Abstract
Geothermal Electric Submersible Pumps (GeoESP® pump) seamlessly integrate into geothermal projects due to high flow rate capabilities. High downhole temperatures can result in scale, plugging, downhole gauge anomalies, high power consumption, and limited run life challenges. To mitigate these challenges, a novel optimization guideline was created for abnormal event diagnosis based on lessons learned, action plans, and best practices from 12 applications and more than 1700 days of runtime.
The goal of this project is to provide a comprehensive technical guideline of geothermal well events lifted with GeoESP pumps, including real cases and action plans taken. The advanced monitoring features were enabled using a real-time Well Manager System and Remote Terminal Units (RTU) installed at the well site. These included high-resolution data capture and processing, real- time event detection, collaboration dashboards, visualization tools, and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms. The monitoring guideline contributed to the following:
Creating an operation manual with detailed instructions on geothermal ESP units’ best practices and field procedures.
Reducing remote troubleshooting, event detection, and action plan times for increased pump uptime.
Systematizing proven geothermal events to actionable operational plans.
Develop human capital resources that specialize engineers in geothermal applications.
Improving the advanced features of the SCADA system through new tools for geothermal assets.
Enabling ML applications for real-time pump deterioration tracking and scale detection.
Identifying power optimization opportunities using real-time indicators.
Tracking the CO2 mitigation effect on the system and scale performance.
This paper will share the operational experience from remote monitoring services that can extend to all types of geothermal plants with ESPs as the main lifting method and can contribute to extending their run life.
