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  • Electric Submersible Pumps Mohamed Dewidar 2013

    Chapter 4

    1

    Protector (Seal)

    Table of Content

    Section Content Page

    1 Seal section functions 2

    2 Seal section basic type 3

    2.1 Labyrinth seal

    2.2 Positive seal

    3 Mechanical face seal 11

    4 Axial thrust bearings 13

    5 Modular protector 17

    6 Seal operation cycle 20

    7 Application 25

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    Chapter 4

    2

    Protector (Seal)

    What is Protector?

    Protector is located between the intake/GS above, and the motor below. It serves as a vital link in the entire ESP

    system.

    It has several functions and each of them has to be considered carefully for overall system design.

    4.1. Seal Section Functions

    4.1.1. Equalize pressure

    It equalizes the pressure inside and outside of the

    system and at the same time provides room for motor oil

    thermal expansion.

    The Protector needs to balance the pressure inside the

    system and the pressure outside.

    How does it do this??

    o By maintaining a fluid interface between the motor oil and the well fluid of different specific gravity

    (labyrinth protector), if the well fluid specific gravity

    is greater than 0.85, or

    o Maintain separation of the two fluids through an elastomer bag (bag protector), if the well fluid specific gravity is

    lower than 0.85.

    o Protector is open to the well-bore, allowing the motor pressure to remain the same as that in the well annulus

    around it.

    o The labyrinth design uses the difference in specific gravity of the well fluid and the motor oil to keep them

    apart even though they are in direct contact.

    4.1.2. Absorb thrust

    Another function of the Protector is to absorb the

    thrust generated by the pump. It can either be upthrust or

    downthrust, depending on the pumping conditions.

    The seal sections position is driven by the need to support

    the pump shaft thrust load, so that none of the thrust is

    transferred to the motor thrust bearing. The seal section

    has room for a large thrust bearing with more capacity than

    is possible in the motor head (where the motor thrust

    bearing is located). Also, the seal section does not have to

    support the motor rotor weight, allowing more capacity for

    pump thrust support.

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    The thrust bearing works on hydrodynamic lubrication

    principle. The runner carrying the thrust forces is riding

    on a hydrodynamic oil film created by the relative motion

    between the runner and the bearing. There are three types of

    bearing (Reda).

    Fig (4.1) Thrust Bearing

    Standard bearing Babbitt (lead based) HL Bronze bearing - (9000 LBS 540 series, 60 HZ) HL bearing Polymer coated tilting pad bearing

    (12000 LBS 540 series, 60 HZ)

    4.1.3. Isolate motor oil

    It isolates the clean dielectric motor oil from well

    bore fluid. Preventing well fluid entry is critical for

    bearing lubrication and electric isolation strength. For

    this reason multiple redundant isolation chambers have

    become standard.

    4.1.4. Transmit torque

    One other function which the Protector carries out is

    transmission of the motor torque to the pump since it is

    physically located between the two.

    Although this may seem a little trivial, in the selection

    process we need to be certain that the Protector shaft is

    capable of delivering the full torque required without

    exceeding its yield strength which could result in a broken

    shaft.

    4.2. Seal Section Basic Types

    4.2.1. Labyrinth Type

    Fig (4.2) shows a typical labyrinth type isolation chamber in

    the lower chamber. The labyrinth design uses the difference in

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    4

    specific gravity of the well fluid and the motor oil to keep

    them apart even though they are in direct contact.

    The heavier gravity well fluid is separated by gravity.

    A U-tube design keeps the heavy well fluid going lower into the unit keeping the thrust bearing and motor full of

    clean oil. With this design, the motor oil and well fluid

    are in contact.

    The labyrinth chamber is isolated from the shaft rotation by the shaft tube so that no mixing will occur by unit turning.

    The well fluid is generally immiscible with motor oil so, even though there is a direct contact; there is no tendency

    to contaminate the motor oil.

    Fig (4.2) typical labyrinth type

    Fig (4.3) shows motor oil expansion and contraction in the

    labyrinth type (Top of unit is in contact with well fluid via

    the pump intake and bottom of unit is in direct contact with

    motor head)

    A schematic layout is shown in fig (4.4). It is referred to as

    "labyrinth" or "U tube" style chamber.

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    Typically, there is a mechanical seal located at the top of

    this chamber and mounted on the shaft. Its function is to

    prevent the well fluid from traveling directly down the shaft

    and through the chamber. The mechanical seal will be discussed

    in detail in a later section.

    Fig (4.4)

    For pressure equalization to the well annulus, a passageway is

    provided in the seal head connecting the area just above the

    mechanical face seal to the outside annular section of the

    labyrinth chamber.

    The complete fluid flow path through the chamber is shown in

    fig (4.5).

    As the temperature of the unit increases, the dielectric oil

    expands up the inner annular section formed by the shaft and

    the shaft support tube. At the top of this annulus, the

    dielectric oil migrates over to the middle annular section

    formed by the shaft support tube and middle tube. It then

    travels down this section and up the outer annular section

    formed by middle tube and the outer housing. The dielectric

    oil then travels through the passageway connecting the area

    above the mechanical face seal. Upon the contraction, the

    dielectric oil follows the reverse path through the chamber.

    During expansion mode, motor oil (dielectric oil) is being

    vented through the chamber to the well bore. As the unit cools

    down and the motor oil inside the unit contracts, fluid

    outside the chamber (well fluid) is pulled back along the flow

    path into the outer annulus of the chamber. As well fluid

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    Chapter 4

    6

    usually has a higher specific gravity than the motor oil, it

    will settle to the bottom of that annular section.

    Therefore, as the unit goes through further thermal cycling,

    the well fluid in this chamber will U-tube back and forth

    between the middle and outer annular sections. If there is a

    several expansion cycle, then the well fluid can be U-tubed

    out of the middle annulus and additional motor oil can be

    displaced by well fluid. If there is a sever contraction, well

    fluid could be pulled high enough into the middle annulus to

    flow over into the inner annulus and down into the cavity

    below the chamber.

    One weakness of this style is the fact that the two fluids

    have a common interface. With time, the motor oil will see a

    degradation of dielectric strength because of water saturation

    or wetting from the well fluid.

    Fig (4.5) flow diagram

    There are conditions when it is not convenient to use this

    type of protector:

    Well fluid,

    The heavier gravity well fluid is separated by gravity.

    A "U-tube" design keeps the heavy well fluid from going

    lower into the unit keeping the thrust bearing and motor

    full of clean motor oil.

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    7

    With this design, the motor oil and well fluid are in direct

    contact. The labyrinth chamber is isolated from the shaft

    rotation by the shaft tube so that no mixing will occur by the

    unit turning.

    The well fluid is generally immiscible with the motor oil so,

    even though there is direct contact; there is no tendency to

    contaminate the motor oil.

    When the well fluid is lighter gravity than the motor oil

    (i.e. about 0.85). The motor oil will go to the bottom of the

    chamber rather than the top causing the motor fluid to be

    replaced by well fluid pretty quickly.

    Fig (4.6) The well fluid is lighter than the dielectric oil

    Horizontal or Highly Deviated Wells.

    Labyrinth Protectors also will not work in horizontal or

    highly deviated wells. The gravity separation design requires

    the unit to be mostly upright. This Protector can operate in

    some amount of deviation but the expansion volume is somewhat

    reduced.

    Deviation from vertical at the setting depth has a significant

    effect on the expansion / contraction capacity of all

    labyrinth type chambers. In the extreme situation case the up-

    down-up labyrinth path becomes left-right-left. Needless to

    say, the usefulness of density separation in this extreme

    situation is eliminated.

    Fig (4.7) shows labyrinth chamber in 90O deviation and its

    remaining capacity. The capacity of the chamber is reduced in

    direct proportion to the deviation angle.

    It is important to make sure that the labyrinth type chambers

    have enough expansion capacity for the application at the

    installed deviation angle. If the a chamber does not have

    enough capacity, well fluid can pass the chamber in one

    thermal cycle. The amount of oil expansion / contraction at

    each isolation chamber depends upon three variables:

    1. The amount of oil below each chamber. 2. The oils coefficient of thermal expansion.

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    3. The operating thermal cycles of all oil volumes below the chamber.

    Fig (4.7) Labyrinth Type in Horizontal Position

    4.2.2. Positive Type

    Often referred to as a "bag" or "bladder" style

    chamber, this design incorporates a positive barrier between

    the well fluid and motor oil. The middle tube of the labyrinth

    style chamber is replaced with flexible membrane which seals

    around the chamber shaft support tube.

    An illustration of this chamber is shown in fig (4.8)

    Fig (4.8) positive seal

    The positive seal is applied where the well fluid and motor

    oil gravities are similar or where a well is highly deviated.

    The positive barrier style chamber has a mechanical face seal

    located on the shaft above the chamber. Its function it to

    protect the shaft radial support bushing and to prevent well

    fluid from migrating directly down the shaft and through the

    chamber. It is important to protect the shaft pushing to

    preserve the proper functioning of the mechanical face seal.

    Pressure equalization to the well annulus is provided for by a

    flow passageway communicating from the interior section of the

    membrane, to the outer section, then through the head to the

    well bore.

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    A flow diagram is shown in fig (4.9).

    On expansion, the dielectric oil travels from the area below

    this chamber, up through a communicating passageway to the

    inner annular section. At the top of this section, it flows

    into the interior section of the membrane through a set of

    communication holes located near the top the shaft support

    tube.

    After the membrane interior section is equalized or filled,

    the fluid will continue up the inner annular section to the

    communication passageway at the top of the chamber. There it

    will pass through two, low pressure check valves set in

    series, to the outer section of the chamber.

    The use of multiple check valves will enhance their functional

    reliability in case of one of them fails to seal. The fluid

    will then flow through another communication passageway to

    area above the mechanical seal.

    On contraction, the check valves remain seated and the

    flexible membrane will compensate for the volume reduction by

    collapsing inward. The pressure in the outer section is

    equalized by the flow of the well fluid back into this section

    of the chamber from the area above the face seal.

    The higher specific gravity well fluid will settle to the

    bottom of this section away from direct contact with the check

    valves.

    Upon further thermal cycling, the flexible membrane will

    expand as the fluid heats up and contract as fluid cools down.

    Unless the maximum temperature of the initial thermal cycle is

    exceeded, there should be no further expansion of motor oil

    out of the membrane interior section.

    Figure (4.9) flow diagram

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    Fig (4.10) Typical Bag Type

    The bag is made of a high temperature / high performance

    elastomer which can withstand the harsh downhole environments

    typically encountered. The bag keeps the well fluid and the

    clean motor oil completely separate from each other on either

    side of the elastomer that the bag is made of.

    When the motor oil expands or contracts, the bag simply

    expands or contracts to accommodate the necessary volume

    change.

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    Fig (4.7)

    Bag Type in inflated and deflated position

    Positive Seal Protectors Limitations

    The positive seal Protector offers a great deal of

    flexibility and is useful in a wide variety of applications.

    One area where care needs to be taken with this type of

    Protector is with harsh well chemicals as may be experienced

    with a treatment program. As with any oil field elastomer,

    care must be taken to ensure that the rubber will not be

    damaged by anything it will encounter in the well (See table

    4.1)

    Table (4.1)

    * Temperature Limit above indicates maximum operating temperature for the

    pecific REDA compound. An elastomeric component will operate at a

    temperature higher than the well ambient temperature depending on its

    location in the equipment. Contact REDA for specific application assistance.

    1 = Excellent long term resistance (very low swell/maintains very high

    physical properties)

    2 = Good long term resistance (moderate swell/maintains high physical

    properties)

    3 = Fair - depends upon exposure time and temperature (good short term

    resistance)

    4 = Poor - no resistance even in short term

    Table (4.1) Ealstomer Selection

    4.3. Mechanical Face Seals

    Each independent isolation chamber has its own mechanical

    face seal, usually located at top of each chamber. The

    mechanical seal is a dynamic seal that prevents well fluid

    migration down the shaft. It has rotating assembly that fixed

    to the shaft and a stationary component called a seat or

    primary ring. Fig (4.11) shows a mechanical seal and all four

    of its critical seal location.

    Each mechanical face seal includes three static seals. The

    first is the o-ring between the stationary seat and the bore

    in which it is inserted. The third static seat is between the

    rubber bellows and the shaft.

    Each of static seals uses rubber materials which are

    compressed against hard surfaces with an appropriate finish.

    The rubber materials must be selected for compatibility with

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    the well fluid and any chemical treatments. A leak at any of

    the three static seals location will cause well fluid to fill

    the chamber which the mechanical face seal protects.

    Fig (4.11) Mechanical Face Seal

    The dynamic seal location is between the rotating face and

    stationary seat. The rotating face and stationary seat must be

    extremely flat on the surface in contact with the other. Any

    surface defects can cause dynamic seal to leak. It is also

    important that the rotating face must be moving in a very

    circular path. The dynamic seal is a wet seal with motor oil

    extending partially across the face from one side, and well

    fluid extending in from the other. Significant eccentricity in

    the rotation well cause the motor oil and well fluid to

    intermingle and result in a pumping affect across the seal

    face, usually outward. Sand and scale can damage the dynamic

    seal faces and cause leaks. In wells with significant amount

    of scale and/or sand, ceramics or tungsten carbide are good

    selections for the faces in the uppermost mechanical face

    seals.

    Proper filling of the motor and seal section is critical

    to the mechanical health of the bearings in both components.

    However, even under ideal conditions, a small amount of air

    may remain in the system after filling. Any air remaining in

    the motor or seal section will tend to rise up and form pocket

    under mechanical seals. The motor, having more oil volume and

    laminated construction, is the most likely source of residual

    air. An air pocket will reduce the dynamic seal face

    lubrication and provide insulation. Reduce lubrication causes

    more heat generation and insulation raises the seal face

    temperature, further reducing lubricity. A graphite seal face

    will tolerate loss of lubrication much better than other

    materials, due to its self lubricating nature.

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    Therefore, a graphite rotating mechanical seal face is

    frequently used in lower position(s), where air is most likely

    to form pockets.

    The metal components of the mechanical face seal are

    commonly available in either stainless steel or monel. The

    spring is most often attacked first due to it being in pre-

    stressed condition. Monel should be specified for the

    uppermost mechanical seal spring(s), when H2S acid or other

    chemistry is present that could lead to corrosion or hydrogen

    stress cracking in stainless steel. When the spring is

    upgraded to monel, the rest of the mechanical seals metal

    component are also often upgraded.

    4.4. Axial thrust Bearings

    ESP system predominately use tilting pad type plane

    thrust bearing. This type of bearing generates much less heat,

    tolerates more contamination and support more thrust under

    3600 rpm operating condition, compared to rolling element

    bearings. A variety of thrust bearing designs are available in

    the industry and the ESP manufacturer guidelines for thrust

    capacity should be adhered to when selecting the thrust

    bearing design.

    Several factors affect the thrust capacity of the bearing and

    thrust exerted on it by the pump.

    The first factor is the pump stage type. Different pump sages

    produce different thrust characteristics, even through the

    stages may appear quite similar.

    The second factor is how each stage transmits its thrust onto

    its support. Floater type stages transmit their thrust

    directly onto the mating diffuser below. Floater pumps produce

    shaft downthrust equal to the differential pressure generated,

    multiplied by the area of the shafts cross section. Stages

    fixed to the shaft transmit their thrust entirely onto the

    shaft. Fixed stage pumps typically generate more shaft thrust

    than floater pumps and the thrust level is characteristic of

    the stage hydraulics.

    Third factor is speed. The seal thrust bearing capacity varies

    approximately in direct proportion to the speed for a limit

    range above and below 3600 rpm. Meanwhile, the pump thrust

    tends to change in relation to the square of the rotating

    speed. The net result is that you can carry few stages at

    higher speed and more stages at lower speed.

    The forth factor is the viscosity index of the oil type being

    used in the seal. More viscous oils will carry higher loads

    under the same condition. However, more viscosity also causes

    the radial bearings with fixed clearances to generate more

    heat and this can cause problems, practically in the motor

    rotor bearings. A good rule of thumb is to use the same oil in

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    the seal as that recommended by ESP manufacturer for proper

    performance of the motor radial bearings, under the expected

    operation conditions. This will result in an appropriate

    viscosity index selection.

    The fifth factor is the temperature of the seal section thrust

    bearing lubricating oil. As temperature increases, viscosity

    decreases, thereby reducing the thrust capacity.

    In one set of circumstances, the pump down thrust can actually

    increase of the life of the system. Mixed flow pump stages are

    often hydraulically balanced by a seal ring on the top of each

    impeller. If this seal balance ring becomes worn by erosion

    and/or corrosion, the resulting flow over the top of the stage

    can cause the pressure on the top of the stage to rise. The

    pressure increase can cause doubling of the pump stage

    downthrust, and sometimes more. This is only a factor for the

    seal section if the impellers are fixed to the shaft so that

    they transmit their thrust onto the seal section. So, if you

    have hydraulic balance (mixed flow) stages, fixed to the pump

    shaft and operating in an erosion or corrosion condition, then

    the thrust exerted on the seal section can increase

    significantly over the life of the system.

    Proper thrust bearing design and selection is critical to seal

    assembly. Applications requiring high pump TDH (Total Dynamic

    Head) outputs coupled with the inherent diametric restrictions

    of ESP equipment have demanded rigorous service from these

    bearings.

    The basic operating principles of hydrodynamic thrust bearing

    designs utilized in ESP's are very similar.

    The stationary bearing surface is divided into a number of

    separated pads, with each pad allowed to pivot under operating

    conditions.

    The bearing is submerged in lubricating oil, which adheres to

    the moving and stationary surfaces and is thus carried into

    spaces between the thrust runner and the bearing pads.

    Tapered lands are machined on the pad edges to aid this

    process.

    Fluid pressure builds along the entrance side of the pads,

    causing the pads to tilt. This tilting action allows the

    formation of a wedge-shaped oil film, generating sufficient

    pressure to completely separate the runner and thrust pads.

    This separation minimizes friction and wear to the bearing

    surfaces insuring long bearing life.

    Fig (4.12) depicts the hydrodynamic thrust bearing operation

    mode.

    A common bearing design employed in ESP's is the pedestal or

    solid shoe type, illustrated in fig (4.13). the individual

    bearing pads are mounted on pedestals located at the center of

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    15

    each pad. The pedestals are designed to deflect slightly in

    operation, allowing the pads to tilt and form the necessary

    oil; film.

    For applications requiring higher loading capacity, a self-

    equalizing tilting pad thrust bearing is available, shown in

    fig (4.14). These bearings use a series of leveling link to

    control individual pad heights so that the load is shared

    equally by all pads.

    The individual pads are supported by balls or spherical faced

    links, allowing them to pivot freely. This freedom of motion

    coupled with a self aligning feature, typically permits

    allowable bearing loads of 400-500 psi, twice the capability

    of solid shoe bearing.

    Fig (4.12) hydrodynamic thrust bearing operation

    Fig (4.13) Solid shoe thrust bearin

    A more recent development in thrust bearing design is swing-

    pad bearing, shown in fig (4.15). the individual pads are

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    16

    round in shape, consist of spherical segments of bonded

    alternate metal elastomer layers. Instead of tilting on a

    centerline, the pads swing in the direction of the curvature

    thus allowing the film wedge to form.

    Fig (4.14) modified Kingsbury thrust bearing

    Fig (4.15) swing pad thrust bearing

    This bearing has been successfully applied in ESP's at face

    loading pressures to 800 psi and has been laboratory tested

    under ESP loading conditions to 1000 psi without failure.

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    4.5. The Modular Protector

    The modular protector system consists of a single

    infrastructure upon which all protector types are built. Since

    all chamber types (such as labyrinth or bag) have been

    designed with common interfaces, they can be placed in almost

    any order and, theoretically, in any quantity. There are

    practical limits to the number of chambers, however, imposed

    by maximum available shaft length, power consumption, and

    cost. The system is shown schematically in fig (4.16).

    Initially, protectors with two or three chambers are planned,

    though this will be subjected to change once the protectors

    are in production. The new system can be used to make a

    version without any chambers as well. This would essentially

    be a bearing section which could be added between the main

    protector and motor to provide a back up thrust bearing.

    If a back up bearing is desired, a bearing only section could

    be added between the motor and protector which would provide

    additional protection in the case of wear debris cause

    failure.

    4.4.1. Reda Designation of Protector Types (See fig(4.17)

    Due to the enormous number of types of protectors which

    can be made using this system, a standardized system of

    designating the configuration has been arrived at. The first

    part of the designation will consists of letters designating

    the chambers and their interconnection, beginning with the top

    chamber and using the following configurations:

    L = Labyrinth B = bag S = Series

    P = Parallel

    For example, the designation [LSBPB] indicates that there is a

    labyrinth chamber on the top in series with a bag chamber

    which in parallel with another bag chamber. The designation

    [LSL] describes a chamber model similar to 66L protector.

    MP = Modular Protector

    HL = High Load (bearing)

    HS = High Tensile Strength (Shaft)

    FS = Ferritic Steel (Material of base, head and housing)

    It is important to note that there are several restrictions in

    the specification of chambers:

    o Parallel labyrinth chambers are not currently supported. Labyrinth chambers in parallel with bag are not available.

    o It is not generally accepted to put a single bag chamber in series with parallel bag chamber.

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    Fig (4.16) Modular Protector System

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    Fig (4.17) Reda Designation

    4.4.2. Centrilift Designation of Seal Types (See table(4.2) and fig (4.18))

    Table (4.2) Centrilift designation

    Fig (4.18)

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    4.6. Seal Operation Cycle.

    o All modular Protectors come "pre-filled. o During field assembly, the FST (Field Service Technician) will "top up" the protector to replace any

    oil lost during the assembly process.

    o Vent plugs are replaced at intervals.

    Fig (4.19) servicing the protector prior to installation.

    This is an view of an LSB protector. The red arrows indicate

    the oil flow path during filling. The vent plugs are replaced

    at intervals to ensure all air is removed from the unit.

    Since the protector is serviced at surface, the motor oil

    temperature will be the current Outside Ambient Temperature

    (OAT), fig (4.20)

    Fig (4.20) Protector holds 100% oil

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    System landing at setting depth, oil expands, fig (4.21).

    Given that the system can only hold 100% volume, the system

    will dump the 9% overboard. This oil will never be

    recovered.

    Fig (4.21) system landing at setting depth, oil expands.

    Motor Operates, oil expands more, fig (4.22).

    When the system is started for the first time, the internal

    heating of the motor will increase its temperature until the

    motor reaches its operating temperature (MOT). This will

    cause an additional expansion of oil, typically another 2-

    4%.

    Fig (4.22) motor Operates, oil expands more.

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    Motor Operates, oil expands more, fig (4.23).

    But again, the system can only hold 100% volume. The 2-4%

    oil expanded will again be lost to the well bore.

    Fig (4.23) motor Operates, oil expands more.

    Motor stops, oil contracts, fig (4.24).

    Now the system is only 96 - 98% full of motor oil so the

    protector will then have a small amount of well fluid in the

    first chamber making up the balance of the volume.

    Fig (4.24) motor Stops,, oil contracts

    Bag contracts

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    Motor operating cycles-on, oil expands, fig (4.25).

    As the unit cycles, the system can loose additional motor

    oil due to several reasons: Motor Temp, Specific Gravity,

    Gas in Motor Oil, Emulsions, etc.

    Fig (4.25) motor Operates, oil expands.

    Motor operating cycles-off, oil contracts fig (4.26).

    Fig (4.26) motor Operating ,cycle off, oil contacts.

    Pulling the unit to surface, oil contracts, fig (4.27).

    Bag expands

    Bag contracts

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    When the unit is pulled, the motor oil will cool once again

    to surface temperature (OAT). Most bag damage is caused

    during system removal from the well and not during down hole

    operation.

    Fig (4.27) pulling the unit to surface, oil contracts

    Fig (4.28) seal operation cycles

    Bag contracts more

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    4.7. Application

    One of the primary reason for the existence of the

    Modular Protector system is its ability to supply a protector

    configured for specific set of well conditions. The

    information given below is to aid in specifying a system

    appropriate to the application:

    High GOR or Low Specific Gravity Fluid

    In wells with low specific gravity fluids a labyrinth

    chamber serves very little function. Since the well fluid

    floats on top of the motor oil, it accumulates at top of the

    chamber where it is easily drawn in when the oil cools and

    contracts at shutdown.

    If there is a high gas concentration, especially free gas

    with saturated oil, the gas can come out of solution in the

    protector chamber as the pump pulls the fluid level down and

    reduces the down hole pressure. As the gas comes out of

    solution, it rises to the top of the chamber and could

    actually push the fluid out of the protector chamber.

    This may not a big problem until fluid os pushed from the

    next labyrinth chamber below and falls below the gas cap

    when the unit restarts. Depending upon the type of cycling

    the unit is subjected to, gas can then be pulled off the top

    of the upper chamber into the next chamber down, thus

    displacing oil, and could eventually pump a large amount of

    oil out of the protector.

    The recommendation in these cases would be to have a

    positive (bag) seal chamber on the top of the protector to

    provide a solid barrier to gas or low SG fluid entry.

    Low Angle Operation

    A labyrinth decreases in effectiveness as the equipment is

    operated closer to horizontal. In general, it is best to use

    bag chambers if low angle operation is anticipated.

    High Water Cut

    This typically the best use of a labyrinth chamber, where

    gravity separation is most effective. Of course a bag

    chamber is also effective in these cases. All things being

    equal, a labyrinth on top and bag below can be one of the

    most effective combinations for this basic application.

    Fluid which Degrades Bag Material

    In these cases, it is necessary to run either an all

    labyrinth chamber protector or labyrinth protector over the

    bag chambers. In general, the fluids which are causing the

    bags problems are probably also effecting the seal bellows

    and o-rings as well, so one should know as much as they can

    about these fluids before designing a protector for

    them.(See table 4.1 for elastomer selection).