The Sand Fallback Problem

ESPs operate in environments where production fluids often contain sand, gas, and water. During shutdown events, solids in the production tubing fall back and settle on top of the pump system.

When the ESP restarts under these conditions:

• Sand accumulation causes hard starts (rock starts)
• Increased amperage and mechanical stress occur
• Damage to internal components can happen, including shafts and electrical systems
• Repeated events reduce efficiency and shorten ESP run life

In some cases, these conditions can lead to catastrophic failure and costly workovers.

How SandGuard Works

SandGuard prevents solids fallback damage through a combination of capture, isolation, and controlled flushing:

• Captures and isolates solids — A dedicated chamber traps sand and debris above the pump.
• Diverts fallback from the pump — A ball seat mechanism redirects solids away from the pump intake.
• Self-cleaning during restart — Dynamic flow ports agitate and flush trapped solids back to the surface. 

This process ensures a cleaner restart and reduces stress on the ESP system.

Key Benefits

• Extends ESP run life in sand-laden environments
• Prevents damage caused by solids fallback
• Reduces unplanned downtime and workovers
• Minimizes startup stress during restart cycles 
• Protects pump efficiency and production output
• Compatible with a wide range of ESP flow rates
• Designed for extreme downhole conditions

Features

• Cleanable and reusable design
• Multiple configurations for various casing sizes
• Effective across a wide range of particle sizes
• Available with standard or custom connections
• Installs at the pump discharge without complex modifications
• Eliminates annulus communication

Applications

SandGuard is designed for use across multiple well conditions:

• ESP installations
• Onshore and offshore wells
• Horizontal and deviated wells
• Sand-producing reservoirs

Most ESP gas-handling and gas-separation technologies are designed to deal with gas only after it becomes a problem by separating it, venting it, or trying to manage it through the pump.

GasGuard® takes a different approach.

Instead of relying solely on traditional downhole gas separation or gas-handling devices, GasGuard operates earlier in the process, when gas slugs form. It breaks apart large slugs and conditions the flow, so gas stays distributed within the liquid stream.

By the time fluids reach your ESP, you’re not fighting big pockets of gas anymore, because you’ve got a smoother, more stable flow.

GasGuard is Part of the Multilift Artificial Lift Solutions Portfolio

Cyclone ESP harnesses the power of proven vortex technology to deliver superior sand protection for electric submersible pumps (ESPs). Designed for versatility, it performs reliably in onshore, offshore, deviated, and horizontal wells in protecting your equipment, extending pump run life, and significantly reducing lease operating expenses.

With a universal one-size design, Cyclone easily retrofits into any ESP well. Installed directly below the pump, it requires no downhole preparation, making deployment fast and hassle-free. Its high-efficiency centrifugal action separates a broader range of sand grain sizes than traditional sand screens, directing clean fluid to the pump and diverting solids to a tailpipe below.

Constructed from specialized metallurgy and featuring no moving parts, Cyclone avoids the erosion, plugging, and maintenance issues common with conventional sand control methods. The result is a robust, low-maintenance solution that delivers consistent performance in even the harshest environments.

Key Features and Benefits

• Superior Sand Protection: Shields ESPs from abrasive damage.
• Extended Pump Life: Reduces wear, increasing uptime and reliability.
• Lower Operating Costs: Minimizes workovers, replacements, and lost production.
• Universal Fit: One size fits all casing weights—no custom parts needed.
• Quick & Easy Installation: No need to rotate the motor or tailpipe.
• Field-Serviceable: Rubber elements can be changed on-site.
• High Reusability: Enables fast changeouts and reruns without leaving the rig floor.

Discover how Cyclone ESP can enhance your sand control strategy, delivering efficiency, durability, and peace of mind in every well.

Encapsulated Protection for Harsh Downhole Conditions

Harsh wellbore environments can significantly reduce the lifespan of electric submersible pumps (ESPs), leading to costly replacements and downtime. One of the most effective solutions is the ESP encapsulation system – also known as a POD or CAN system – which encloses the pump in a sealed, protective housing. This design allows fluids to flow through the POD while shielding the ESP from corrosive and damaging well fluids.

FET’s custom-engineered ESP POD systems encapsulate, isolate, and support ESPs in a variety of configurations, including dual and multi-zone production. FET pioneered the industry’s first successful dual-tandem ESP POD encapsulation system in 2015.

These systems are:

• Easy to install, inspect, and test
• Built to isolate casing from over-pressure and corrosion
• Designed to prevent equipment damage and production loss

Key Benefits

• Increases production by enabling ESPs in series and reducing horsepower requirements
• Isolates casing from over-pressure and corrosive fluids
• Protects ESPs and prevents production loss from casing damage
• Supports hydraulic-commanded tools for drill string testing

Features

• Simple field assembly, disassembly, inspection, and testing
• Available in a range of metallurgies, sizes, and connection types

Applications

• Highly deviated, vertical, or horizontal wells
• Well testing operations
• Dual ESP systems
• Corrosive fluid production
• Onshore, offshore, and subsea/deepwater wells

FET’s ESP POD systems are part of our extensive Multilift artificial lift solutions catalog.