Paper: Submergible Pumping Applied to Wells With Multiphase Flow

This paper presents a procedure for calculation of electrical submergible pumping installations in oil-producing wells. The calculations take into account the existence of vertical multiphase flow in the production string. Special attention is given to the determination of the proper pump setting depth, and to the pressure head which must supply to the well fluids. The consideration is made that the amount of entrained free gas, which goes through the pump, must be such that it does not noticeably alter the pump performance curves. The procedure was programmed for an electronic computer. A numerical example, indicating the way in which the results can be utilized to select the equipment used in the installation, is included.