Electric submersible pump event detection

#Electric submersible pumps (ESPs) may be deployed for any of a variety of pumping purposes, and often comprise a submersible pump powered by a submersible motor which is protected by a motor protector. For example, where a substance (e.g., hydrocarbons in an earthen formation) does not readily flow responsive to existing natural forces, an ESP may be implemented to artificially lift the substance. If an ESP fails during operation, the ESP must be removed from the pumping environment and replaced or repaired, either of which results in a significant cost to an operator.

#In various applications, sensors or other detectors are used to detect pumping system failure and to output a warning regarding pumping system failure. Additionally, some well-related pumping applications employ sensors to monitor aspects of the pumping system operation, and surveillance engineers are employed to monitor the data and to make decisions regarding pumping system operation based on that data. However, such techniques may not address pumping system issues soon enough and may be subject to errors.

#Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method for monitoring operation of an electric submersible pump. The method includes receiving data signals indicating values for a plurality of parameters regarding operation of the electric submersible pumping system; establishing, for at least some of the plurality of parameters, an associated reference signal; and detecting a deviation of one of the parameters from the reference signal associated with that parameter. As a result of the deviation having a rate of change below a predetermined threshold, the method includes updating the value of the reference signal to reflect the deviation. As a result of the deviation having a rate of change above the predetermined threshold, the method includes detecting an event and generating an indication of the event. The indication of the event depends on a type of the parameter and a direction of the deviation from the reference signal.

#Embodiments of the disclosure are described with reference to the following figures:

#FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example of an electric submersible pumping system deployed in a wellbore, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

#FIG. 2 is an illustration of an example of an electric submersible pumping system experiencing an event, in particular a low flow event, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

#Various terms are used herein, which are defined as follows:

#Channel: There may be multiple sensors placed at different locations as illustrated in FIG. 1. The set of measurements received from the same sensor is called a channel.

#Amps is a measurement of drive current. This measurement represents the load of the pump.