OREANDA-NEWS. Oil, the primary source of energy for humanity traditionally, has always been limited in supply but there is no visible end to the demand for it as the global population continues to mount every day. In a bid to find a solution for this long standing issue, oil producers are exploring unconventional energy resources and deploying advanced technologies to extract the most out of the existing resources. These endeavors have resulted in the development of electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) which are enabling oil companies to drill deeper into the wells and pump out maximum available resources.

The electrical submersible pump, commonly termed as ESP, is as the name suggests, an efficient and dependable artificial lift method for pulling moderate to high volumes of fluids from wellbores (in volume ranges from 150 B/D to 150,000 B/D). With the help of variable speed controllers, this range can be easily extended both on the higher and lower side. ESP systems are environmentally friendly for the reason that only the surface power control equipment and power cable run from the controller to the wellhead are visible.

What Makes Electrical Submersible Pumps Such An Efficient Technology?

ESPs are like artificial-lift which can carry varied volumes, from as low as 150B/D to as much as 150,000 B/D. They can also function in highly deviated wells (as long as set in a straight horizontal section) and are adaptable to required subsurface wellheads, though they must be installed 6 feet apart for maximum surface-location density. Electrical submersible pumps make very little noise, are safe to operate and require minimum space for subsurface controls and other related production facilities.

Moreover, ESPs are relatively clean as far as operations at an offshore and environmentally conscious area is concerned. Additionally, they allow installing wells on production even when drilling and work is underway at over wells in same vicinity.

Conversely, electrical submersible pumps are not that cost effective for the reason that they lack in longevity. ESPs can only manage minimal percentages of solids (like sand) while in production as compared to other special pumps with hardened surfaces and bearings that can tolerate the inflow of solids. And hence have a longer run life than ESP. These are also not particularly adaptable to rates below 150 B/D and require relatively big casing size even for moderate production volume.

What Are The Regions With Maximum Demand For Electrical Submersible Pumps?

In 2013, Europe held the biggest share in the global market for electrical submersible pumps at 59.8% with Russia contributing to most of the demand. This increase in ESP installations in Europe is owed to two factors: gradual decline in oil production in the North Sea and rising demand from the offshore sector in Kazakhstan. European territory is expected to retain its position of most lucrative market for ESPs from 2014 to 2022 according to a report by Transparency Market Research. The TMR report forecasts a CAGR of 5.29% in the global market for electrical submersible pumps.

Since many eminent oilfield services providers are parented from U.S., North America continues to have a significant share of ESPs installations, closely followed by Canada and Mexico.

Conclusion:

Electrical submersible pumps have several favorable factors but longevity is the reason that is holding its peak popularity. 

Countries such as the U.S. and Canada are already seizing the opportunity and installing ESPs but Asia Pacific countries such as China, Malaysia and Australia must also extract the most out of their available resources. Electrical submersible pumps may not be the solution to our energy requirements but they’re among the best alternative available as of now.