InteLift™ Virtual PIP Offers Geothermal Operators Accurate Backup

Overview

German geothermal wells provide energy for power generation and heating for homes and businesses.  To ensure the highest level of safety for health and the environment, local authorities require meticulous monitoring and advanced tools to ensure efficient operations.  Downhole gauges provide a wealth of information but are affected by harsh well conditions, including high wellbore temperatures and scale, which can affect performance or cause a short run life.  When there are issues with a gauge, operators need an alternative that allows them to comply with government regulations without pulling the well to replace current downhole equipment.

Challenge

PIP is a key diagnostic for the ESP system’s health and the wellbore’s integrity.  Local governmental authorities require continuous real-time PIP values, but when the downhole gauge is faulty or fails, the well must be pulled unless there are alternatives.  Hardware solutions on the surface can calculate PIP but are often expensive, require personnel to install, calibrate and maintain, and they can have a 20-30% error rate.

Solution

Summit ESP’s real-time calculated Virtual PIP App from the InteLift Well Manager System’s industrial internet of things (IIOT) device considers well conditions, equipment specifications, and past performance to accurately calculate PIP with less than 2% error when compared with downhole gauge readings.  Virtual PIP can also evaluate the current operating point and compare it to the best efficiency point.

Result

With this innovative technology, geothermal operators can run ESPs longer without sensor readings and unplanned interventions; operators can plan equipment replacement with ample time to minimize unnecessary downtime.  The technology can also be used with monitoring services to model well conditions and equipment performance to determine if proactive actions can be taken to improve uptime, equipment reliability, or increase production.  Finally, and most importantly, with InteLift Well Manager System’s Virtual PIP, operators can fulfill the governmental authorities’ requirements without extra hardware or maintenance expenses.

Award Nomination

This project was selected as an endorsed nominee for the 2023 Ruggero Bertani European Geothermal Innovation Award, celebrating outstanding contributions towards the field of geothermal energy in the form of innovative products, scientific research, or project initiatives.  The endorsed award nomination recognizes originality, innovation, reliability, and improvements in energy output.