Cashing in on Marginal Production Wells Using High-Temperature Downhole Pumps

Abstract

The inability of some geothermal wells to attain or sustain commercial wellhead pressures are often documented because of various factors that include subsurface resource characteristics, reservoir response to long-term utilization and wellbore conditions. This paper investigates a database of drilled and completed production wells that are unable to contribute to power generation despite sufficient downhole temperatures and evident permeability. Detailed study, wellbore diagnostics and theoretical modeling of two priority candidate wells were conducted to match with the design of high-temperature downhole pumps that aim to provide additional lift and deliver the downhole fluids to the surface facilities at 7 to 10 bar conditions. The methodology developed by the collaboration of the two industries provides a new option for reservoir management strategies and development of growth areas in addition to the opportunity for return of investments from idle to underutilized geothermal wells.