Abstract
Excessive gas production from high gas-oil-ratio (HGOR) wells imposes multiple challenges on the Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) systems. The light gassy fluid can compromise both the ESP mechanical and electrical integrity through severe degradation due to operating in upthrust position and through the extreme motor overheating caused by the repetitive gas-locking events. This paper discusses procedures that result in significant improvements in ESP operation in HGOR environments.
The procedures targeted the three main stages of ESP life cycle, namely: ESP design and planning phase, ESP installation and function test phase, and ESP operation phase. The developed procedures are applied for all new and current ESP installations and are continuously updated based on new results obtained through performance and data analysis.
These procedures can have a major positive impact on the ESP mechanical and electrical health. Gas-locking related trips are some of the most challenging trips as they require extensive troubleshooting and analysis to prevent re-occurrence. They also require keeping the ESP and well shut-in for pressure build-up. All of this tremendously affects the field production strategy and hence the reduction of gas-locking trips through these procedures not only improves the ESP health but also ensures the field production is maintained. Through the aid of such procedures, the run-life of failed ESP can exhibit a significant increase. In addition, gas-locking related trips per well can be significantly reduced after successful implementation of these procedures. The reduction in ESP downtime is key in aiding companies achieve their production strategy.
Implementation of the procedures that are discussed in this paper can be utilized for all HGOR fields where ESP installations are planned as the main artificial lift method to reduce gas-locking related trips and improve the run-life.
