In the Permian Basin, one operator was experiencing frequent alarms and daily shutdowns on ESP wells due to elevated motor temperatures and undercurrent. By combining our field experience with proprietary gas lock programming and Variable Speed Drive (VSD) controls, Valiant was able to help the operator stop interruptions and increase system uptime.
An operator was experiencing multiple alarms and daily shutdowns across 10 wells in the Lower Spraberry formation of the Permian Basin. Transient gas production in these wells was causing elevated motor temperatures and undercurrent, triggering multiple alarms on a daily basis and resulting in repetitive shutdowns and restarts of the electric submersible pump (ESP) system installed.
The previous manufacturer’s variable speed drives (VSDs) were not programmed to recognize or adapt to gas-locking conditions, resulting in mechanically stressful equipment cycling, frequent interruptions and lost production during periods where the system was turned off.
Over time, frequent starts and stops will deteriorate the insulation on an ESP’s power cable and motor winding, cause excessive wear on internal components, and diminish ESP system run time. Therefore, the operator’s frequent shutdowns were not only causing production setbacks but also would have contributed to failures, further jeopardizing the profitability of the wells.
Over time, frequent starts and stops will deteriorate the insulation on an ESP’s power cable and motor winding, cause excessive wear on internal components, and diminish ESP system run time.
Control Dynamic Production with ESP Gas Lock Controls
To increase uptime and mitigate the operator’s losses, Valiant installed Endeavour ESP systems in all 10 wells configured with: VC (400 Series pumps), Intercept vortex gas separators, and 456 Series motors controlled by Valiant’s Pulse® Variable Speed Drives. Every Pulse VSD is programmed with proprietary ESP gas-lock mitigation controls, which automatically reduces motor speed to allow gas slugs to work through the pump without shutting down for improved ESP run time and performance.
Valiant’s VSD technicians diagnosed the cause of the operator’s ongoing problem and provided a solution: Pulse drives for all 10 wells, programmed to ride out the transient conditions and ensure uninterrupted operation.
After resolving the issue, the operator was able to maintain asset profitability and Valiant was awarded the customers’ business in the Permian.
Get Around the Gas with Valiant’s Suite of Intercept Gas Solutions
Valiant offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions to mitigate gas interference and optimize your ESP operations for efficient, uninterrupted run life. By combining downhole technologies with variable speed drive automation and tailored field experience, we apply a multi-faceted approach to help you manage gas production and ensure profitable performance over the life of your application.