+20% production gain, -40% energy saving at a group of oil fields

Arctic regions

Short Summary

A perfect example of our Ultra-High-Speed ESP (UHS ESP™) in action can be found in the group of fields, where we successfully delivered the mass implementation of this innovative technology. The client in this case needed a significant improvement to the efficiency and safety of their oil production with the end goal of reducing their total cost of ownership (TCO). Since the start of our project with them, we have successfully installed more than 300 units.

Results

20% increase in oil production

40% reduction in power consumption (equivalent to nearly 50 million kWh) since 2014

23% increase in equipment runlife

Over 15,000 cycles on average reached the wells operating in intermittent mode and complicated conditions (sand content >2,000 ppm / >2,000 mg/l)

25% reduction in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in comparison with competitors

Case Salym Petroleum Total Cost Ownership

Fields’ reservoirs are found up to 9,150 ft TVD (2,785 m TVD). Oil wells are drilled from well pads up to 12,000 ft MD (3,650 m MD) and completed with 7″ (177,8 mm) and 6.61″ (168 mm) API Casing. Downhole temperatures are ranging between 195 and 240 °F (90–115 °C).

The following complicating factors stalled to reach the production measures:

  • Narrow operating range of existing ESPs;
  • Gas content at pump intake is above 60%;
  • Sand content is above 1,500 ppm (1,500 mg/l);
  • High DLS;
  • High power consumption.

After doing research and detailed analysis, we proposed installing several models of Ultra-High-Speed ESPs with a nameplate operating speed of 10,000 rpm:

  • Low-flow-rate UHS-200 system designed for NP flow range from 50 to 280 bblpd with 190 bblpd at BEP (from 8 to 45 m3/d with 30 m3/d at BEP);
  • Wide-range UHS-500 system designed for NP flow range from 125 to 560 bblpd with 500 bblpd at BEP (from 20 to 90 m3/d with 80 m3/d at BEP);
  • Power efficient UHS-600 system designed for NP flow range from 280 to 720 bblpd with 500 bblpd at BEP (from 45 to 115 m3/d with 80 m3/d at BEP).

Upon every phase of technology deployment the client evaluated obtained results. They were found stable and consistent with prior results, allowing to development of a solid economic model.

Since 2016 UHS ESP™ systems are approved for use in group of fields under Lex engineering support and supervision. 

We offer a centralized approach to the monthly delivery of equipment for installation and maintenance, due to the compact design of our UHS ESP™ units and minimum on-site preparation requirements. This allows us to avoid additional field workshops as the preparation of equipment can be conducted at a main repair facility and delivered directly to the field being ready for the installation (plug-and-play design).

Our results consistently demonstrate the high potential of Lex UHS ESP™ to optimize production and provide operational advantages in harsh well conditions.

Lex was challenged to conduct the artificial lift method conversion from a Gas Lift to an Electric Submersible Pump in the well with undefined inflow.

The reasons behind this request were:

  1. Rising gas prices;
  2. Compressor reliability (regular shutdowns and maintenance);
  3. Oil losses during well shut downs.

Following research and detailed analysis of the well conditions, we recommended installing the UHS ESP™ system, with a nameplate speed of 10,000 rpm. We proposed installing the wide-range UHS-1000 system designed for NP flow range from 505 to 1385 bblpd, with BEP at 1000 bblpd  (80-220 m3/d with 159 m3/d at BEP), with integrated advanced gas handling device and downhole gauge Hunter-X.

Case Salym Petroleum Operating Ranges

UHS ESPTM advantages vs. conventional equipment

  • Wide operating range allows you to adapt to changes in inflow whilst maintaining higher efficiency.;
  • Reduction in the total length of UHS ESPTMs (by up three times) allowing passage through high DLS wells;
  • Improved gas separator efficiency leads operating with 75% gas at the pump intake;
  • Reliable operation with sand content up to 2,000 ppm (2,000 mg/l) is possible due to wear-resistant stage materials.

For today, we installed more than 500 units at offshore and onshore projects worldwide.

Get more information

Meeting the standards

We design, manufacture, market, and operate equipment in compliance with recognized industry API, ISO and CE standards. Lex is an active member of API ESP Recommended Practice review committee

Our clients

Trusted by world-class brands

Case Studies

Our engineers have carried out over 500 ESP systems installations at our clients’ oil fields in Europe, Siberia, Middle Africa, Southeast Asia, and North America.