LOW-FLOW ESP SYSTEMS
Outperform other low-flow artificial lift methods with low-flowrate ESP systems from Novomet. Designed to excel in target flowrates from 65 to 125 bbl/d (10 to 20 m3/d), these electrical submersible pumping (ESP) systems have a track record of performing in a wider range of rates—from 32 to 220 bbl/d (5 to 35 m3/d). Our low-flowrate ESPs are a great alternative to rod-lift, gas-lift, and plunger-lift systems.
Effects of low flowrates on ESPs
Heat is the enemy of ESPs. If allowed to build up, it can cause motors to burn out. With an average of 61% of the electricity used to power ESPs being lost to heat, constant cooling is a must. Downhole fluids carry the heat away as they pass through the system. In low-flow and extreme-low-flow wells, there is not enough fluid to cool the motor. Consequently, most ESPs burn out prematurely in these conditions.
BENEFITS
Gives operators the option of use an ESP in marginal wells to increase ultimate recovery
Prolongs production and improves drawdown in low-flow and extreme-low-flowrate wells
Extends runlife and lowers the likelihood of scaling by reducing heat in the system
applications
- Conventional and unconventional wells
- Marginal and low-flow wells
- Alternative for rod-lift, gas-lift, and plunger-lift systems
capabilities
- Flowrates from 63 to 126 bbl/d (10 to 15 m3/d)
- Fluid head up to 11,400 ft (3500 m)
features
- PMM and high-efficiency pumps combine to reduce heat and shorten the tool string
- An advanced guide vein design with free-floating parts increases head pressure in low flowrates
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Other artificial lift solutions
Because most ESPs burn out in lower flowrates, operators are forced to use other artificial lift technologies in their marginal wells with varying success.
Rod lift systems are a standard in conventional wells because they are simple and reliable, but they are relatively inefficient and limited. In wells with doglegs, rods can wear through the tubing and cause leaks that must be repaired.
Gas lift is another common method used to produce marginal wells. But in areas where gas is not readily produced or available, it can be cost prohibitive.
Plunger lift systems are often used in gas wells and in high gas-to-oil ratio (GOR) wells. They harness the well’s own naturally occurring low pressures to remove fluid from the wellbore. These systems are energy efficient because they typically use the well’s natural pressure to operate, but they are slow. And in wells with declining pressures they become less and less effective over time.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
|
Size (RU) |
Size |
Capacity |
Head |
Efficiency |
|
5 |
3.62 in. |
75 bbl/d (@60Hz) |
11,483 ft |
45% |
|
92 mm |
10 m3/d (@50Hz) |
3500 m |
||
|
5 |
3.62 in. |
113 bbl/d (@60Hz) |
11,483 ft |
45% |
|
92 mm |
15 m3/d (@50Hz) |
3500 m |
||
|
5 |
3.62 in. |
151 bbl/d (@60Hz) |
11,483 ft |
45% |
|
92 mm |
20 m3/d (@50Hz) |
3500 m |
Extend the life of the well with a low-flowrate ESP
Novomet has developed technology that gives operators another option for artificial lift on their marginal wells. Our engineers started with PowerSave ESP designs because they lose less electricity to heat due to pump stage design and an incredibly efficient permanent magnet motor. They added a combined guide vane design that uses two free-floating parts to increase head pressure in lower flowrates.
The result is a low-flowrate ESP that stays cooler longer and is shorter than conventional ESPs. It enables operators to deploy an ESP in marginal wells, improving production and drawdown to recover more hydrocarbons than other artificial lift methods. It extends the economic life of the well and helps lower overall lifting costs.