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Opportunity

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Opportunity
Specific Challenge

SAGD wells are extremely challenging to operate due to high temperatures.

Region - North America Region - North America

Alberta, Canada

Region - North America

Challenge

Due to extreme conditions of SAGD production, operators must be selective in their choice of ESP providers. Expenses can exceed CAN $110,000 if a well has to be pulled due to poor ESP performance or short run-life.

Solution

The FireStorm extreme high-temperature pump system was installed, delivering the latest ESP technology offering maximum contact between the steam and bitumen in the reservoir and gas avoidance technology for optimal production rates during all phases of SAGD production.

Result

  • FireStorm ESP system has proven its resilience and capabilities
  • The well has been running for 1,000 days and is quickly approaching the upper end of the typical ESP run-life 
  • Operator saved over CAN $110,000 in  operating expenses and deferred production

Overview

Steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) is an enhanced oil recovery technology that has been around for 20+ years. Electric submersible pumps (ESPs) are the primary form of artificial lift but are challenged by the extreme nature of SAGD production operations, including extreme operating temperatures and swings, wide production flow ranges, corrosion, abrasion, and dissolved free gas.  

Challenge

Due to the extreme conditions of SAGD production, operators must be selective in their choice of ESP providers. If a well is pulled due to poor ESP performance or short run-life, it can be offline two to three days, costing the operator deferred production of 500-1000 BOPD and rig time. 

Solution

Summit ESP® – A Halliburton Service developed the FireStorm extreme high-temperature pump system specifically for the SAGD market. Delivering the latest in ESP technology, every part is designed to manage the challenges of this unique production environment. 

The system will tolerate bottomhole temperatures up to 250°C (482°F) and temperature cycles up to 140°C (284°F). FireStorm also offers tools that allow maximum contact between the steam and bitumen in the reservoir and gas avoidance technology for optimal production rates during all phases of SAGD production.

All SAGD components undergo extensive high-temperature horizontal well and two-phase gas loop testing at our research and technology center.  Additionally, a complete Firestorm ESP system was independently validated via third-party testing conducted by C-FER Technologies at their Edmonton, Alberta, Canada facility, which provides full-scale testing and specialized engineering consulting services.

Result

Installed in an incredibly challenging Alberta SAGD well, the FireStorm ESP system has proven its resilience and capabilities. To date, the well has been running for 1,000 days and is quickly approaching the upper end of the typical ESP run life for these types of wells, saving the operator over CAN $110,000 in operating expenses and deferred production.

$110K+

Saved in operating expenses and deferred production

1,000+

Day run life

250°C

System toleration

140°C

Temperature cycles

SAGD pumping systems

Dependable technology for high-temperature SAGD applications

SAGD Pumping Systems

SAGD Pumping Systems

Dependable ESP pumping systems for high-temperature applications.

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