Trinity encounters abnormal ESP operation

Gas lock events are common for ESPs when high volumes of gas are produced, and the impact of these events varies in severity depending on the downhole equipment installed, operating conditions, and operational challenges. Trinity Exploration & Production (Trinity) had several wells in a high-gas environment offshore Trinidad in the Trintes field. One well was shut down at 12:27 a.m. due to generator issues and was restarted at 3:27 a.m. At 11:00 a.m., the Artificial Lift Surveillance Center (ALSC) noted that the well intake pressure and motor temperature were building abnormally.

ALSC uses real-time LiftWatcher service capabilities to identify gas lock event

The conditions identified by the ALSC using the LiftWatcher service tend to affect production and BHA integrity due to the gas accumulated at the pump stages, which limits fluid entry and reduces fluid velocity in the annulus. Tubing pressure and discharge pressure readings confirmed that the well stopped producing to surface due to a gas lock event. To correct this, the frequency was increased to 35.5 Hz from 33.5 Hz, resulting in the reestablishment of production to surface. After reaching the expected intake pressure, the frequency was reduced back to 33.5 Hz to allow the well to stabilize at its normal operating intake pressure. All frequency changes were made remotely by the ALSC team, reducing HSE exposure and eliminating the logistical difficulties associated with mobilizing a team.

Production successfully reestablished after gas lock event

As a result of the good collaboration and teamwork between the ALSC, Trinity's operations team, and Schlumberger engineering and field staff, the well regained production in just 7 hours. Trinity was also able to reduce the costs of this remedial operation by 84% by avoiding the logistical challenges of onsite troubleshooting and minimizing deferred production.