Hybrid Artificial Lift System – Gas Driven High-Speed Pump for Wells with a Lack of Reservoir Energy

Abstract Over time, with intensive field development, well conditions can deteriorate; there is a risk of water and gas breakthrough, reservoir and bottom-hole pressures may decrease if there is no effective reservoir pressure maintenance system in place. Neither Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs) nor Gas Lift (GL) are capable of effectively maintaining efficient production in certain conditions. To address these issues a new hybrid production method was developed – a hybrid gas lift system with a turbine-driven centrifugal pump. The Turbine-driven pumping system effectively solves bottlenecks of both standard ESP and Gas Lift artificial lift methods by use of the most advanced high-speed pump with operating speeds up to 15,000 rpm powered by a non-combustion ultrasonic turbine. Downhole components are integrated in a turbine submersible pump (TSP) set having no electric parts. Pressurized gas is injected into the annulus, entering the gas turbine at its setting depth, it expands creating torque on its shaft and driving a centrifugal pump. Having passed the turbine, the injected gas is discharged to the production tubing where it is utilized again for gas lifting. The implementation of the Gas Lift with the turbine-driven pumping system enables the highest possible production volumes providing optimization beyond the conventional Gas Lift capabilities. The system can be deployed both on tubing and riglessly, either with a slick line or coiled tubing. Total pumping efficiency can be improved up to 39%. The technology enables production optimization and/or achieving target drawdown with minimized gas injection rate and pressure if compared to traditional Gas Lift. Technology avoids the use of electricity in the well resulting in dramatic improvement of reliability and runlife, reducing the number of shut-ins and minimizing non-productive time. Unlike conventional methods, that often suffer from high energy consumption, mechanical complexity, and limited adaptability to varying well conditions, the turbine-driven pump offers a novel solution that overcomes these limitations. It is suitable for a wide range of well conditions, including high-temperature environments, where conventional methods may struggle to perform. Potential implementation in the geothermal industry further underscores its importance in driving the green transition of the oil and gas sector towards more sustainable practices.