An operator in Canada needed to pump a high-temperature steam into the reservoir to decrease fluid viscosity enough to enable its movement toward the wellbore to efficiently produce from a well. However, the high temperatures that occur during SAGD operations can compromise ESP run life. With the reservoir recovery ratio dependent on the high injection temperature, the operator asked Schlumberger for a high-reliability solution that would improve recovery without compromising run life.

Schlumberger installed the Hotline ESP system with a high-temperature non-weather dependent integrated motor with downhole monitoring gauge. The integrated motor features a full protector and compensation system configured for immediate deployment in the well, eliminating human error and saving rig time during assembly. The system was installed with a bottom-feeder gas separator along with an AGH device.

The Hotline system increased run life by an average of 445 per cent and is still running. This improved the customer’s total cost of ownership by eliminating unnecessary workovers and deferred production.

REDA Hotline high-temperature (HT) ESP systems operate reliably in the extreme temperatures common in thermal recovery, heavy oil applications, such as steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) and steamflooding. They are designed to handle the wide swings in temperature that result with cool surface and hot downhole operating temperatures.

Together with gas separators and handlers, the ESPs maximize drawdown and produce a gas volume fraction of up to 95 per cent.

The Hotline high-temperature ESP systems have set the benchmark for ESP performance in extreme-temperature applications. They have been the world leader in ESPs for 80 years.

With more than 1,400 installations in more than 450 active wells worldwide—and a record run life of more than 7 years and running—Hotline ESP systems have become the method of choice for high-temperature, highly abrasive, and corrosive environments common to thermal recovery, heavy oil applications.

Schlumberger’s newest Hotline HT ESP system has been reengineered for higher temperatures, longer run life, and increased reliability.