System, method, and apparatus for nodal vibration analysis of a device at different operational frequencies
First Claim
1. A system for analyzing and avoiding excessive vibration of a device, the system comprising:
- a pump assembly mounted to a string in a well, the pump assembly being driven by a motor that is operable at different frequencies;
a vibration sensor mounted to the string for sensing vibrations of the pump assembly in the well; and
a controller for operating the pump assembly in a range of operational frequencies, the controller also recording, via the vibration sensor, specific frequencies at which vibration amplitude in the pump assembly exceeds an undesirable threshold, and the controller limiting operation of the pump assembly to those frequencies that do not exceed the undesirable threshold.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The speed of a motor is varied in an electrical submersible pump well to analyze and avoid excessive vibration. A vibration sensor near the motor senses vibration in the well. The vibration of the assembly varies with many factors, including the length of the tubing, the locations of the packers, and the use of centralizers relative to the casing. The assembly has critical frequencies at which vibration increases to an undesirable level. These critical frequencies are determined and programmed into the variable speed drive so that they may be avoided. Avoidance of the critical vibration frequencies prolong the life of the downhole equipment, including that of the motors, pumps, seals, and sensors.
12 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A system for analyzing and avoiding excessive vibration of a device, the system comprising:
-
a pump assembly mounted to a string in a well, the pump assembly being driven by a motor that is operable at different frequencies;
a vibration sensor mounted to the string for sensing vibrations of the pump assembly in the well; and
a controller for operating the pump assembly in a range of operational frequencies, the controller also recording, via the vibration sensor, specific frequencies at which vibration amplitude in the pump assembly exceeds an undesirable threshold, and the controller limiting operation of the pump assembly to those frequencies that do not exceed the undesirable threshold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A method of analyzing and avoiding excessive vibration in a well, the method comprising:
-
(a) installing a pump assembly;
(b) operating the pump assembly at different operational speeds;
(c) sensing and recording vibration of the pump assembly at the different operational speeds;
(d) determining which of the operational speeds produce vibration in excess of a threshold vibration limit; and
then(e) limiting operation of the pump assembly to those operational speeds at which vibration does not exceed the threshold vibration limit. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification