A New Artificial Lift Approach in Telisa Low Productivity Reservoir: Utilized Very Low-Rate ESP

Abstract

Abstract KS field faces low production challenges from Telisa formation. In addition, other problems in Telisa formation are also high GLR and solid production. ESP equipped with sand control and gas handler can still be used for liquid production above 100 BLPD. The problem is that the rest of the wells producing from Telisa formation that still use gas lifts, the production of which is already below 100 BLPD. In this case, the usual ESP configuration is no longer be used. The production method with gas lifts can no longer be used due to the limitations of gas production which continues to decline. Currently, there are still more than 30 wells that use gas lift and to maintain production from these wells, the right artificial lift solution must be sought. A modification has been made to the ESP artificial lift to be able to accommodate the very low production rate. The trial has been carried out in KS-001 and KS-002 for more than 1.5 years and as the result, the ESP is still running normally today. To improve run life for low rate ESP which may exposed to down-thrust condition and increased temperature resulted from low cooling fluid pass thru ESP motor housing, several precautions must be taken during designing ESP which fit for application: Pump with compression stages construction were selected for low rate application. This compression stages design will improve down-thrust handling in the pump. Down-thrust force generated by pump will be transferred into protector thrust bearing, where the thrust bearings were covered with lubrication oil. High load thrust bearing were selected to handle the thrust load. Tandem BPBSL – BPBSL protector selected to give extra motor oil reservoir to the ESP motor in the case of motor run on higher temperature due to low cooling fluid passes thru ESP motor housing. Due high GOR up to 800 SCF/STB, with ability to handle free gas up to 45% GVF, combination of Advance Gas Handler and gas separator were selected for better handling of free gas produced by the well. In low flow rate ESP system, fluid velocity pass thru the ESP motor housing is essential for cooling system. In the case of KS-002, well was completed with 7″ casing. ESP casing shroud were selected to improve fluid velocity. In overall ESP parameter in 2 wells trial are in normal condition, even though running with low frequency and limited liquid rate. Application of tandem protector, gas handling device, and sand screen successfully handle very low liquid rate with high GOR in hydraulic fractured wells. With the success of ESP's very low rate in Telisa, there is no longer any concern if gas production decreases. This paper will describe an integrated application of very-low rate ESP in sandy gassy wells with low productivity. These applications are required to improve the run-life of the ESP in Telisa zone to minimize oil deferment.