Electrical submersible pump (ESP) systems are a common artificial-lift method, providing flexibility over a range of sizes and output flow capacities. Electric submersible pumps are typically used in older reservoirs on wells with high water cuts (percentage of water to oil). ESP’s provide cost effective production by boosting fluid production from these less efficient, older reservoirs. ESP completions are an alternative means of obtaining artificial lift in wells that have low bottom hole pressures. ESP completions are the most efficient choice for high volume capable wells.

 ESP Advantages

Due to these minimal surface requirements, ESP’s can be a popular choice for space limited applications such as offshore facilities if pulling costs are controlled. They are also used in locations where gas is not available for a gas lift system. ESP’s are one of the higher volume methods of lift. ESPs have advantages over some other high volume methods since they can create a higher drawdown on the formation and achieve more production, if problems such as gas interference and sand production can be solved. Casing size is also not important to being able to pump these high volumes. As waterflood volumes increase, it is common to pump several thousand barrels of fluid a day while trying to improve formation sweep efficiency. This system is easy to adapt to automation and can pump intermittently or continuously, but continuously is preferred for longer life. For shallow wells, the investment is relatively low.