An analysis of reliability of electric submersible centrifugal pumps

Abstract

The average operating time before structural and technological failures of the submersible part of a typical ESP is 64.5–81.9% of the average operating time of new ESPs. Given that the set of typical ESPs includes a significant share of repaired and mixed (equipped with new and refurbished units) installations, this fact can be interpreted as evidence of poor quality of repair. The data obtained from Tatneft and Bashneft companies agree with this conclusion. The data provided by Nizhnevartovskneftegaz company do not contradict this conclusion. The high values of Ttkt obtained by Rosneft-Samaraneftegaz are a consequence of poor identification of the causes of ESP lifting during control operations, as a result of which some failures are treated as design and technological ones.