Slimline CENesis PHASE system eliminated gas lock conditions, increased oil production 61%

An operator in the Permian basin was experiencing electrical submersible pumping (ESP) system failures in
an unconventional horizontal well producing from the Wolfcamp formation, due to gas slugs in the production stream. The well had a high gas-to-liquid ratio of 1,700 SCF/STB, a low flow rate of 219 BFPD, and was completed with 5-1⁄2 in. 17 lb casing.

Unconventional horizontal wells present unique production challenges, particularly gas slugs that accumulate in the high side of undulations in the lateral section and then break free. These gas slugs affect the operation of ESP systems, causing gas locking conditions that shutdown the system and/or pump cycling that can lead to motor overheating. These issues shorten the life of the ESP system and limit oil production.

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