Paper: ESPCP Application in Morichal District, Venezuela Results in Heavy oil Production Increase

With oil prices at an all time low, production companies are making every effort to reduce operating expenses. Much of this reduction is not entirely on cutting production output, but in utilizing available new artificial list technology. Once such technology is ESPCPs; or Electric Submersible Progressing Cavity Pumps. By combining the technologies of both ESPs and PCPs, the operator can reduce their operating costs while increasing the lift system efficiency often resulting in an increase in production. By eliminating the sucker rods used in a conventional PCP application, the frictional losses can be reduced. In the case of heavy oil production, these losses can be substantial and if eliminated, can result in higher system efficiencies and increased production. When compared to a conventional ESP, the overall system efficiency is higher by the pure nature of the pumping technology (centrifugal vs. positive displacement). A prime example can be seen in the ESPCP installation in MPG-202 in the Morichal District in Eastern Venezuela. The producing formation is the Morichal-7. Production is around 1 l 00 BFPD (22% H2O) of 9 degree API gravity oil and the pump setting depth is 3259 feet. The well has a producing GOR of 625 SCF/STB. Prior to its installation on February 5, 1998, a conventional ESP system had been operating. Overall efficiencies of this system were extremely low as a result of the fluid viscosity and free gas at the pump intake. The decision was made to try an ESPCP system as an alternative lift method to see if the production rate could be increased without causing more problems from additional free gas at the pump intake. Once installed, the production rate increased as a result of the increased efficiency of the ESPCP system in viscous fluids. One additional advantage of the ESPCP system is the pump's ability to handle the free gas at the pump intake. Calculations done for intake conditions showed the percentage of free gas at the pump intake to be 45%. This paper will elaborate on the production advantages of installing the ESPCP system in this Eastern Venezuelan heavy oil well.