(08) SAND CONTROL METHODS TO IMPROVE ESP OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS AND RUN TIME
Gustavo Gonzalez and Luis Guanacas
Odessa Separator Inc.
Sandy wells are a common problem for any artificial lift system. Calculating the correct allowable volume of sand and solids’ particle size may be the missing link in optimizing run-times and establishing solid pump performance.
Recent Colombian ESP case studies were conducted in fields with high sand/solids presence. Where run times typically lasted 5 months or less, a new design to improve ESP performance introduced a Cup Packer and screens below the ESP sensor.
Once ESP variables such as intake pressure, drive frequency, and temperature were considered, the unit conditions stabilized and improved performance followed, greatly extending run times, and reducing unnecessary intervention costs.