Optimal Design of Progressing Cavity Pumps(PCP)

Abstract

The drive for energy independence has created a window of opportunity for innovations in oil recovery. New artificial lift methods like progressing cavity pumping have been successfully applied to downhole pumping applications. The multilobe pumps are also making inroads into the industry to be used under different operating conditions. Although the design has been mainly based on empirical standards and trial and error modifications, a more phenomenally optimum design of the pump is required to achieve a high efficiency standard. The optimal relationship between the pitch and the diameter of the housing is obtained to achieve a maximum flow rate for multilobe pumps.