Progressive Cavity

Pump
(PCP)

Overview

Picture 1: Rene with his

PCP
prototype in 1948

The other names for PSP are Screw Pumps or

Moineau Pump or Cavity Pump.
PCP was discovered by Rene Moineau, a pioneer
in aviation in late 1920s.
He was inventing a compressor for a jet engines
and discovered that the same principle could
have worked as a pump as well.
The PCP only can be used in oilfield application
when downhole motors (power section is
developed in the late 1950s)
The first oilfield trials were conducted in 1960s
and 1970s in China and Russia.

Objective
Optimize well efficiency by providing an alternative
solution to producing heavy oil
Improve energy efficiency (60% reduction in power
consumption)
Enhance overall well efficiency

Components of PCP
1. Prime mover
. Provide the energy to drive the surface equipment.
. There are two types of prime movers: electric motors
and internal combustion engines.
2. Wellhead Drive
. Deliver the torque necessary to drive the PCP
3. Polished Rod Coupling
4. PC Pump
. Comprises of rotor and stator
5. Production Tubing

Picture 2: The components of PCP

How it Works
The rotation of rotor within the stator creates a number of
cavities for the fluid to move to the surface from a low pressure
spot to a high pressure spot.
When the rotor spin is spinning within the stator, it creates a
region of low pressure at the end of the pump where
suction of liquid is made.
This low pressure region will force the fluid into the pump.
The pressure within the pump is maintained by a point called
Seal Line.
This seal line is the touch point between rotor and stator.
Therefore, the higher the number of revolution of rotor, the
higher the volumetric flow of fluid.

How it Works

The Advantage of PSP

High overall system energy efficiency, typically in the 55 to 75%
range.
Ability to produce high concentrations of sand or other produced
solids.
Ability to tolerate high percentages of free gas.
No valves or reciprocating parts to clog, gas lock, or wear.
Good resistance to abrasion.
Relatively low power costs and continuous power demand (prime
mover capacity fully utilized).
Relatively simple installation and operation.
Generally low maintenance.
Low profile surface equipment.
Low surface noise levels

The Disadvantage of PSP

Limited production rates (maximum of 800 m3/d [5,040 bbl/D] in
large-diameter pumps, much lower in small-diameter pumps).
Limited lift capacity (maximum of 3000 m [9,840 ft]).
Limited temperature capability (routine use to 100C [212F])
Sensitivity to fluid environment (stator elastomer may swell or
deteriorate on exposure to certain fluids, including well treatment
fluids).
Subject to low volumetric efficiency in wells producing substantial
quantities of gas.
Sucker rod strings may be susceptible to fatigue failures.
Rod-string and tubing wear can be problematic in directional and
horizontal wells.
Vibration problems may occur in high-speed applications

Summary
CONTROL
produce highly viscous fluids, effective handling of high sand
content and ability to operate at high-energy-system efficiencies.
PROTECTION
shows stable operational conditions and able to reach the proper
equilibrium without causing damage to the material.
OPTIMIZATION
power required for PCP (30 HP) is lower than what was required
for original Reciprocating Rod Pumps system (50 HP).