Artificial Lift Experience in Malaysia and Indonesia and the Way Forward

Abstract

Artificial lift is a method used to lower the producing bottomhole pressure on a formation to obtain a higher production rate from the well. This can be done either with a positive-displacement downhole pump, such as a beam pump or a progressive cavity pump (PCP), to lower the flowing pressure at the pump intake, or it can be done by injecting gas with high pressure through a downhole gauge near the bottom of the well. The selection of the method depends on many factors such as reservoir characterization, completion design, and operating conditions such as pressure, temperature, and producing rate. In addition, production-fluid properties such as density and viscosity also play a role in the selection of artificial-lift methods. Market Overview The market for artificial-lift systems is growing at a compound annual growth rate of more than 4.5% (Fig. 1). Seventy percent of the world’s existing fields are mature, most of which require artificial lift to maintain planned production targets. Based on a recent marketing study, Asia Pacific is one of the fastest growing markets for electrical submersible pumps (ESP), with China leading in demand as it works to increase production output from established fields. North America dominated the global artificial-lift systems market in 2018, owing to its shale discoveries and the associated exploration and production activities. Furthermore, improved oil recovery is expected to support the demand for artificial-lift systems during the forecast period. Petronas, PTTEP, and Pertamina are the major operators in the Asia Pacific region taking the lead in using new technology and methodology in artificial lift and in adopting digitization. This article presents the technical approach of Petronas and Pertamina in implementing artificial-lift technology and their vision for the future. It summarizes a panel session organized by the SPE Artificial Lift and Gas Well Deliquification Technical Section in which the authors participated last year.