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.
Rigless electric submersible pumps
Rigless ESP replacement saves time and expenses, ensuring minimal production delays and operational cost reductions.
Simplified operations reduce personnel exposure and cut CO₂ emissions with efficient single-trip rigless replacement methods.
Prevents ESP failure, enhancing well performance and ensuring reliable, energy-efficient production with durable system features.
Retrieve and redeploy any standard electric submersible pump (ESP) system without the expense of a rig or hoist by using the unique plug-and-play design of the Shuttle™ rigless ESP replacement system. The Shuttle ESP system features two main assemblies: a retrievable ESP component and a semipermanent completion that includes a docking station that enables connection of a retrievable ESP motor to the surface power supply system. The use of wet-mate connector technology ensures reliable downhole electrical connection under pressure, temperature, and the presence of a wide range of downhole fluids.
This rigless ESP replacement system minimizes deferred production, eliminates disruption to operations, and reduces HSE exposure and risk. Additional benefits include the following:
During initial installation, the docking station is typically run to a shallow depth on a large bore production tubing capable of accommodating the ESP inside. The retrievable ESP assembly, with the motor connector at the bottom, is then assembled, lowered inside the tubing, and simply landed in the docking station, with no further manipulations downhole. The complete Shuttle ESP system is then lowered to pump setting depth in the identical manner to a standard ESP system, with the power delivery system deployed on the outside of the production tubing.
When ESP replacement is required, the whole retrievable ESP assembly can be quickly unplugged from the docking station and retrieved within a few hours in a single trip. A GS pulling tool—lowered on wireline, coiled tubing, or sucker rods—is latched on top of the ESP string, which is then simply retrieved through the production tubing and a surface Xmas tree, which remains in place during the replacement sequence. After service or replacement, a new ESP string is then redeployed inside production tubing using the same method—eliminating reservoir and production uncertainties, and the economic impact of rig availability and cost.
E&P magazine honored the Shuttle rigless ESP replacement system with a 2017 Special Meritorious Awards for Engineering Innovation, after being judged by an independent team of experts. The system reduces operating costs and eliminates disruptions to operations by enabling any standard ESP assembly to be retrieved and redeployed without a rig—using wireline, coiled tubing, or sucker rods.
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