Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2) has proven to be a very effective method of increasing the production of reserves in the Permian Basin and other parts of the United States. However, this recovery method increases the volume of gas that needs to be managed, with the added complexity of a varying gas density due to changing ratios of CO2 and natural gas as the flood progresses.

In previous SPE papers, the authors explored the use of various gas avoidance technologies and how effective they were in terms of CO2 avoidance, handling, and separation. This paper will combine knowledge of multiple forms of gas handling devices with experience specific to CO2. Gas mitigation methods reviewed will include shrouded ESP systems with and without dip tubes, inverted shrouds and encapsulated ESPs with forced cooling through recirculation.

This paper examines how the systems and methods are similar, notes their main differences, and compares production impacts before and after implementation of the technology. The paper will conclude with recommendations for improvements and enhancements to achieve better results on future installations, including using a combination of technologies for CO2 EOR or wells with high gas/liquid ratios (GLRs).

You can access this article if you purchase or spend a download.