This course will enable students to analyse the benefits and restrictions associated with the various forms of artificial lift. Students will understand the components and configurations for numerous ESP applications with intent of using this material to develop a successful electric submersible pumping system programme inclusive of minimising surface infrastructure and ESP workover costs.

This course will review the major types of artificial lift systems, explain benefits and drawbacks of each type, and what are the ideal applications for each. This course will then focus on ESPs as it is the primary high flow AL system used here in the Middle East. The course will be targeted towards applying the ESP into harsh environments (abrasives, gas slugging, H2S/CO2 corrosion, viscosities, scale, high temperatures, etc.) and the use of special materials and designs to overcome these challenges (ceramic bearings, multi-phase ESPs, elastomers and metallurgies for different corrosive environments, variable speed drive uses, and newer high temperature SAGD ESPs). Instruction in identifying downhole events (broken shafts, free gas locking and interference, pumping against a closed valve, pumping abrasives or pump deterioration etc.) through the use of downhole ESP sensor and current data trends will be conducted. Finally, the course will focus on unique configurations and deployment methods that have recently been used throughout the world. The course will stimulate ideas, understanding, and discussion for going into the workshop held the following two days.

At this Workshop You Will Learn:

• Principles behind artificial lift (inflow vs.outflow)
• Evaluation criteria (benefitsanddrawbacks) used for the selection of AL methods
• ESP component designs inclusive of configuration and function
• Application and design methods for proper use of ESPs
• Considerations fo rapplying ESPs into harsh environments
• Identify downhole ESP events through the use of downhole sensors and amperage
• Study o fnon-conventional ESP designs, deployment methods, and lessons learnt
• Combined artificial lift technologies
• Alternative deployment methods for reducing infrastructure and number of workovers
• Special considerations/challenges (barriers, live well deployment, materials of construction, etc.)

Suggested Pre-Requisites

• A basic understanding of chemistry and physics
• Basic metallurgy, although not essential

This course is designed for petroleum engineers, artificial lift specialists, production technologists, production and operations engineers/managers dealing with artificial lift operations.

0.8 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) awarded for this 1-day course.

Randy Shepler is a petroleum engineering specialist for Aramco Northern Production Area and has been active within SPE, API RP committees, Network of SubSea Engineers (NESSE), and Completion and Ab- Intervention Network (COIN). Randy holds both a Bachelor of Science degree in petroleum engineering and business administration from West Virginia University. Randy has worked in the ESP industry for 27 years and holds several artificial lift patents and patent pending applications. He has been honoured with numerous speaking engagements, committee placements, and authored a variety of technical papers on the subject of electric submersible pumps. Throughout his career he has taught numerous courses in the application, design, and troubleshooting of electric submersible pumps and has been the product champion for numerous alternative deployed ESP systems currently operating around the world.