Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) Head & Stage Sizing Calculator
Determine Total Dynamic Head (TDH), number of centrifugal impeller stages, and electric motor nameplate horsepower (HP) for artificial lift ESP installations.
Well & Pumping Conditions
Pump Staging & Motor Horsepower
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does an Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) lift high liquid volumes from deep wells?
An ESP is a downhole multi-stage centrifugal pump powered by a three-phase electric induction motor located below the pump intake. Fluid enters the intake and passes through dozens or hundreds of rotating impeller-diffuser stages, each adding kinetic pressure head.
What is Total Dynamic Head (TDH)?
TDH is the total equivalent height of fluid the pump must generate to lift fluid from the downhole pump intake depth to the surface, overcome wellhead backpressure, and compensate for tubing frictional resistance.
Why is pump intake pressure (PIP) critical in ESP operation?
If PIP drops below the oil bubble point pressure, free gas flashes inside the pump. Free gas volume fractions above 10%–15% cause severe gas lock, surging, cavitation erosion, and motor overheating due to lack of liquid flow cooling.