Evaluating Alternate Artificial Lift Methods in the Niger Delta

Abstract Gas lift is currently being utilized as the artificial lift system in OML Z, this has been so for the last thirty years. Although, the field has seen significant increase in production rates in recent times, gas lift requirement has increased with increase in production and water cut. To maximize production and value from OML Z, it is expedient to seek an alternative artificial lift method that can debottleneck and unlock the potential of fields within OML Z where production has been less than 50% since the field was brought on stream. Production from the gas lifted fields within OML Z is constrained by a combination of bottlenecked gas lift facility and surface production facility. This study explores the different artificial lift methods and selects an applicable technology for OML Z using a developed selection criterion. Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) found suitable for OML Z is further analyzed for feasibility and application within OML Z given existing limitations. The candidate reservoir and well selection criteria are elaborated upon, taking into consideration several elements that contribute to the production process. The results of the well and network models, that shows the significant gains attributed to the conversion of selected previously gas lifted wells to ESPs, are discussed. The economic benefit of such conversion is also shown.