Intelevate™ Team Increase ESP Runtime and Reduce Field Visits 96%

Overview

Wells in Canada can have high gas-oil-ratios (GOR) and are typically produced on gas lift. Recently, an operator decided to use an ESP for the first time to dewater the formation of eight producing wells.

Challenge

The dewater well required constant attention and would not run independently for more than 48 hours because of extremely high GORs. Installed in August, management of the well was soon hampered by the extreme nature of the upcoming Canadian winter, which makes wellsite visits especially hazardous. While operators typically rely on in-house ESP specialists for troubleshooting, this customer needed one for the field in question and was unfamiliar with Summit ESP® systems. Further, the customer employed a SCADA system to control an automated tubing/casing choke at the surface but was unfamiliar with choke manipulation to control downhole gas interference.

Solution

In addition to the normal activities of ESP monitoring, troubleshooting, consulting, and remote changes, Summit ESP® engineering and monitoring personnel held private meetings with the customer to teach their engineers how to use the web-based monitoring system, review trends and manage their ESP equipment. Over many meetings, they developed a close working partnership with the customer. The operator now has several members in their core engineering team who understand the fundamentals of ESPs and how to troubleshoot issues.

Result

The collaborative effort yielded a significant decrease in shutdowns by 51 events and an increase in ESP uptime by 10.5 days; production subsequently increased by 1,584 BO and 9,261 MCF for a gross revenue increase of over $180,000 USD. The customer also realized a 96% reduction in field visits, saving 7,400 driven miles and significantly increasing safety.