2018002 MEASUREMENT WHILE INSTALLING OPTIMIZE ESP INSTALLATION PROCESS FOR INCREASED SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY ON THE ESP INSTALLATIONS IN PERMIAN BASIN WELLS

This paper describes an artificial lift case study where three pilot test wells were installed using measuring-while-installing (MWI) equipment during the process. The final results enabled us to meet the goals and expectations of these test wells. The main test objectives were to reduce the time to run the electrical submersible pump (ESP) in the well, to 
increase the ESP reliability while installing, to monitor the installation with real-time data, and to concurrently monitor rig crew activity. The use of MWI equipment during the ESP installation is a technique that reduces unnecessary manual steps through automation, saving rig time. The technique also reduces HS&E concerns and provides the ability to continuously monitor real-time downhole gauge data such as automated cable conductor resistance measurements and cable integrity. The battery-operated equipment avoids the need for an electrical collector/slip ring system on the spooling unit.

This paper describes the equipment, process and final results after the well tests, where the MWI equipment was used to reduce the installation time by minimizing manual intervention during the electrical tests and to collect real-time data during installation. In addition, results are shared from an economic analysis that demonstrated cost savings achieved from using the MWI equipment compared with other traditional artificial lift installation methods. These results indicate the potential benefits to use this new 
technique and equipment in Permian artificial lift operations.