SLB reveals duo of innovative artificial lift systems designed to enhance performance and cut emissions

SLB has introduced two advanced artificial lift systems it says will reduce emissions and improve production economics by enhancing performance.

Introducing the innovative technology, the company explained its new Reda Agile compact wide-range electric submersible pump (ESP) system and rodless Reda PowerEdge electric submersible progressing cavity pump (ESPCP) system can deliver enhanced reliability and efficiency.

Breakthrough designs

The systems are connected to digital services for continuous live surveillance and real-time optimisation; they are designed to improve operational stability, enabling faster installation and production, with lower power consumption and operating costs, and reduced CO₂ emissions.
Ernesto Cuadros, SLB’s Artificial Lift Business Line Director, said the technology’s wide-range capabilities enable continuous operation over a broader range of production conditions than “any artificial lift system currently on the market”.

He explained: “Their innovative designs also enable more efficient deployment through reduced installation time and improved proximity to the reservoir.”

Better for production and planet
SLB says the PowerEdge ESPCP system provides a more energy-efficient rodless alternative for low-flow production rates in mature conventional and unconventional wells. It expands the operating range of traditional PCP systems by being highly resistant to aromatics and able to withstand high temperatures at different pump speeds and intake pressures.

The company says the system lowers power consumption and related CO₂ emissions by up to 55%, and using a single PowerEdge ESPCP system for the remaining well life - as an alternative to rod lift installation in unconventional wells - can reduce workovers and production deferments.

Enhancing results

SLB says its Agile ESP system provides “unparalleled operational flexibility, improving economics and efficiency” while reducing overall operation cost. Significantly shorter and lighter than alternative marketed ESPs, it can be installed faster and placed further into the well, effectively extracting more. The company says the system has the widest operating range in the industry, so eliminates the usual need for frequent ESP changes as production varies.

In the field

The Agile ESP system was deployed by Pertamina to produce a 6,000-ft well offshore Indonesia. Three conventional ESPs had failed, costing US$600,000 in production deferments and workover costs, but SLB’s system successfully navigated the complex well, accessing the target depth unreachable by the failed ESPs. It operated continuously for more than 300 days.

Cuadros added: “SLB has committed to innovating the most efficient technology solutions on the market, driving both customer performance and lower carbon operations.”