Scribe Report

SPE-ATW on Artificial Lift, Mumbai,

Session- 5 & 6
•System Optimization
o Integrated Artificial Lift Systems – Gauge Types
o Real Time Monitoring ,SCADA, Control and Optimization
•Selection Methodology
o Candidate Well Selection
o Selection Process and Methodology
o Cost Benefit Analysis

Mr. Shekhar started a live discussion over the candidate well selection.
He was forthright in telling that we should adopt the system like
technology 1, technology 2, technology 3 and so on for a particular well
with respect to its suitability rather than choosing well1, well 2, well 3
and so on for a given technology. The discussions followed thereafter. It
emerged that there are many types of artificial lift methods thereby
giving a spoilt for choice. Selecting the ‘right’ method may not be
straight-forward and Selecting the ‘wrong’ method will significantly
impact project economics. All agreed to the opinion that we should spend
more time to evaluate artificial lift during feasibility phase in all oil
projects. We should understand to it whether our reservoir depletion
strategy is robust enough to plan for any artificial lift selection methods.
The discussion group agreed that case histories solves only a limited
purpose as far guiding is concerned. Thereafter it requires the outlining
and ranking of all attributes / elements / selection criteria for each
method. We need to involve all the parties and we should first build
Integrated Production System Model to quantify the value. Finally, it
emerged that any exercise towards Candidate Well Selection and
Selection Process and Methodology, and Cost Benefit Analysis must
screen for project’s life before deciding upon ant strategy.

Shri Shekhar appraised the house about some common mistakes:

• Anchoring on a particular model based on past experience
• Lack of reservoir understanding likes that of GOR, depletion
mechanism, sand productions and so on.
 • Compromise on well integrity
• No input from the people who will eventually operate the system
• No consideration of life cycle cost
• Ignoring flow assurance mistakes
• Lack of integration in the field
• Late engagement of experts
• Wrong mindset of “ one solution solves all wells”
• Disregarding the well design.

Candidate well selection had undergone good discussion with sharing of

experiences by Shell, Saudi Aramco, ONGC and others.
Discussed what should be the Development Concept? A thorough
understanding of Reservoir Data is very important before starting
discussion on candidate well selection.

Source of power is very important issue that requires comprehensive pre-

plans.

Other issue discussed was about the “Interchangeability” of artificial lift

systems or designs. This warrants incorporating a certain level of
flexibility in design for effecting any such changes

Other important issue was about the “Geographical locations” where we

want a certain technology to deliver its potential. We have to see
whether requisite infrastructure, supports and services available.

House deliberated and concluded that putting up the right surface

infrastructure and maintaining it in proper shape is the key for any
brownfield developments. And here lies much of the success of any
artificial lift system any where.

House also deliberated quite a bit over the “ Cost Benefit Analysis” and
concluded a real exercise, repeat the word real, must be ensured before
putting in place any artificial lift system.
Another study that requires a good understanding is the “fluid
separation” phenomenon because it’s going to affect the performance of
system designed and put in place.

With respect to “Expertise and Advise”, house deliberated and advised

that we should go for these, if indeed required, in early phases and at the
earliest.

Finally, it emerged that we need to convert our “intermittent data base”

into a “continuous one” to undertake troubleshooting in right shape &
perspectives.

House also vouched for “ Smart Partnerships” for ensuring win-win

situations for all concerned. This requires a lot of introspection in an
environment having multiple-service providers and multiple-operating
equipment.

Mr. Chimalgi, the Discussion leader

House discussed quite in length the various case histories for SRPs.
For short radius wells, house advised that we should put in place an
artificial lift system with in the deviated section.
Prioiritize the individual well requirement and undertake project cost
benefit analysis.

Mr. B.V.R.V Prasad, The Discussion leader

“Risk Factor” is a very important aspect in artificial lift design and
selection. House deliberated upon it in detail and one thing that required
an answer was “ how to factor a risk” in any proposal. Two case histories,
one from marginal fields and other from small offshore platforms, were
deliberated in the light of how to factor a risk.

The other important dimension in this direction is the “Time”. Too much
delays can put us nowhere.
Periodic reviews are important to facilitate optimal working of any
artificial lift systems.
System optimization
Mr. Steve, Weatherford…the Discussion Leader
Definitions as varied as number of papers & projects.
Any definition must look over “field-wide” and “enterprise-wide” basis.
While defining, invite maximum participation by those who have
maximum of inputs.
Strategy must be a focus on “ SCADA and Real-time use of data on any
well on artificial lift.
For Well Optimisation, some suggestions : For wells on ESP … Operate
close to BEP