California Operator Improved ESP Surveillance, Prevented ESP Downtime, and Began Well Optimization Workflows

The operator’s concerns

An operator wanted to reduce ESP downtime and customize a small footprint to optimize well production.

What the operator tried first

Limited surface space on the offshore platforms prevented the operator from installing downhole ESP sensors. They used fluid shots and flowmeters to evaluate, optimize, and troubleshoot ESPs, increasing operation time and costs.

What Schlumberger provided

The low-voltage variable speed drive measures only 12.6-in width, 41.3-in height, and 11.5-in deep, creating a small footprint and enabling the Instruct controller to be positioned in a separate location from the drive because of space constraints.

What happened

The low-voltage drive combined with the Instruct control unit provides flexibility for data visualization, various troubleshooting options, and customer protection. The compact design of the combination addresses footprint concerns, and the additional data aid in diagnosing failure modes and improving future designs.

Access to downhole sensor data and intake pressure mode enabled well production optimization and saved the customer USD 500,000 for one well over the course of one year. The technology helped other wells achieve similar results.