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ESP Expert: Full Course

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Course Credit: 3.3 CEU, 33 PDH

Course Overview
Master the fundamentals and design principles of Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESPs) with this expert-led course.  This modular training takes engineers, operators, and field professionals deep into every component of the ESP system — from pump dynamics and intake considerations to motor performance and surface controls. Featuring real-world case studies, design tips, and interactive knowledge checks, this course bridges theory and practice to prepare you for real-world troubleshooting, optimization, and deployment.

Total Duration: 33 hours

Instructor: Gordon Kappelhoff

Prerequisites

  • A basic understanding of oilfield production systems
  • Familiarity with artificial lift methods (preferred but not required)
  • Engineering background (mechanical, petroleum, or electrical) or field experience in oil & gas
  • Comfort with technical concepts such as fluid flow, pressure, and energy transfer
  • Ability to read technical diagrams and schematics

Pump

  • The Impeller
  • The Diffuser
  • Knowledge Check #1
  • Direction
  • Centrifugal Force
  • Stage Geometry
  • Knowledge Check #2
  • Flow
  • Head vs. Pressure
  • Knowledge Check #3
  • The Pump Performance Curve
  • Knowledge Check #4
  • Recommended Operating Ranges
  • Vertical Forces on an Impeller
  • Knowledge Check #5
  • Explaining the Pump Performance Curve Shape
  • Standards in the ESP Industry
  • Knowledge Check #6
  • The 8 Most Critical Design Features for a Successful ESP Pump (Parts 1–3)
  • Knowledge Check #7
  • Total Dynamic Head 1
  • Pump Setting Depth
  • Case Study: A Conundrum in Brazil
  • Knowledge Check #8
  • Total Dynamic Head 2
  • Check Valves
  • Diverters
  • Knowledge Check #9
  • Total Dynamic Head 3
  • ESP Design
  • Knowledge Check #10

Intake

  • Introduction to Intake
  • Should the Intake Have a Screen?
  • Case Study #2: The North Sea Dilemma
  • Knowledge Check #11
  • Cavitation: Is it a Risk?
  • Gaslocking 1
  • Gaslocking 2
  • Knowledge Check #12
  • Gas Separators
  • Gas Handlers
  • Knowledge Check #13

Protector

  • Introduction to Protectors and Seals
  • Knowledge Check #14
  • The Labyrinth Protector
  • Knowledge Check #15
  • The Positive Seal Type (Parts 1–2)
  • Knowledge Check #16
  • The Metal Bellows Protector
  • Evaluating and Comparing Protectors
  • The Thrust Bearing
  • Knowledge Check #17

Motor

  • Introduction to Motors
  • Knowledge Check #18
  • The ESP Motor
  • Knowledge Check #19
  • The 5 Attributes of Motor Efficiency
  • Power Factor
  • The Parts of the Motor
  • Knowledge Check #20

Gauge

  • Introduction to Gauges
  • Knowledge Check #21
  • Parts of the Gauge
  • Current Leakage
  • Knowledge Check #22

Cable

  • Introduction to Cable
  • Barriers
  • Jackets
  • Knowledge Check #23
  • Cable Armour
  • Holding the Cable to the Tubing String
  • Knowledge Check #24
  • Pothead Connections
  • TDRs
  • Knowledge Check #25
  • Connectors
  • Knowledge Check #26

Surface Equipment

  • Introduction to Surface Equipment
  • Knowledge Check #27
  • Transformer and Switch boards
  • Variable Speed Drives
  • Harmonics 1
  • Harmonics 2
  • Knowledge Check #28
  • The Motor Controller
  • Knowledge Check #29

Pre-requisites: Basic familiarity with artificial lift systems is recommended. Suggested courses:

 

Expiration: This course expires 12 months from date of registration.

 

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 9 chapters
 PDH 2025 Certificate

Course Chapters

  • 1ESP Expert - Pump Part 1
    Media Type: Scorm

    Pump is divided into 3 parts.

    -------------------

    Pump design is the foundation of ESP performance, and this three-part module provides a comprehensive examination of the eight critical design elements that determine how effectively an ESP pump operates in the field. You will explore stage geometry, stage count, materials, bearing configurations, shaft design, housing types, and construction strategies. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical field application, empowering participants to design pumps that withstand the challenges of abrasive, high-temperature, or gas-laden environments.

    These modules also highlight failure mechanisms linked to poor design choices and introduce design workflows that optimize system reliability and run life. Whether you're building new systems or troubleshooting underperforming ones, this deep dive into pump mechanics prepares you to deliver long-term performance in varied well conditions.

    Duration: 6 hours (combined)

    What you will learn:


    • How each of the eight pump design elements affects performance and failure risk

    • Tradeoffs in selecting materials and configurations for different applications

    • Fluid dynamics within stage design and its impact on lift and efficiency

    • How to identify early signs of pump wear or imbalance due to poor design


    Pre-requisites: Basic familiarity with artificial lift systems is recommended. Suggested courses:

  • 2ESP Expert - Pump Part 2
    Media Type: Scorm

    Pump is divided into 3 modules.

    -------------------

    Pump design is the foundation of ESP performance, and this three-part module provides a comprehensive examination of the eight critical design elements that determine how effectively an ESP pump operates in the field. You will explore stage geometry, stage count, materials, bearing configurations, shaft design, housing types, and construction strategies. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical field application, empowering participants to design pumps that withstand the challenges of abrasive, high-temperature, or gas-laden environments.

    These modules also highlight failure mechanisms linked to poor design choices and introduce design workflows that optimize system reliability and run life. Whether you're building new systems or troubleshooting underperforming ones, this deep dive into pump mechanics prepares you to deliver long-term performance in varied well conditions.

    Duration: 6 hours (combined)

    What you will learn:


    • How each of the eight pump design elements affects performance and failure risk

    • Tradeoffs in selecting materials and configurations for different applications

    • Fluid dynamics within stage design and its impact on lift and efficiency

    • How to identify early signs of pump wear or imbalance due to poor design


    Pre-requisites: Basic familiarity with artificial lift systems is recommended

  • 3ESP Expert - Pump Part 3
    Media Type: Scorm

    Pump is divided into 3 modules.

    -------------------

    Pump design is the foundation of ESP performance, and this three-part module provides a comprehensive examination of the eight critical design elements that determine how effectively an ESP pump operates in the field. You will explore stage geometry, stage count, materials, bearing configurations, shaft design, housing types, and construction strategies. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical field application, empowering participants to design pumps that withstand the challenges of abrasive, high-temperature, or gas-laden environments.

    These modules also highlight failure mechanisms linked to poor design choices and introduce design workflows that optimize system reliability and run life. Whether you're building new systems or troubleshooting underperforming ones, this deep dive into pump mechanics prepares you to deliver long-term performance in varied well conditions.

    Duration: 6 hours (combined)

    What you will learn:


    • How each of the eight pump design elements affects performance and failure risk

    • Tradeoffs in selecting materials and configurations for different applications

    • Fluid dynamics within stage design and its impact on lift and efficiency

    • How to identify early signs of pump wear or imbalance due to poor design


    Pre-requisites: Basic familiarity with artificial lift systems is recommended

  • 4ESP Expert - Intake
    Media Type: Scorm

    Intake

    This module addresses one of the most persistent problems in ESP systems: gas interference. You will examine the design, function, and limitations of standard intake sections, gas separators, and gas handling devices. The session also emphasizes how separation efficiency can dramatically impact pump reliability, system efficiency, and well uptime.

    Practical field examples will show how poor intake configuration can lead to gas lock, reduced flowrates, and mechanical degradation. You'll walk away with the ability to analyze well conditions and apply the appropriate intake solution for minimizing gas-related disruptions.

    Duration: 4 hours

    What you will learn:


    • ESP intake section fundamentals and common variations

    • How gas separator designs impact separation efficiency

    • Effects of free gas and GOR on pump system stability

    • Diagnostic tools for identifying intake-related performance issues


    Pre-requisites: Knowledge of pump function (ESP Expert - Pump) is recommended

  • 5ESP Expert - Protector
    Media Type: Scorm

    Protector

    The protector plays a vital role in shielding the motor and managing internal system pressures. This module focuses on the five essential functions of ESP protectors: pressure equalization, barrier protection, thrust control, torque management, and motor oil reservoir buffering.

    Participants will evaluate the advantages and limitations of common protector types, including Bellows, Labyrinth, and Positive Seal designs. You will explore real-world failure cases and learn design selection strategies to match downhole pressures, fluid properties, and environmental constraints.

    Duration: 4 hours

    What you will learn:


    • Mechanical and thermal functions of ESP protectors

    • Differences between protector types and when to apply them

    • How to size and configure protectors based on thrust and pressure variables

    • Common protector failure modes and mitigation techniques


    Pre-requisites: General understanding of ESP mechanics (ESP Expert: Pump and Intake) is recommended

  • 6ESP Expert - Motor
    Media Type: Scorm

    Motor

    This module provides a deep technical dive into the heart of the ESP system: the motor. You will learn how electrical and thermal characteristics of motors determine overall ESP performance, including insulation class, power ratings, current load, and voltage tolerance.

    From managing heat transfer to interpreting motor derating curves, this course equips you with the insights necessary to specify, operate, and troubleshoot motors in both conventional and extreme environments.

    Motor sizing will answer the questions of safety factors, what the limitations are and how to select the correct HP, voltage and current rating for your ESP design.

    Duration: 6 hours

    What you will learn:


    • Motor construction, cooling, and electrical performance fundamentals

    • Torque and voltage considerations in system sizing

    • Heat management and insulation limitations

    • Strategies to improve motor reliability under varying loads


    Pre-requisites: ESP mechanics (ESP Expert: Pump, Intake, and Protector) and basic electrical knowledge is helpful.

  • 7ESP Expert - Gauge
    Media Type: Scorm

    Gauge

    Downhole sensors are essential to modern ESP operations, allowing real-time monitoring and diagnostics. In this module, you will learn how ESP gauges collect and transmit data such as pressure, temperature, and vibration without needing a dedicated data line.

    You will also review common telemetry issues, how to troubleshoot them, and how to leverage sensor data to detect system inefficiencies and prevent downtime. The course connects gauge data with practical performance decisions across a well's lifecycle.

    Duration: 4 hours

    What you will learn:


    • Types of sensors and gauge integration methods

    • Data transmission reliability and troubleshooting practices

    • Using downhole data for system diagnostics and optimization

    • Maximizing sensor value through surface interpretation


    Pre-requisites: Familiarity ESP motor (ESP Expert - Motor) function is recommended

  • 8ESP Expert - Cable
    Media Type: Scorm

    Cable

    ESP cables are critical for power delivery and among the most common points of system failure. This module explores how to design and select cable systems that resist corrosion, thermal stress, and mechanical damage during installation and production.

    Participants will review cable anatomy, insulation ratings, armoring, and connection systems, along with common failure patterns observed in the field. The session emphasizes preventative strategies and reliable configuration techniques.

    Duration: 4 hours

    What you will learn:


    • Electrical and mechanical aspects of ESP cable design

    • Cable sizing, insulation classes, and armor types

    • Causes of cable failure during deployment or operation

    • Field-proven handling and installation practices


    Pre-requisites: Prior experience with ESP systems or general cable concerns in an oil well is beneficial

  • 9ESP Expert - Surface Equipment
    Media Type: Scorm

    Surface Equipment

    The ESP’s surface equipment directly controls power delivery, start-up behavior, and performance stability. In this module, you will explore how transformers, switchboards, VSDs, and motor controllers work together to manage system behavior in real-time.

    You’ll gain hands-on understanding of harmonics, voltage imbalance, and grounding problems, and how these surface-level issues affect downhole ESP integrity. The session includes practical guidance on troubleshooting, tuning, and optimizing surface equipment.

    Duration: 5 hours

    What you will learn:


    • Power flow through surface control architecture

    • VSD configuration and harmonic filtering principles

    • Surface diagnostics and failure tracing

    • Designing surface systems for operational flexibility and safety


    Pre-requisites: Electrical systems knowledge recommended; field familiarity with ESP power delivery helpful

Credits

Earn credits by completing this course3.3 CEU credits33 PDH credits

Speakers

Gordon KappelhoffGordon Kappelhoff is a leading expert in Electric Submersible Pump (ESP) systems with over 35 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Known for his hands-on expertise and practical teaching style, Gordon has trained thousands of engineers worldwide on ESP design, operations, and failure analysis. He served in senior technical roles at Chevron, Schlumberger and NExT and has contributed to multiple global ESP training initiatives and publications. As co-creator of the ESP Expert Training Course, Gordon brings a unique blend of field knowledge and instructional clarity that empowers professionals to make confident, high-impact decisions in ESP applications.