Improving the efficiency of horizontal and sidetracked wells with 2A electric submersible pump units

UDK: 622.276.53

DOI: 10.24887/0028-2448-2025-11-46-52

Key words: electric submersible pump unit (ESP), equipment reliability, small size pump, 2A ESP, horizontal wells, sidetracked wells

Authors: A.B. Noskov (Rosneft Oil Company, RF, Moscow); V.V. Bylkov (Rosneft Oil Company, RF, Moscow); I.G. Klyushin (Rosneft Oil Company, RF, Moscow); R.E. Irmashev (RN-BashNIPIneft LLC, RF, Ufa); K.A. Goridko (RN-TECHNOLOGIES LLC, RF, Moscow); A.M. Vakhitov2,4 (RN-BashNIPIneft LLC, RF, Ufa; Ufa State Petroleum Technological University, RF, Ufa)

The article shows the analysis of the use of 2A-size electric submersible pump units (slim ESPs) in horizontal and sidetracked wells in Rosneft Oil Company. The use of slim ESPs is particularly relevant under specific conditions of narrowed wellbore cross-section caused by geological-physical factors, technological challenges, or operational complications. One of the target areas for using the 2A-size ESP pumps is to increase oil production by using submersible pumping equipment in sidetracked and horizontal wellbores, improving the efficiency of wells with small production string diameters, and transferring them to the category of profitable ones. Calculations at the fields of one of the subsidiary companies show the possibility of increasing the depth of launching the 2A-size ESP, the potential bottomhole pressure reduction and the corresponding oil flow rate increase. The main technical restrictions and operating features of the slim ESPs were identified, due to the inclination angle, the well curvature intensity, the shaft rotation speed, and conditions affecting the equipment reliability. The analysis results, along with the engineering solutions developed and an estimate of potential production gains form the basis for improving oil production efficiency from horizontal and sidetracked wells, as well as for updating operational guidelines and the Rosneft Oil Company’s technical standards.

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