Abstract
Gas Lift and Electric Submersible Pump (ESP) are two well-established techniques used to increase or restore oil wells production. Both methods are commonly utilized in the industry and each approach has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The decision regarding which one to use is based on various technical and commercial factors.
This study offers a comprehensive comparison of gas lift and ESP based on critical technical attributes such as well depth, reservoir pressure, and fluid properties, as well as commercial factors like installation cost, operating cost, and maintenance cost. The aim of this analysis is to provide a detailed evaluation of the two methods and establish a clear understanding of their suitability for specific applications. The study also investigates the economic feasibility of each method by analyzing their production rates, energy efficiency, and overall return on investment.
Gas lift is a widely used method for wells with low-to-medium depth and low-to-medium reservoir pressure. Gas lift has low installation costs, requires minimal maintenance, and is relatively energy-efficient. However, it may not be suitable for wells with high water cut or high viscosity fluids.
ESP, on the other hand, is a commonly used method for wells with high depth and suited to handle any water cut. The installation costs associated with ESP are considerable, and the system requires regular maintenance to function optimally. Additionally, ESP consumes a significant amount of energy. However, it can provide high production rates but cannot handle high gas-to-oil ratios and viscous fluids.
Ultimately, the choice between gas lift and ESP depends on a thorough evaluation of the technical and commercial factors specific to each well. Factors such as well depth, reservoir pressure, fluid properties, installation cost, operating cost, and maintenance cost must be considered to determine the most suitable method for the well.
