The following procedures on handling of equipment and cables are recommended to properly install or pull an Electrical Submersible Pump unit:

• The Electrical Submersible Pump, motor, and cable must be assembled and handled during installation or removal according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• The Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) supplier's field engineer should be present whenever a pump is run or pulled. Time should be allowed to ensure that the ESP is assembled and filled with oil correctly and care taken to prevent moisture or dirt from entering the equipment. Considerable time may be required for oil filling at low ambient temperatures. Failure to fill the motor and protectors correctly with oil will lead to premature failure of the Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP). Electrical checks of the downhole unit and cable should be repeated every 2000 ft (600 m) while running in the hole to ensure that the cable has not been damaged.
• Although considerable improvements have been seen in cable splices they are still a significant source of ESP failure. Where possible splices should be made in a controlled environment and the number of field splices should be minimised.
• Flexing and distortion of the Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) assembly or its components should be avoided to prevent damage or premature failure. Appropriate lifting equipment and techniques should be used when lifting components of the ESP assembly to the rig floor to avoid flexing. All equipment should be handled utilising a spreader bar to prevent damage. The use of slings is not recommended.
• Downhole equipment must be run with care, and the appropriate type and number of cable protectors used to minimise damage resulting from the cable rubbing against the well casing, particularly in deviated wells and wells with liners or other restrictions.
• Motor centralisers should be used to provide additional protection for the cable and to ensure that the motor remains centred in the casing. This ensures that fluid is able to flow around the entire circumference of the motor to give maximum cooling efficiency, and to avoid hot spots in the motor.
• If any damaging act occurs (such as the dropping of the Electrical Submersible Pump assemble during transport) the equipment should be replaced until it can be checked at a workshop as internal damage is often not visible on the outside.

Checks prior to running an Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP)

Well and derrick

• A tubing pup joint 4-6 ft (1.5-2 m) in length is required to run the Electrical Submersible Pump. It should be of the same size and connection type as the production string.
• Provision should be made for installation of the cable sheave approximately 30 ft (10 m) above the rig floor. The cable should be kept below and clear of the backup tongs. 
• The tubing slips should be of a type which will avoid damage to the cable, and prevent the cable from becoming wrapped around the tubing. Backup tongs should be available for tightening of the tubing.

Electrical Submersible Pumps  equipment

• Check that the Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) assembly has been run under load prior to shipment. Check that the flowrate, head, and power data recorded while testing has been provided, and in accordance with the design.
• Check material and equipment to ensure that all items shipped have been delivered to the location.
• Check that the surface equipment is certified for use in the intended location, and has the required zone classifications.
• Remove box covers and note the type and serial numbers of all items of the ESP equipment. Information should be taken from the nameplates on motors, pumps, gas separators, seals, flat cable extension, well cable, and switchboard.
• Ensure switchboard is located at least 150 ft (50 m) from the wellhead and that the vented junction box (if required) is installed between the wellhead and switchboard.
• Check switchboard for proper fuses, potential transformer set-up and current transformer turns ratio.
• Check to see if flat cable is of the proper length and type for the motor.
• Check design of Electrical Submersible Pump (type and number of stages) against the completion programme. 
• Check that the power transformers are of the correct type, and that the primary and secondary voltages and kVA ratings are consistent with the power supply and motor type.

Electrical Submersible Pumps Power supply

The transformers, generators, and junction box will normally be installed prior to moving the rig onto the location. The equipment should have been checked and confirmed to be operational by the responsible electrical engineer prior to the rig move. The positions of the items should be checked and the ratings compared with the pump and motor specifications. Provision for required surface cut-out switches (overpressure and/or no flow switches) should have been made and discussion with vendor representatives held to ensure correct hook-up with surface controllers.