Paper: Production With ESPs In Gassy Wells

One of the questions often asked of the ESP manufactures is "What is the maximum GOR your pump can handle?" As stated this question is impossible to answer. One of the limitations of centrifugal pumps is their inability to handle significant quantities of gas. However because of the configuration of the pump and the nature of its application, the question of its limits is extremely complex. This paper examines how the presence of free gas affects the operation of the ESP's and looks at some of the techniques used in selection of pumps for gassy wells