Artificial Lifting in Liquid Dominated High Temperature Geothermal Fields in Turkey: Lessons Learned

Abstract

Due to the attractive feed-in-tariff mechanism, Turkish geothermal producers operate geothermal power plants at their maximum capacity. As a result, many geothermal reservoirs in Turkey have been exploited with an aggressive production strategy by multiple operators. A significant amount of production targeted natural fractures associated with normal faults in Western Anatolia. Wells produced at the maximum allowable capacity caused substantial reservoir pressure drops that affected reservoir dynamics. Premature temperature decline, local pressure drop, and the sharp decline of non-condensable gases (NCG) have been commonly observed in these geothermal reservoirs. All of these impacted the production performance of wells negatively. Artificial lifting methods such as airlifting and downhole pumps (Line shaft pumps or electrical submersible pumps (ESPs)) are commonly used methods to compensate for missing production. This study discusses the use of ESPs in liquid dominated high-temperature Alaşehir and Kizildere fields. Observations, experiences, and lessons learned from the ESP applications in these fields are reported in detail.