Highly Effective and Efficient Production Optimization Method Using Combined Artificial Lift Method

Abstract

A better production operation, in terms of technical aspectand economy, is the ultimate goal of any production optimization activities, including during artificial lift selection and application. Because there is no ‘one-for-all’ artificial lift, its selection must be thoroughly analyzed based on specific well conditions to achieve the most optimum condition. Some artificial lifts require high cost for expenditures and maintenance to overcome their own challenges and limitations which restrict the scope of production operation. An innovative solution is required to optimize the production and overcome these problems, one of which is the combined artificial lift application, where two regular artificial lift methods are applied simultaneously, which is then called as combined system.

Although combined system design is more complex than that of regular system, nodal analysis approach can still be applied in order to achieve the most optimum operating condition of combined system based on the design result of regular systems.  Eventually, production operation betterment can be achieved.

In this study, the data were collected from an onshore Field X which are produced using six active wells. This study is proposed to evaluate the performances of combined system, both ESP-GL and SRP-GL, and compare the results to the regular system of ESP, gas Lift, and SRP. It is then shown that both combined systems have better performances and lead to higher net present value (NPV) compared to each regular system.

Along with technological advancement, combined system is a highly innovative and novel method to proceed the production in a better and highly-optimized operation. Besides its novelty and great potential, it is also considered as a form of energy efficiency because flare gas can be utilized to optimize the production.