Application of Real-Time ESP Data Processing and Interpretation in Permian Basin “Brownfield” Operation

Electrical submersible pump (ESP) operation, like many other segments of the oil industry, is recovering from having been drowned in large number of data, the aftermath of information technology revolution, and refocusing on effective utilization of reservoir and production data. This paper presents results of the application of real-time data processing and interpretation in a mature field (Permian basin) through operating and service company alliances. The process involves application of production system efficiency management coupled with newly developed advanced ESP technology and analysis toolscomputer simulation software packages that could simulate actual ESP and downhole performance. Data are acquired from the wellsite using data acquisition panels and are sent over a secure network connection to a data hub. The data are also sent for intelligent real-time ESP data processing and interpretation. Well and reservoir monitoring, surveillance, analysis, and diagnosis are also performed. Active collaboration with producing companies at every stage of the process was encouraged through the formation of a new alliance. Finally, various recommendations and suggestions that could operate, optimize the ESP system, reduce well downtime, and prevent catastrophic and premature ESP failures were made. This new approach to ESP operation reduces daily challenges in operating brownfields, such as keeping wells economically viable; solving production problems associated with operating mature assets in today’s oil industry that is plagued with continuous declining of manpower resources. As might be expected, lease operating expense (LOE) and/or deferred oil production is reduced. Operational case studies and individual benefits are highlighted and included in this paper. This new approach is a significant departure from the conventional ways of operating ESP where service companies traditionally supply ESPs to producing companies to operate. This new alliance will have a decided influence on future ESP operation and the survival of many brownfields worldwide. Introduction ESP applications as a form of artificial lift method have continued to increase through the years, and significant growth is expected in the next decades as artificial lift requirements increase to a greater extent than current usage. ESP application covers all aspects of hydrocarbon exploitation. Its usage ranges from mature marginal onshore wells to high profile, deep-water subsea wells. ESP capability to produce highliquid volume; handle more free-gas production; accommodate changing reservoir conditions with time, when used with variable-speed drives (VSD); produce from low-bottomhole pressure, and, an extensive operational versatility are major factors for having been the fastest growing method of artificial-lift, well-pressure support. In the past, only the majors and superindependent oil companies could equip ESP wells with real-time automation because of the large capital investment needed for such projects. Even when ESP wells were automated, they were limited to data gathering and some basic controls. Operators received more data than they could store, process, analyze, and interpret. Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), which was the most common system differed from field-tofield, even in the same company and ranged from limited to extensive usage. Another major problem with real-time ESP data processing and interpretation in the past was that matured marginal ESP wells, including Permian Basin ESP wells, were not equipped with downhole monitoring sensors. The primary ESP monitoring method includes plotting measured electrical current data on amperage charts at the surface, shooting fluid level routinely using acoustic method, and other production data, whenever they are available. Downhole sensors on ESP wells were considered a luxury. These practices are still common today and require huge manpower and regular wellsite visits to collect data, and then make necessary adjustments to pump and well operation. This process was very inefficient, and resulted in many under-performing ESP wells. Real-time ESP data processing and interpretation is now readily available for both major and small independent producing companies through operating and service company alliances. Permian Basin ESP operators that are faced with the onerous task of producing oil and gas from these “aging dinosaurs” are embracing new production technology, including real-time data processing and interpretation. IPTC 10927 Application of Real-Time ESP Data Processing and Interpretation in Permian Basin “Brownfield” Operation P. Oyewole, SPE, Schlumberger