ESP Recirculation System Solves Production Issue in Granite Wash Gas Well

Abstract

Abstract A deep Granite Wash well was tested on an Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) after being shut-in for 11 months due to uneconomic and unsatisfactory rod lift operations. The three main objectives of the test were: (1) to determine if an ESP system can be successfully utilized on a gas well; (2) to implement a downhole recirculation system; and, (3) to monitor the economic impact of the installation of the ESP unit. The challenges for the ESP system for this specific test included: (i) motor cooling restriction due to absence of adequate rathole; (ii) production from multiple perforations over 600 ft spread; (iii) low liquid flow (<400 BPD); (iv) high gas-liquid ratio (>1600 CF/BBL); (v) deep well depth (10,000 ft); (vi) small ID production casing (5.5" 17lb/ft); and, (vii) high potential wellbore scaling/corrosion issues. Due to these challenges, using a traditional motor shroud jacket was considered a disadvantage. As a result, a downhole recirculation system was used as an alternative method to (a) prevent potential gas locking; (b) circulate fluid to keep the motor cool; and, (c) enhance capillary deployment of scale and corrosion chemical treatment. This paper presents basic principles of the application of ESP systems in a gas well, principles of implementing a downhole recirculation system, and uncommon techniques to effectively operate an ESP unit in dewatering gas wells. It also includes the historical design challenges, system specific design/operation, and production results of the tested well. The test concludes that it is possible to successfully and economically de-water a deep non-conventional gas well utilizing a properly designed ESP with a downhole recirculation system. In addition, the test had demonstrated the benefits of web-based monitoring of the variable speed controller and downhole sensor information.