A Refined Technique for Predicting the Energy Efficiency of Small High-Speed Submersible Centrifugal Oil Pumps

The presented research examines the impact of the high viscosity factor of the pumped liquid on the performance characteristics of oil well centrifugal pumps. It aims to develop a refined semi-empirical technique for predicting the performance curves of small-sized oil submersible pumps, specifically at the working stages of a series of electrical submersible centrifugal pumps (ESPs), taking into account the influence of high rotation speeds. To solve this problem, experimental research methods were employed, and a computational-analytical approach was developed based on the fundamental laws of hydrodynamics. The article also presents scientific substantiation of the influence of the high rotation speed factor on the degree of proportionality of changes in the energy efficiency of pumping highly viscous liquids by small pump stages, using similarity laws. As a result, a calculation technique was proposed, which contains empirical coefficients determined experimentally. As a result, a comprehensive technique was developed to predict the performance characteristics of high-speed ESPs when pumping highly viscous liquids. Practical recommendations for industrial applications were also provided. Overall, the essential problem of coordinating the operational characteristics of submersible oil pumps and wells was solved by adjusting the rotation speed, thereby reducing the impact of the pumped viscous medium on the pumping parameters. Based on the research results, the operating characteristic ranges for the corresponding standard-size series submersible centrifugal oil pumps were determined, for which the developed refined technique provided reliable calculation results.