Challenge: Mitigate the risk of premature ESP failure under changing conditions in three exploration wells in the Los Llanos Field

Solution: Install high-efficiency Reda ESP™ pumps capable of operating with a lower-than-expected productivity index (PI) in downthrust conditions to avoid unnecessary workovers

Results:

• Operated for more than 580 days without incident, even during changing conditions
• Eliminated workover costs, saving the operator an estimated USD 170,000 per unit including the rig costs and ESP systems—totaling USD 510,000 for all three wells

Exploration wells at risk of premature ESP failure with changing conditions

An operator evaluated three exploration wells in Los Llanos Field for the wells' potential production performance. Based on initial data, Well 1 was expected to produce at a flow rate of more than 6,500 bbl/d. The operator was concerned about installing a potentially oversized high-efficiency ESP system with a compression pump because of the possibility of a short run life while operating the equipment in downthrust conditions outside its typical range.

High-efficiency Reda ESP system with tailored stage design minimizes effects of downthrust conditions

After reviewing initial data for Well 1, SLB installed a high-efficiency Reda ESP system with a tailored stage design to help minimize the effects of the downthrust conditions. The high-efficiency pump features a high-flow-rate compression pump design with factory shimming, a high-strength shaft, and compliant-mounted radial bearing system.

During startup of Well 1, the PI was more than 4,500 bbl/d, approximately 1,500 bbl/d less than initially projected. However, the configuration of the compression pumps enabled the system to operate reliably, even with a lower-than-expected PI and increased water cut.

Reliable pump performance despite unexpected productivity decrease saves USD 170,000 per well

The pump operated within the optimal operating range for approximately 8 months and then operated in downthrust conditions for 4 months, enabling the operator to continue producing Well 1 even when the productivity unexpectedly changed. The Reda ESP system was designed to produce approximately 6,000 bbl/d with an initial frequency of 30 Hz at a PI of 12 bbl/d/psi. After more than 580 days of operation, the well was producing 1,978 bbl/d at 50 Hz with a PI of 0.97 bbl/d/psi, and then was stopped for a planned workover, which increased the efficiency.

Most pumps typically last between 2 to 3 months or fail altogether when operating outside of the optimal range. Conventional pumps also require a workover sooner—within 1 year—as they are unable to perform efficiently outside of the operating range.

Due the performance of the reliable, robust system in severe conditions, the operator installed the Reda ESP system in the two remaining exploration wells, saving a combined estimated USD 510,000 for all three wells in associated workover and rig costs. The second ESP system operated for 503 days and was stopped for a planned workover, and the third ESP system has been operating with a run life of more than 700 days as of the publish date without any issues.