Real-Time and Cloud-Based Fiber Optic Monitoring for Electric Submersible Pumps and Gas Lift System Performance Optimization

Presenters

Hossein Izadi, Alex Moore, Murtaza Rampurawala, Aleksei Andriianov, Dan Keough, Mike Sollid, and Michael Melnychuk
Precise Downhole Solutions

Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) provides unparalleled insights into the operation and performance of Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs) and gas lift systems in oil and gas wells. Our proprietary platform, the “Precise Signal Streaming Platform-Artificial Intelligence” (PSSP-AITM, where "TM" denotes trademark in superscript in this abstract), leverages real-time DAS phase data analysis to enable continuous tracking of downhole facilities. This capability not only enhances real-time monitoring but also supports production rate optimization, aligning pump and gas lift performance with production goals. By converting a fiber optic cable into a high-density array of acoustic sensors, DAS facilitates real-time surveillance of ESPs, capturing critical operational metrics such as vibration patterns, flow irregularities, and gas lock events with exceptional spatial and temporal resolution.

In gas lift operations, PSSP-AITM transforms the way operators monitor and optimize injection processes. The platform provides precise tracking of gas injection rates, detecting variations that could lead to inefficiencies such as improper gas allocation or flow instability. Additionally, the platform supports adjustments in gas injection pressure and rate to optimize liquid production while minimizing energy consumption and equipment wear.

This innovative approach significantly enhances the understanding of ESP performance and efficiency, enabling early identification of anomalies that could lead to operational inefficiencies or failures. Furthermore, the platform’s production optimization capabilities extend to both ESPs and gas lift systems. For ESPs, this includes achieving optimal pump efficiency and minimizing energy consumption, while for gas lift systems, it ensures precise control over gas injection cycles and maximized liquid recovery. The real-time feedback loop between DAS data and production metrics empowers operators to make informed decisions that dynamically tune the performance of both systems in response to changing reservoir conditions.

The integration of DAS with PSSP-AITM represents a significant leap forward in intelligent well monitoring. This technology offers a comprehensive framework for real-time diagnostics, dynamic optimization, and long-term performance improvement. By providing deeper visibility into subsurface operations, it enables operators to transition from reactive to proactive management of downhole facilities, delivering transformative benefits in operational reliability, production enhancement, and cost efficiency.

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