Inter-stage performance and energy characteristics analysis of electric submersible pump based on entropy production theory

The electric submersible pump(ESP) is a crucial apparatus utilized for lifting in the oil extraction process.Its lifting capacity is enhanced by the multi-stage tandem structure, but variations in energy characteristics and internal flow across stages are also introduced. In this study, the inter-stage variability of energy characteristics in ESP hydraulic systems is investigated through entropy production(EP) analysis,which incorporates numerical simulations and experimental validation. The EP theory facilitates the quantification of energy loss in each computational subdomain at all ESP stages, establishing a correlation between microscopic flow structure and energy dissipation within the system. Furthermore, the underlying causes of inter-stage variability in ESP hydraulic systems are examined, and the advantages and disadvantages of applying the EP theory in this context are evaluated. Consistent energy characteristics within the ESP, aligned with the distribution of internal flow structure, are provided by the EP theory, as demonstrated by our results. The EP theory also enables the quantitative analysis of internal flow losses and complements existing performance analysis methods to map the internal flow structure to hydraulic losses. Nonetheless, an inconsistency between the energy characterization based on EP theory and the traditional efficiency index when reflecting inter-stage differences is identified. This inconsistency arises from the exclusive focus of the EP theory on flow losses within the flow field, disregarding the quantification of external energy input to the flow field. This study provides a reference for the optimization of EP theory in rotating machinery while deeply investigating the energy dissipation characteristics of multistage hydraulic system, which has certain theoretical and practical significance.

NEWS ROUNDUP

CHINA Jiaolong Completes 300th Dive Jiaolong,China’s manned deep-sea submersible,on 18 August completed its 300th dive since its maiden mission in August 2009.Jiaolong,with a crew of one scientist and two submariners,conducted the dive in the Western Pacific Ocean.It was the first of 18 planned dives in an ongoing scientific expedition.

The Problem of Periodic Solutions fora Class of Dynamical System(Ⅱ)

In this paper, we consider the dynamical systems which are from a kind of Hamilton systems under a disturbance. We use theories in Liapunov stability,and show that there are not any periodic solutions in some a neibourhood of the equilibrium points of the dynamical systems.

Establishing Submersed Macrophytes via Sinking and Colonization of Shoot Fragments Clipped off Manually

In this paper, sinking and growth of apexes and mid-stems of Myriophyllum spicatum L., Hydrilla verticillata （L.f.） Royle and Ceratophyllum demersum L. in concrete ponds containing eutrophic water and sediment were investigated. Sinking rates of apexes and mid-stems reached 34.8% and 4.4% at the 6 th day and 91.1% and 66.7% at the 22 nd day for M. spicatum, 57.8% and 55.6% at the 6 th day and 100% and 97.8% at the 22 nd day for H. vertieillata, 18.9% and 86.7% at the 6 th day and 95.6% and 100% at the 22 nd day for C. demersum, respectively. Most sunken fragments established themselves successfully with significant growth. Total shoot length ofplantlets developed from apexes and mid-stems increased by 399% and 61% for M. spicatum, 593% and 256% for H. vertieillata and 114% and 104% for C. demersum, respectively. The results showed that it was feasible to establish submersed macrophytes via sinking and colonization of shoot fragments clipped off manually.

Research on Water-Exit and Take-off Process for Morphing Unmanned Submersible Aerial Vehicle

This paper presents a theoretic implementation method of Morphing Unmanned Submersible Aerial Vehicle （MUSAV）, which can both submerge in the water and fly in the air. Two different shapes are put forward so that the vehicle can suit both submergence and flight, considering the tremendous differences between hydrodynamic configuration and aerodynamic configuration of a vehicle. The transition of the two shapes can be achieved by using morphing technology. The water-to-air process, including water-exit, morphing, take-off and steady flight, is analyzed. The hydrodynamic and aerodynamic model of the vehicle exiting the water surface obliquely and then taking off into the air has been founded. The control strategy after morphing is analyzed and the control method is given. Numerical method is used to validate the motion model of the water-exit process. Results of simulations show the validity of the proposed model and the feasibility of MUSAV in theory.

Design and research on a variable ballast system for deep-sea manned submersibles

Variable ballast systems are necessary for manned submersibles to adjust their buoyancy.In this paper,the design of a variable ballast system for a manned submersible is described.The variable ballast system uses a super high pressure hydraulic seawater system.A super high pressure seawater pump and a deep-sea brushless DC motor are used to pump seawater into or from the variable ballast tank,increasing or decreasing the weight of the manned submersible.A magnetostrictive linear displacement transducer can detect the seawater level in the variable ballast tank.Some seawater valves are used to control pumping direction and control on-off states.The design and testing procedure for the valves is described.Finally,the future development of variable ballast systems and seawater hydraulic systems is projected.

An Overview of Submersible Research and Development in China

Given the recent success in the development of several submersibles in China, people's interest in the history of submersible development is increasing. This paper presents the history of submersible development in China, which can be briefly divided into three periods. The first one is the early period of hardship(1971–2000). Many prototype submersibles of HOVs, ROVs, and AUVs were developed at this time, but the main achievement was the establishment of special research organizations and the training of research and development personnel. The second period can be regarded as the quick development period(2001–2015). All currently used submersibles were developed during this period. The most remarkable achievement was the successful development of 7000 m-deep manned submersible "Jiaolong." The third period aims to develop 11 000 m submersibles for challenging the full ocean depth(2016–2020). In this period, two unmanned submersibles and two manned submersibles will be the significant indicators of achievement. If this 5-year plan can be successfully completed, China can play a significant role in the investigation of the deepest part of the oceans, namely, the hadal trenches(6500–11 000 m).

Path Following Control of A Deep-Sea Manned Submersible Based upon NTSM

In this paper, a robust path following control law is proposed for a deep-sea manned submersible maneuvering along a predeterminated path. Developed in China, the submersible is underactuated in the horizontal plane in that it is actuated by two perpendicular thrusts in this plane. The advanced non-singular terminal sliding mode （NTSM） is implemented for the design of the path following controller, which can ensure the convergence of the motion system in finite time and improve its robustness against parametric uncertainties and environmental disturbances. In the process of controller design, the close-loop stability is considered and proved by Lyapunov＇ s stability theory. With the experimental data, numerical simulations are provided to verify the control law for path following of the deep-sea manned submersible.

Research on Pick-up Feature of ESP Recording Charts Based on Bitmap Images

During the oil production, in order to monitor the working conditions of an electrical submersible pump （ESP）,an electrical current recorder is used to monitor the electric motor current of an ESP. The recorder charts indicate various working conditions of the ESP. Subtle malfunctions or abnormal problems of the ESP can be detected and further analyzed from various features of these current curves on the recording charts. Presently, these current charts are manually read and analyzed in oil fields. In this paper, a diagnosis expert system is presented for automatically analyzing these current recording charts and identifying the working condition of the ESP. This expert system includes an open knowledge base, which can be updated or enriched according to the identified features of the current curves on the recording charts, and a condition monitoring and failure pattern recognition method, which is called ＂pick-up method of feature of the recording chart＂, and can be correctly applied in most cases. It has been shown that this expert system can effectively improve the accuracy and efficiency of failure diagnosis and working condition monitoring of ESPs.

Oxidative Degradation of 4-chlorophenol in Aqueous Induced by Plasma with Submersed Glow Discharge Electrolysis

The oxidative degradation of 4-chlorophenol （4-CP） in aqueous solution induced by plasma with submersed glow discharge has been investigated. The concentration of 4-CP and the reaction intermediates were determined by high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC）. Various influencing factors such as the initial pH, the concentration of 4-CP and the catalytic action of Fe^2＋ were examined. The results indicate that 4-CP is eventually degraded into inorganic ion, dioxide carbon and water. The attack of hydroxyl radicals on the benzene rings of 4-CP in the initial stage of oxidative reactions is presumed to be a key step. They also suggest that the reaction is of a pseudo-first order kinetic reaction and the proposed method is an efficient way for the 4-CP degradation,

Geochemical characteristics of hadal sediment in the northern Yap Trench

Two sediment cores were retrieved in the hadal zone of the Yap Trench,and their concentrations of six major elements Mg,Al,Ca,Ti,Mn and Fe and nine trace elements Sr,Ba,Pb,V,Cr,Co,Ni,Cu and Zn were determined in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry(ICP-AES).According to the vertical distribution profiles of the 15 elements,the correlation of their concentrations,the ratios of Ni/Co,V/Cr,Fe/Al,and Ti/Al,and morphological characteristics of the sediment samples,the implications of the depositional environment and the sediment provenance were analyzed.The results show that the ratio of Ni/Co in all depths of the two sediment cores were below 5,and the ratio of V/Cr were lower than 2,indicating that the depositional environment of the hadal zone in the trench was oxidative and might have inflow of the Antarctic bottom oxygen-rich water.The sediment samples on the eastern side of the trench were siliceous mud mainly composed of diatoms,radiolarian,and sponge needles from surface to deep layer.The vertical profile of the elements,the concentration of TOC and the fossil record indicated that the sediment sample from station Dive113 was well mixed from surface to bottom layer.Based on the correlation of concentrations of the elements,the morphological characteristics of the sediment,and the ratios of Fe/Al and Ti/Al,we inferred that the sediment in the hadal zone of the trench had terrestrial,volcanic,biological,and authigenic sources.Major source of the sediment in the eastern side of the trench were terrestrial;whereas the sediment in the western side of the trench received more volcaniclastic input.

Analysis of the Impact of the Space Guide Vane Wrap Angle on the Performance of a Submersible Well Pump

In order to study the influence of the wrap angle relating to the space guide vane of a submersible well pump(250QJ125)on the flow field and pump performance,seven possible configurations have been considered(obtained by changing the blade wrap angle while keeping unchanged all the other parameters).Such configurations have been numerically simulated in the framework of a computational model based on the Reynolds time-averaged N-S equations,the RNG k-εturbulence approach and the SIMPLE algorithm.The impact exerted by different wrap angles of the guide vane on the performance of the pump,the internal losses of the guide vane and the flow field distribution in the bladeless area at the guide vane outlet has been assessed via cross-comparison of all these cases.The results show that the wrap angle has a significant influence:the wrap angle with the highest head is different from that with the highest efficiency,and changes in this angle have a more significant effect on the head than efficiency.A moderate raise of the wrap angle can improve the properties of the flow,reduce turbulence losses and enhance the energy conversion rate inside the guide vane.Different wrap angles can also lead to different fluid circulation modes in the bladeless area from guide vane outlet to impeller inlet,while they have a weak influence on the absolute value of the velocity of the fluid entering the impeller.

A new diagnostic method for identifying working conditions of submersible reciprocating pumping systems

The submersible pumping unit is a new type of pumping system for lifting formation fluids from onshore oil wells, and the identification of its working condition has an important influence on oil production. In this paper we proposed a diagnostic method for identifying the working condition of the submersible pumping system. Based on analyzing the working principle of the pumping unit and the pump structure, different characteristics in loading and unloading processes of the submersible linear motor were obtained at different working conditions. The characteristic quantities were extracted from operation data of the submersible linear motor. A diagnostic model based on the support vector machine （SVM） method was proposed for identifying the working condition of the submersible pumping unit, where the inputs of the SVM classifier were the characteristic quantities. The performance and the misjudgment rate of this method were analyzed and validated by the data acquired from an experimental simulation platform. The model proposed had an excellent performance in failure diagnosis of the submersible pumping system. The SVM classifier had higher diagnostic accuracy than the learning vector quantization （LVQ） classifier.

Target Deployment and Retrieval Using JIAOLONG Manned Submersible in the Depth of 6600 m in Mariana Trench

China＇s 7000 m manned submersible JIAOLONG carried out an exploration cruise at the Mariana Trench from June to July 2016. The submersible completed nine manned dives on the north and south area of the Mariana Trench from the depth of 5500 to 6700 m, to investigate the geological, biological and chemical characteristics in the hadal area. During the cruise, JIAOLONG deployed a gas-tight serial sampler to collect the water near the sea bottom regularly. Five days later, the sub located the sampler in another dive and retrieved it successfully from the same location, which is the first time that scientists and engineers finished the high accuracy in-situ deployment and retrieval using a manned submersible with Ultra-Short Base Line （USBL） positioning system at the depth more than 6600 m. In this task, we used not only the USBL system of the manned submersible but also a compound strategy, including five position marks, the sea floor terrain, the depth contour, and the heading of the sub. This paper introduces the compound strategy of the target deployment and retrieval with the practical diving experience of JIAOLONG, and provides a promising technique for other underwater vehicles such as manned submersible or Remote Operated Vehicle （ROV） under similar conditions.

Experimental Study on the Hydrodynamic Characteristics of a Submersible Fish Cage at Various Depths in Waves

Submersible fish cages can be submerged under the water to mitigate the negative effects that arise from severe sea conditions and improve the growing environment for the farmed fish. Thus they are increasingly applied in offshore aquaculture. To ensure both safety and economic efficiency of submersible fish cages, it is important to determine the optimum submergence depth. In this study, a series of physical model experiments were conducted to investigate the hydrodynamic performance of a submersible fish cage at various submergence depths(1/6, 1/4, 1/3, and 1/2 of the water depth as well as the floating condition for reference) with a model scale of 1:20. The results of the physical model experiment for the different depths were compared to analyze the effects of submergence depths on the mooring line tension and the movement of the floating collar. The results showed that the mooring line tension and the floating collar movement significantly attenuated with increasing submergence depth. However, the attenuation tendency became stable when the fish cage reached a certain depth. According to the results, 1/3 of water depth was determined as the optimal submergence depth of the fish cages. Deeper submergence depths showed no significant advantage from a perspective of the hydrodynamic characteristics of the fish cage. The determination of the optimum submergence depth is beneficial for the structural design and operation safety of submersible net cages.

Water characteristics of abyssal and hadal zones in the southern Yap Trench observed with the submersible Jiaolong

Using observations in an applied cruise of the submersible Jiaolong,water characteristics,geostrophic transport,and turbulent mixing in abyssal and hadal zones of the southern Yap Trench were studied.The spatial structures of deep water show that the abyssal water is cold,saline,and oxygen rich.The hadal water has very small changes in potential temperature and potential density,and a little decrease in salinity and obvious decrease in oxygen.The isotherm,isopycnal,and isohaline are depressed in abyss over the central trench.The turbulent mixing is enhanced in the near-bottom zone and the hadal water on the trench slope,especially at the steep slope,the dissipation rate and diffusivity is strong,which weakens the stratification.The geostrophic flows move southward in the western region of the trench and northward in the eastern region,indicating cyclonic circulation.In the central region of the trench,the water transport is^1.74 Sv southward.In the hadal zone,the northward and southward transports are balanced.Our analysis suggests that the abyssal water in the southern Yap Trench is from Lower Circumpolar Water(LCPW)and the hadal water seems to be of the isolated local water rather than LCPW.

Multi-objective design optimization of composite submerged cylindrical pressure hull for minimum buoyancy and maximum buckling load capacity

This paper presents the design optimization of composite submersible cylindrical pressure hull subjected to 3 MPa hydrostatic pressure.The design optimization study is conducted for cross-ply layups[0_(s)/90_(t)/0_(u)],[0_(s)/90_(t)/0_(u)]s,[0_(s)/90_(t)]s and[90_(s)/0_(t)]s considering three uni-directional composites,i.e.Carbon/Epoxy,Glass/Epoxy,and Boron/Epoxy.The optimization study is performed by coupling a Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm(MOGA)and Analytical Analysis.Minimizing the buoyancy factor and maximizing the buckling load factor are considered as the objectives of the optimization study.The objectives of the optimization are achieved under constraints on the Tsai-Wu,Tsai-Hill and Maximum Stress composite failure criteria and on buckling load factor.To verify the optimization approach,optimization of one particular layup configuration is also conducted in ANSYS with the same objectives and constraints.

Observed features of temperature, salinity and current in central Chukchi Sea during the summer of 2012

During the summer of 2012, the fifth CHINARE Arctic Expedition was carried out, and a submersible mooring system was deployed in M5 station located at （69°30.155＇N,169°00.654＇W） and recovered 50d later. A set of temperature, salinity and current profile records was acquired. The characteristics of these observations are analyzed in this paper. Some main results are achieved as below. （1） Temperature generally decreases while salinity generally increases with increasing depth. The average values of all records are 2.98℃ and 32.21 psu. （2） Salinity and temperature are well negatively correlated, and the correlation coefficient between them is -0.84. However, they did not always vary synchronously. Their co-variation featured different characters during different significant periods. （3） The average velocity for the whole water column is 141 mm/s with directional angle of 347.1°. The statistical distribution curve of velocity record number gets narrower with increasing depth. More than 85% of the recorded velocities are northward, and the mean magnitudes of dominated northward velocities are 100-150 mm/s. （4） Rotary spectrum analysis shows that motions with low frequency take a majority of energy in all layers. The most significant energy peaks for all layers are around 0.012 cph （about 3.5 d period）, while the tidal motion in mooring area is nonsignificant. （5） Velocities in all layers feature similar and synchronous temporal variations, except for the slight decrease in magnitude and leftward twist from top to bottom. The directions of velocity correspond well to those of Surface wind. The average northward volume transport per square meter is 0.1-0.2 m3/s under southerly wind, but about -0.2 m3/s during northerly wind burst.

Ocean current observation and spectrum analysis in central Chukchi Sea during the summer of 2008

During the summer of 2008, the third CHINARE Arctic Expedition was carried out on board of Xuelong Icebreaker in the central Chukchi Sea. A submersible mooring system was deployed and recovered at Station CN-01 （71.40.024＇N, 167.58.910＇W） with 33 days of the current profile records, and continuous observation of temperature and salinity data were collected. This mooring station locates in the blank of similar observation area and it is the first time for our Chinese to finish this kind of long-term mooring work in this area. This mooring system finished integrated hydrological observations with long-term continuous record of the whole profile velocity for the first time. Based on time series analysis of temperature, salinity, velocity and flow direction, we get the following main results. （1） During the observation period, the mean surface current velocity is 70.2 cm/s eastward, and velocity reaches its maximum in average at 3 m level with magnitude 90.0 cm/s, direction 206.. （2） In 9-30 m layers, the semidiurnal period variation is the most obvious, the flow direction is quite stable, and the flow is synchronous and consistent vertically. （3） Besides the semidiurnal period variation, the main variation in the upper layer is in 11-d period, with variations in period 5.5, 5.5, and 3.7 d, which reflect the influences of sea surface wind change and maintenance. （4） Near the bottom the temperature change is correlated and synchronized with the conductivity.

Multi‑Crack Interaction and Influence on the Spherical Pressure Hull for a Deep‑Sea Manned Submersible

This study investigates the interaction and influence of surface cracks on the spherical pressure hull of a deep-sea manned submersible.The finite element model of the spherical hull is established,and a semi-elliptical surface crack is inserted in the welding toe of the spherical hull as the main crack.Considering the combined effect of external uniform pressure and welding residual stress at the weld toe,the stress intensity factor(SIF)is obtained based on the M-integral method.Inserting disturbing cracks at different positions on the spherical hull surface,the interaction and influence between multi-cracks are revealed by numerical calculation.The results show that the existence of the disturbing crack has a great influence on the stress intensity factor of the main crack,and the influence is different with the different location of disturbing crack.The study of the interaction of multiple cracks under different interference factors and the influence of disturbing cracks on the main crack can provide some reference for future engineering applications.