effects of system parameters, such as well deviation and friction. This model can be used to determine the operating head required by a pump to lift the well liquid to the wellhead. Utilizing this calculated operating head, the rated head required for the pump can be determined, and the pump type can then be selected. A mathematical model for the pump efficiency was established by analyzing the factors that influence the efficiency. Pump performance curves were also fitted according to experimental data provided by a manufacturer, and the pump efficiency trends were analyzed. Using these pump curves along with the proposed application methods, the pump efficiency values corresponding to different pump pressures can be predicted. This method was validated using field data measured in the well sites, and the results demonstrate that the calculated and measured active pump power values had an average error of only 2.54%. The pumping efficiencies for two oil wells increased by 7% and 16.3%, respectively, after applying the proposed methods. This paper further discusses the motor and submersible cable selection processes.