Operating experience with ESP`s and permanent downhole flowmeters in Wytch Farm extended-reach wells
- BP Exploration Operating Co. Ltd., Dorset (United Kingdom)
One-third of the recoverable reserves in British Petroleum Co.`s U.K. onshore oil field, Wytch Farm, lie in an offshore extension of the field. These reserves, which have been undeveloped until recently, are now being exploited with electric submersible pumps (ESP`s) in extended-reach wells drilled from onshore wellsites. The relatively high productivities achieved as a result of successful horizontal completions have pushed ESP technology to the limits in terms of capacity and power requirements. This paper presents a case history of /the unique set of problems encountered during and subsequent to startup of the ESP`s in the first three wells. The problems, in particular pump-suction-blockage problems, were directly attributable to the position of the ESP`s in the near-horizontal section (82 to 85{degree}) of the wells. The paper also describes the innovative permanent downhole flowmeter system incorporated in the completion. The system measures and logs flow-rate data, pump-suction and -discharge pressures, and temperature. Examples are presented that clearly demonstrate how these data have been invaluable in understanding the problems encountered in the initial extended-reach wells and the role the system has played in extending ESP run lives. Finally, completion-equipment modifications and operating-procedure changes, successfully introduced to resolve the problems encountered in the first two wells and to avoid them in subsequent wells, are described.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 118802
- Journal Information:
- JPT, Journal of Petroleum Technology, Vol. 47, Issue 10; Other Information: PBD: Oct 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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