The transport and handling of Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) components should reflect the high cost and fragile nature of the equipment.
Flexing resulting in permanent distortion of the equipment will cause accelerated wear when the Electrical Submersible Pump is operated. Bearings manufactured from hard, brittle materials such as ceramics are also subject to damage from rough handling and shocks. Limited shock resistance is provided by the use of compliant mountings for these bearings, but these do not provide complete protection from damage if a pump is dropped.
During transport and handling it is important to ensure that Electrical Submersible Pumps, motors and seals are rigidly supported along their length. Manufacturers can provide transport boxes which give limited support. During manufacture Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) components are straightened to within 0.003 in (0,075 mm). Correct lifting and handling procedures are required to ensure that their straightness is maintained during unloading and while being picked up from the catwalk.
Webbing straps should be used for handling components covered with corrosion resistant plating or coatings, to ensure that the coatings are not damaged.