Exploring the Enhancement of Rigless Deployed ESP Technology for Ad-Interim Production

Abstract The electrical submersible pump (ESP) change-out using the workover rig contributes to significantly deferred production, including waiting for rig availability, wellsite preparation, and rig mobilization. Finding an alternative ESP deployment method to minimize the deferred production associated with ESP failure is always prioritized during peak global oil demand. This paper focuses on the lessons learned from a temporary slim cable deployed ESP field trial installed for the Ad interim production application. A temporary thru-tubing ESP deployment concept was adopted to allow producing the well until mobilizing the workover rig to replace the failed permanent ESP. The slim cable deployed ESP system uses an inverted high-speed ESP architecture, and the permanent magnet motor offers a broader ESPs operating range and operational flexibility. The compact design simplifies the ESP installation using a standard slickline operation and well-control procedure. The slim cable deployed ESP system was successfully installed thru 4-1/2-inch tubing above the failed ESP. The system's performance was observed during the field trial period, including fully rigless deployment capability in a live well, ESP operational flexibility, and well control guidelines.