Modular Subsea ESP Pumping With Reconfigurable Valve Boosting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently boosting oil and gas production in subsea wells with low reservoir pressures and complex fluid compositions, particularly those rich in light hydrocarbons and CO2, leading to costly and time-consuming well intervention techniques.
Innovation Solution
A modular subsea pumping and boosting system with independently movable valves and ESPs allows for various operational configurations, including series, parallel, and bypass operations, enabling pressure increase without well intervention, and accommodating high gas fractions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional well intervention techniques are used to manage low reservoir pressures, then production can be maintained, but the cost and time required for intervention increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system installs a subsea pumping unit with multiple ESPs and valve configurations in advance, allowing the well to be prepared for future pressure management needs without immediate intervention. This preliminary setup enables rapid response to pressure drops by simply activating pre-configured pumping capacity rather than performing new interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically reconfigurable valve arrangements that allow operational modes to change from series to parallel configurations based on real-time pressure and flow requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to respond to varying reservoir conditions without physical intervention, maintaining production across different pressure scenarios.
2Productivity
If mechanical boosters are added into the wellbore to increase pressure, then production efficiency improves, but the complexity and cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping system is divided into multiple independent ESP units that can be installed in separate tubulars within the wellbore. Each ESP operates as an independent module, allowing for simplified installation and maintenance while collectively providing the necessary pressure boost. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity compared to a single complex booster system.
Solution Approach 2:
The subsea pumping unit serves multiple functions: it can operate in series mode for high pressure boosts, in parallel mode for high flow rates, and can be reconfigured based on production needs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple different types of boosting equipment, reducing system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
3Productivity
If chemical techniques are used to stimulate additional flow, then production can be enhanced, but the system becomes less suitable for reservoirs with light hydrocarbons and CO2 rich compositions
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates flow meters and pressure sensors that continuously monitor production conditions and provide feedback to the control system. This enables automatic adjustment of pump speeds and valve configurations to optimize performance for different fluid compositions, including light hydrocarbons and CO2-rich reservoirs, without requiring chemical stimulation techniques.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances production efficiency and reduces costs by providing accessible, scalable pressure boosting capabilities for subsea operations, facilitating easier maintenance and reducing the need for well interventions.
Implementation Method 1
two or more electric submersible pumps (ESPs) positioned within at least two or more tubulars of the plurality of tubulars, the two or more ESPs receiving production fluid and increasing a pressure of the production fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a pumping unit and a base unit. The pumping unit includes a plurality of tubulars and two or more electric submersible pumps (ESPs). The pumping unit further includes a plurality of valves associated with the plurality of tubulars, the plurality of valves each independently moveable between respective open positions and closed positions, wherein respective positions of groups of valves corresponding to operational configurations selected to adjust operation of the two or more ESPs. The base unit is adapted to receive the pumping unit and includes a subsea connector for receiving a production line and directing production fluid toward the pumping unit. The base unit also includes an isolation valve.