Conventional tubing deployed ESP was initially chosen as the artificial lift method for the Yme field offshore Norway. Two years of operational experience proved that the method chosen did not meet the original design criteria with regards to preventing fluid loss to the formation during workovers and access to the reservoir with wireline/coiled tubing. In addition, the average ESP lifetime was initially well below the target runlife.

The current ESP-completion design is described. Main operational problems experienced during two years of operation is highlighted. The revised field requirements and a re-evaluation of artificial lift methods proved the need for a change in completion philosophy. Coiled Tubing Deployed ESPs (CT-ESP) utilizing an internally installed power cable became the preferred method.

The value of installing CT-ESP in a live well is discussed. System design for true underbalanced CT-ESP installation is described. Well control and barrier philosophy during installation, production and workover mode is also assessed.

Keywords:
barrier envelope, upstream oil & gas, coiled tubing, rig-operated field, offshore norway, coil, reservoir, completion equipment, packer, esp
Subjects:
Drilling Operations, Pressure Management, Artificial Lift Systems, Well & Reservoir Surveillance and Monitoring, Pipelines, Flowlines and Risers, Reservoir Characterization, Fluid Characterization, Improved and Enhanced Recovery, Reservoir Simulation, Formation Evaluation & Management
Copyright 1998, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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