Paper: B.L. Wilson, Centrilift

This paper reports on the testing and development of a new generation of gas separation technology for Electrical Submersible Pumps. Active (rotary) gas separators were introduced to the market 20-25 years ago, and no major improvements have been made since Accurate testing of gas separators has always been fraught with problems, sometimes producing confusing and misleading information. An in-depth study and testing of the separators in a high pressure gas testing loop has indicated some methods to improve the gas separator performance. Finite element modeling, coupled with advanced CAD/CAM and fabrication techniques, has aided in a developing a new separator. This separator has improved both the efficiency and operating range. The information conveyed in this presentation will give the users of ESP insight into how the gas separation equipment is developed and tested and will also increase their understanding of the cost and effectiveness that can be expected in the application of ESP in gassy wells.