Intakes/Gas Separators
Weatherford offers several intake configurations to provide operators the flexibility to customize ESP systems to specific well conditions. Depending on well conditions, it can be in the form of a simple intake adapter with inlet holes or a more complex gas separation device.
Intake
A standard intake can be used when the well is producing above the fluid bubble point pressure, or if a maximum of 10% free gas is being produced.Gas Separators
It has long been recognized in the ESP industry that free gas entering the pump causes significant problems, such as gas locking, lower bearing lubrication, decreased efficiency, reduced flow rates etc. Weatherford continues to develop equipment to cope with the problem of gas, and can currently offer the following systems.
The Rotary Gas Separator
The rotary gas separator is based on the principle of the separation of particles of different densities under the action of centrifugal forces. In this design, a rotating field of centrifugal force is created. The separated gas is vented to the annulus, while the remaining fluid enters the pump.Vortex Gas Separator
Weatherford developed the vortex gas separator in response to the need for a higher efficiency separation system. Based on well-known fluid separation principles the Weatherford vortex separator has been improved significantly to provide effective higher rate gas separation based on reduced vibration, high specification bearings, lower HP requirements, and improved hydrodynamic efficiency.
Tandem Vortex Gas Separator
The tandem system was an obvious development, offering gas separation facility for larger producing wells, where the single system efficiency would be compromised at the higher rates.
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