Schlumberger announced today the release of its third-generation REDA* HotlineSA3* high-temperature electric submersible pump (ESP) system for steam-assisted recovery operations and geothermal applications. This latest release enables operators to further improve economics through increased recovery factors and early production while reducing downtime and intervention costs.
“The REDA HotlineSA3 system can reliably produce from wells with bottomhole temperatures of up to 250 degC,” said Gus Melbourne, president, Schlumberger Artificial Lift. “This enables the installation of the ESP at the earliest stages of the development of the steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) chamber, when pressure and temperature are highest. The ability to monitor winding temperature directly, and in real time, gives operators control of the REDA HotlineSA3 system during unexpected production instabilities without increasing the risks of exceeding system capabilities.”
Building on years of development and lessons learned from the REDA Hotline550* ESP system, the HotlineSA3 system incorporates an integrated design that extends the ESP operating envelope and run life. Integrated surveillance and control through reliable fluid pressure, temperature and internal motor temperature measurements help reduce sub-cool and Steam Oil Ratio (SOR).
The REDA HotlineSA3 system has passed extensive testing while running at maximum-rated temperatures. This includes strict third-party qualification requirements at C-FER Technology laboratories in Canada, with collaboration and sponsorship by major heavy oil operator ConocoPhillips. The system has undergone extensive field testing in SAGD fields in Canada and steam flood fields in Oman. Criteria set for field testing—logging in excess of 2,000 combined cumulative running days for eight different operators—has been surpassed. Individual units have passed 250 days at the highest possible well temperatures to date.
The system includes a multifunction integrated motor unit, thermally compensated pumps, downhole monitoring gauges for pressure and temperature, power cables and a surface controller. The purpose-designed plug-in, high-temperature motor lead extension has a dual elastomeric seal and the motor electrical port connection has a positive pressure system that works to prevent fluids from escaping or entering the motor during connection.
The integrated motor uses special, high-temperature materials rated to 300 degC and is factory filled with specially treated, ultra-dehydrated dielectric oil. All parts of the ESP system are extensively tested to accommodate all aspects of differential thermal expansion.
