A production-optimization strategy of an artificial-lift system resulted in the mitigation of challenges related to reservoir heterogeneities and completion design. An approach integrating reservoir dynamic data and electrical-submersible-pump (ESP) performance was established as a guideline for ESP surveillance and diagnostics and for targeting candidates for production optimization by implementing at least one of the possible solutions: upgrading ESP surface equipment, anticipating workovers for ESP-resizing and -deepening jobs, and reviewing well-design strategy.
Introduction
The field is an anticlinal structure 26 km long and 6 km wide with two main complex carbonate reservoirs, upper (U1) and lower (U2), exhibiting considerable lateral and vertical lithological changes and, consequently, variations of reservoir properties.
Oil production started in 1983 through an initial-development phase. An artificial-lift project using ESP systems was implemented in 1994 to increase and sustain oil production. All producer wells are equipped with an ESP, a Y-tool, and a single completion string.
