ESP Recirculation System Solves Production Issue in Granite Wash GasWell

摘要

A deep Granite Wash well was tested on an ElectricalSubmersible Pump (ESP) after being shut-in for 11 monthsdue to uneconomic and unsatisfactory rod lift operations.The three main objectives of the test were: (1) to determineif an ESP system can be successfully utilized on a gas well;(2) to implement a downhole recirculation system; and, (3)to monitor the economic impact of the installation of theESP unit.The challenges for the ESP system for this specific testincluded: (i) motor cooling restriction due to absence ofadequate rathole; (ii) production from multiple perforationsover 600 ft spread; (iii) low liquid flow (<400 BPD); (iv)high gas-liquid ratio (>1600 CF/BBL); (v) deep well depth(10,000 ft); (vi) small ID production casing (5.5" 17lb/ft);and, (vii) high potential wellbore scaling/corrosion issues.Due to these challenges, using a traditional motor shroudjacket was considered a disadvantage. As a result, adownhole recirculation system was used as an alternativemethod to (a) prevent potential gas locking; (b) circulatefluid to keep the motor cool; and, (c) enhance capillarydeployment of scale and corrosion chemical treatment.This paper presents basic principles of the application ofESP systems in a gas well, principles of implementing adownhole recirculation system, and uncommon techniquesto effectively operate an ESP unit in dewatering gas wells.It also includes the historical design challenges, systemspecific design/operation, and production results of thetested well.The test concludes that it is possible to successfully andeconomically de-water a deep non-conventional gas wellutilizing a properly designed ESP with a downholerecirculation system. In addition, the test had demonstratedthe benefits of web-based monitoring of the variable speedcontroller and downhole sensor information.