This investigation aims at experimentally characterizing the dynamic performance of labyrinth seals and benchmarking numerical predictions. Labyrinth seals are used as interstage or end seals in many turbomachinery applications.
Research
Effect of Viscosity on ESP Performance using CFD
Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESP) are multi-stage centrifugal pumps used in the petroleum industry. Due to the high efficiency and adaptability, ESPs are widely employed in offshore oil wells. Viscous fluid pumping can result in degradation of ESP performance. Improving the efficiency and maintaining the performance of ESPs are of great significance to efficient oil production. […]
ESP Bearing Erosion Experimental and Simulation Study
The bearings and seals are the major causes of ESP system failure. Erosion is the primary cause of bearing failure. An test rig was built in our lab to study the journal bearing erosion rate and process, . The real work condition of journal bearings are restored with controlled parameters, such as imbalance, GVF, sand […]
Hydraulic Test Rig
Testing prototype of a multistage subsea pump to obtain the performance curves and vibration response. The performance will be evaluated in multiphase flow conditions. The current test rig is capable of testing 200 mm impellers with 250 HP power input at 3600 rpm. The pump performance will be evaluated for two fluids (water and air) […]
Porous Gas Bearing Test Rig
This test rig serves to identify the dynamic and static characteristics of aerostatic thin films. Multiple gas delivery configurations are tested and compared in terms of load capacity, stiffness, and damping. Experimental results will be used to select and optimize the gas delivery configuration, and develop computational models for the design and development of hybrid […]
Subsynchronous Response Due to Trapped Fluid
Subsynchronous vibrations in rotating machinery can be detrimental, reaching amplitudes of vibration much greater than 1x. Subsynchronous vibrations are caused by many factors including fluid trapped in a hollow cavity. For trapped fluid, the system is excited when operating just above the first natural frequency, about 0.9X. A test rig was built to replicate the […]
Terry Turbine Project
The Terry Turbine project is sponsored by IAE Japan and Sandia National Labs. The project is related to the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plant disaster which occurred in Japan in March 2011. After the tsunami flooded the power station, the plant lost power and the ability to control the nuclear reactor core. One of the cooling […]
Thrust Bearing Rig
Process fluid lubrication of thrust bearings is an attractive solution to reliability issues for Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs). This test rig is built to qualify the performance of thrust bearings in process fluid lubrication, with or without contamination. The current rig is capable of testing bearings up to 11 inches in diameter at speeds up […]
Thrust Collar Test Rig
The thrust collar test rig closely resembles some of the components in an integrally geared compressor. The rig was designed to study the dynamic coupling of two shafts through a thrust bearing element. Recent modifications allow for visualization of the thin film that balances a large load. The rig incorporates testing classic turbomachinery mechanisms like […]
Wear and Dynamic Performance of Interstage seals for ESPs
Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs) increase head of process fluid in oil production from within the well. ESP mechanical failure most commonly results from severe vibrations in the pump section that increase in magnitude as interstage seal clearances increase. Interstage seals wear from the gas, liquid, and abrasives pumped through them. I studied the impact of […]