The electrical submersible pump (ESP) is one of the most efficient artificial lift technologies enabling oil production. Depending on the operating conditions and corrosivity of downhole well fluids, ESP components are built from various materials with suitable corrosion resistance. This article briefly reviews the corrosion of ESPs in oil production from downhole well fluids of corrosive species such as dissolved carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and chloride ions. Materials and their performance in major ESP components, including pump stages, heads and bases, housings, and shafts, in the environment of oil production are also discussed. Finally, the proper selection of ESP materials in different applications is examined.
Key words: Corrosion, produced water, materials, ESP.