ESP Sand Fallback Systems

Cyclonic or gravity separation tools installed below or at the pump intake that spin or settle sand out of the produced fluid before it reaches the pump stages. They divert separated solids to a storage chamber or back into the wellbore rathole while clean fluid enters the ESP.

Enlarged or baffled sub-assemblies positioned beneath the pump that capture sand falling back during shutdown and hold it away from the intake. They provide a settling volume so accumulated solids do not re-enter and pack the pump on restart.

Tubular sleeves that surround the pump or intake to reverse fluid flow direction, forcing fluid downward then upward into the intake so that heavier sand drops out instead of being drawn in. Shrouds also aid motor cooling by routing flow past the motor.

Tubing-mounted valves that hold the fluid column above the pump during shutdown so settling sand in the upper tubing cannot fall back through the pump. Drain valves allow the tubing to be emptied before pulling the string.

Pump stages built with hardened materials and bearing systems such as tungsten carbide radial bearings, hardened shafts, and compression-style staging to tolerate sand passing through the pump. They resist erosion of impellers and diffusers in solids-laden service.

Rotary or static intake separators that remove free gas and a portion of entrained sand from the fluid before it enters the first pump stage. They reduce both gas lock and abrasive wear in wells with combined gas and solids production.

Slotted or wire-wrapped screen elements placed at the intake to mechanically exclude larger sand grains and debris from entering the pump. They serve as a last-line barrier where formation sand or proppant flowback is anticipated.