IMPROVING THE UTILIZATION FACTOR AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF SUBMERSIBLE PUMPING EQUIPMENT

Abstract

The article considers current issues of increasing the operating efficiency and increasing the utilization factor of submersible pumping units used in geotechnical wells characterized by high gas saturation and the presence of solid mechanical impurities in the liquid. A detailed analysis of the existing problems arising during the operation of pumping equipment, such as vibrations, premature wear of working bodies, reduced productivity, and increased energy consumption, is carried out. The need to develop an improved method and device for combating sand production and gas content is substantiated. The authors propose a design that allows for efficient separation of the gas-liquid mixture into three flows (gas, liquid, solid particles) using guide elements and the use of hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressure, which reduces abrasive wear and increases the reliability of pumping equipment. The developed device has successfully passed experimental tests, the results of which showed energy savings of up to 5%, which corresponds to a cost reduction of up to 65 US dollars per year per pump unit. The proposed technical solution has a simple design, is technologically advanced and highly reliable, and does not have a negative impact on the environment. The obtained results confirm the practical significance and high efficiency of the proposed method for the conditions of underground leaching of minerals, ensuring an extension of the service life of pumps and a reduction in operating costs.