Abstract
One of the most common and cost effective secondary recovery techniques used in the industry is Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP). This technology uses the ability to pump very large volumes of fluid, by decreasing the bottom hole pressure allowing oil to flow from the reservoir and adding energy from the pump and electric motor to produce the fluid to surface.
Recent ESP designs are very effective "Intelligent" equipment enabling real-time monitoring of well performance. Failure to ensure ESP equipment operation within the recommended operating ranges could result in a premature loss of an ESP and significant increase in operating cost.
With dynamic and changing operating environments, it is essential to continuously monitor and diagnose ESP operating conditions, leveraging real time information received from the pump, to optimize its run life and avoid premature failures.
This paper will highlight the methodology used by Saudi Aramco to adopt a state-of-the art monitoring and diagnostics solution for ESP as well as the long term strategy for advance solutions. The ultimate objective is to increase ESP run life, lower operating cost, and maximize production.
Different layers will be discussed covering Saudi Aramco’ ESP surveillance and optimization approach including required infrastructure, monitoring factors, real time data requirements, basic and advanced diagnostic features associated with ESP monitoring.
