How 24/7 Real-Time Surveillance Increases ESP Run Life and Uptime

Abstract

Abstract This paper explains the development and implementation in the Schlumberger artificial lift real-time surveillance center of a workflow to track ESP alarms from their initial identification through their classification to the analysis of their root-cause. The workflow uses a QHSE database with Web access to enable collaboration between the surveillance center and field locations throughout Europe and Africa. Of more than 700 alarms which were substantiated over an 18 month period, over one third were classified as "critical", i.e. if no actions were taken, an Electric Submersible Pump (ESP) failure could potentially ensue. As such, real-time surveillance was seen to contribute to an increase in ESP run life, firstly, by preventing the ESP from being misoperated and experiencing excessive stress, and secondly, by using the alarm classification as the basis for service quality reviews to promptly identify remedial action items.