Technical Paper: The Quest to Understand ESP Performance and Reliability at 220°C Ambient and Beyond

Society: SPE
Paper Number: 123735
Presentation Date: 2009
 

Abstract

ConocoPhillips has been on a quest for a high-volume artificial lift system that will operate reliably in a 250°C (482°F) downhole environment. This paper will describe the testing and results of a high-temperature electric submersible pump (ESP) system in a flow loop built to validate downhole equipment for thermal applications, primarily for steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) developments. What makes this test program unique from previous tests is the longer duration (4+ weeks), the range of fluid temperatures (90°C to 245°C [194°F to 473°F]), and the type and volume of data collected. One of the key parameters monitored and documented was the internal motor winding temperature, which has been used to validate and calibrate a simulator for predicting motor performance in thermal environments.

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