Scale Deposition Prediction for Pump Design in Oil Wells

Abstract

The paper presents the description of an integrated approach, which is implemented in a program module and allows predicting scale deposition in well based on distributions of specific multiphase flow parameters (temperature, pressure, and gas content). Parameters are obtained from calculated pump operation regimes. The method's apparent advantages are presented, namely: -automatic input of reservoir water/gas chemical content data, -numerical estimation of scale deposition risk in different well sections by means of the saturation index, -built-in tips on selecting the optimal scale prevention technology specifying the inhibitor type and amount, -prediction of pump life cycle buildup, -estimation of the expected economic benefit caused by scale prevention. The prediction method of scale deposition and the algorithm of selection of the scale prevention technology can be successfully used during analysis of scale deposition risk and planning the activities for scale prevention for a group of oil wells or oilfield. The proposed algorithmic module has been tested in a number of active oil fields of Western Siberia, and has already garnered positive references from production professionals. This module is planned to serve as a basis for similar modules for forecasting risks of mechanical dashes, corrosion and paraffin buildup.

Rigorous review of electrical submersible pump failure mechanisms and their mitigation measures

“…In this case, one of the metals will become an anode and will begin to corrode, while the cathode will not. Corrosion can cause failures in the electric components and also in the mechanical components, most of which are made of metals (Elichev et al 2010;Kalu-Ulu and Albori 2019;Christie and Cox 2018). An example of corrosion of a metal pipe and the cable protector is shown in Fig.…”

“…Dislocation will impact the affected component initially. It can result in multiple component failure if the affected component is an integral part of the string (Elichev et al 2010).…”

“…Leakage of fluids can result in loss of pressure which will exert more power requirement on the motor since the ESP will be signaled to work harder in order to accommodate for the pressure loss. It is therefore extremely important to detect leakages as soon as possible (Elichev et al 2010;Kalu-Ulu and Albori 2019;Christie and Cox 2018).…”

“…The gaseous phase can also cause severe problems. These include corrosion, gas lock, and a surface kick (Barrios et al 2012;Dwitiya et al 2015;Mali et al 2020).…”

“…Inorganic deposits include sand and salt deposits from the formation water. These solids can cause equipment erosion and, with time, equipment failure (Elichev et al 2010. Figure 7 shows an example of component erosion and breakage due to solids in the production fluid.…”