Field X Fail-Less Strategy: Journey Towards Esp Best in Class Performance and Achieving Record Low Subsurface Unscheduled Deferment

Abstract The Field X is the largest cluster fields (23 Sub-Fields) in Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), producing the highest oil production and operating the highest number of well stock (over 2800 wells). Most of these fields are very mature with many old wells and aging facilities. Operations in Field X are very dynamic with more than 1600 well interventions yearly; critical activities to restore and optimize production and arrest the field's decline. Before 2020 Field X was experiencing significant subsurface unscheduled deferment (USSD) at 3.7% of total field potential and an artificial lift failure index of 28%, well above industry standards. To address this issue, a dedicated workshop on artificial lift failures and USSD reduction was carried out with stakeholders, resulting in the development and implementation of the Field X artificial lift fail-less strategy. This strategy aims to convert frequently failing Beam Pump (BP) wells to Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) and Long Stork Unite (LSU). Over 340 BP wells were converted to ESP and LSUs from 2020-2023. Between 2020 and 2023 and as a result of Field X Fail-Less Strategy, there has been a dramatic improvement in Field X's performance. The overall artificial lift failure index has dropped from 28% to 18%. Moreover, Field X achieve a significant drop in ESP failure index from 14.4% in 2020 to 7.5% in 2023. This success exceeds the Global Top-Quartile Benchmark of 10.8% and field X is now considered as best in class performance in ESP. The subsurface unscheduled deferment rate of Field X has decreased from 3.7% to 2.1%, and some fields have achieved ZERO unscheduled subsurface deferment. The success is attributed to several innovative solutions, including the "Fast Track" conversion of frequent failure wells to a different type of artificial lift, converting non-frequent failure wells with good potential to electrical submersible pumps ESP, and aggressive installation of the Long Stork Unite (LSU) system. The implementation of various new technologies in artificial lift and optimizing well operating philosophies also contributed to the success. Field X artificial lift strategy resulted in significant value realized for PDO and a positive impact on HSE. This paper will explain the journey towards achieving a lower Artificial lift failure index and how the Field X artificial lift strategy was developed and implemented.