Tech Paper First Application of Rigless Electrical Submersible Pump Technology in the Gulf of Mexico
Economic, logistic, HSE, and time benefits of rigless ESP replacement are appealing to a growing audience.
Shuttle
Rigless electric submersible pumps
Overview
Retrieve and redeploy ESPs without a rig
Retrieve and redeploy any standard electric submersible pump (ESP) system assembly without a rig using the plug-and-play design of the innovative Shuttle™ rigless ESP replacement system. The system features two main assemblies: a retrievable ESP assembly and semipermanent completion components, including a docking station.
Applications
Standard ESP wells with 7-in casing or larger.
Benefits
Minimize deferred production
This rigless ESP replacement system minimizes deferred production, eliminates disruption to operations, and reduces HSE exposure and risk. Additional benefits include
- enabling deployment of a test ESP system to clean up the well and measure reservoir productivity
- ensuring that the ESP configuration can be easily adapted to changing well conditions
- increasing ESP run life and eliminating unexpected failures with preventative maintenance programs.
Features
Complete the operation within hours
After running the docking station to a shallow depth on jointed tubing, the retrievable ESP string with motor connector is assembled, lowered in the tubing, and landed in the docking station. The complete Shuttle pump system is then lowered to pump setting depth.
The ESP string can be quickly unplugged from the docking station and retrieved in a few hours. A GS tool lowered on wireline, coiled tubing (CT), or sucker rods is latched onto the ESP string, which is then retrieved through the tubing. After service or replacement, the ESP string is redeployed using the same method—eliminating uncertainties, inconvenience, and the economic impact of rig cost and availability.