Technological challenge:
Operation of low-yield wells
DESCRIPTION: 1. Low-production wells are wells producing less hydrocarbons (usually under 20 m3/day), often in mature fields. Their operation requires high energy efficiency and equipment reliability.
2. Low-yield wells are a challenging environment for ESP (electric submersible pumps). Insufficient flow cause overheating and deposits of salt and wax.
3. Frequent failures reduce the mean time between failures (MTBF), which leads to increased repair costs and losses in production.
EXPECTED RESULT: New approaches and methods
CURRENT LIMITATIONS: 1. Short mean time between failures (in case of continuous operation in low-yield wells ESPs show low efficiency and fail quickly as the result of overheating and salt deposits).
2. Periodic operation of ESPs increases operating costs for removal of wax deposits in tubing and pipelines.
3. Production losses due to downtime during workover.
4. Directional well profiles restrict the use of sucker rod pumps.
POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS: Introduction of low-yield equipment for continuous operation in wells with production rates from 5 to 20 m3/day.
