WorldOil

Advanced ESP lifting boosts field profitability

Real-time production monitoring and surveillance provide the tools to anticipate and prevent most pumping well-production problems, and to minimize those that cannot be prevented. In addition, advance warning of impending production problems allows operators to reduce costs by planning workovers before equipment fails. The ultimate goal is field-wide optimization, achieved by combining the operator’s reservoir knowledge with top-quality measurement technology and artificial lift capabilities. A production optimization simulator helps operators assess alternatives and evaluate proposals to determine their outcomes before making final decisions. Aethon has been using Schlumberger advanced Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) lifting technology to optimize 57 wells in four of its fields in Oklahoma and Texas. From a central production office, the company has implemented proactive ESP surveillance and monitoring to perform well diagnosis. In addition, scheduled “health checks” have revealed opportunities to improve pump performance and well productivity.