Dynamic Analysis of a Progressing Cavity Pump System Using Bond Graphs

Abstract

One commonly used pump in the petroleum sector is the Progressing Cavity Pump (PCP). The PCP is a type of positive displacement pump that is used as an artificial lifting system which consists of a helical rotor and elastomeric stator. A mathematical solution to a PCP system model requires that we solve a partial differential equation system. The solution is inherently complex and requires considerable computational time. This paper uses the bond graph formalism, which is based on energy and information flow, to implement a model of a PCP system. Its purpose is to predict the dynamic response of the PCP system when it is subjected to a specific reservoir condition. Specifically focusing on the rod string, the torsional effects are captured by a lumped segment approximation. The software 20-Sim© was used to simulate a realistic PCP system application scenario. The model presented in this paper is able to determine the prime mover, rod string, and other component requirements. This paper shows that the multi-body lumped segment model is a useful way to simulate the rod string performance. The bond graph is effective at modeling the PCP system which contains elements from different energy domains.