ESP Successful Optimization Using Variable Frequency Drive Current Limit with Combined System Technique, Production Enhancement in Colombia Llanos Field

Abstract One of the main challenges during the operation of an ESP system is to achieve a stable production, this can be guaranteed by an appropriate monitoring of electrical and downhole sensor parameters. However, the conditions of a field located in the Llanos Orientales Basin in Colombia, where there is high presence of free gas in the T2 and comingled K1-T2 formations, cause high instability in the operating parameters of the ESP systems, leading to several shutdowns and causing high levels of deferred production. In the past, the configuration of motor current controls and PID algorithms in the variable speed drives were not enough to achieve smooth operation causing premature ESP failures and incurring in high well intervention costs. This paper describes a successful study case of the application of the limit control parameter in the variable speed drives for the Llanos field (area Apiay) operated by Ecopetrol and offers a different approach to running the limit controls on the drives. With this methodology, smooth operation was achieved in several challenging wells, increasing the system efficiency, while extending the equipment run life and avoiding costly workovers.