Blog-Series: Integrated Approach for Evaluation of Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESP)

Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) systems are known in the industry as an effective artificial lift method of producing reservoir fluids to the surface. Over the last several years, ESP technology has developed a reputation for low-maintenance, cost-effective artificial lift solution for wells with low Gas-Oil-Ratio, high water cut and low API fluids. About 15 to 20 percent of almost one million wells worldwide are pumped with some form of artificial lift employing electric submersible pumps.

In wake of current downturn in oil industry and by virtue of extensive economics associated with installation and operation of ESPs, rigorous screening and evaluation is required to determine technical and economic feasibility of ESP projects. The process entails evaluation of reservoir and well performance, selection of properly sized ESP equipment and prediction of corresponding economics.

This Blog series will define an integrated and systematic evaluation approach, specific to operating condition of an operator, cover holistic and well wise evaluation of technical and economic aspects of ESP project to analyze several interdependent parameters including reserves, reservoir deliverability and well performance, ESP designing and sizing, voidage replacement in reservoir (and water injection if required) and return on investment (ROI) for ESP project based on predicted incremental production profile.

This blog serves as an introduction to several other that will follow in this blog series. We will define, explain & provide examples of how specific aspects of selecting, designing & executing an ESP installation depends upon several technical & commercial elements of the whole project.