Performance Evaluation and Economic Assessment of Electrical Submersible Pumps for Heavy Oil Production in Mature Niger Delta Oilfields

• Victoria A. UMEJURU

  Author

• Isaac E. IHUA-MADUENYI

  Author

• Adaobi S. NWOSI-ANELE

  Author

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) performance as an artificial lift solution for heavy oil production in Well AB2LS, located in the Niger Delta. The research integrates detailed well modelling, natural flow analysis, and ESP simulation using PROSPER, a nodal analysis and well performance software. Initial natural flow assessment revealed that the reservoir’s inherent energy was insufficient to sustain economic production for the slightly heavy crude (22° API), with oil rates declining sharply as water cut increased, highlighting the need for artificial lift intervention. An ESP system was subsequently designed and simulated, with key parameters including pump type, stage count, motor rating, and installation depth optimized to handle the oil viscosity, bottomhole pressure, and flow conditions. The ESP operating envelope was analysed using Best Efficiency Line (BEL) and Dunbar plots to ensure stable hydraulics, mitigate gas interference, and prevent cavitation. The results demonstrated that the ESP significantly enhanced well deliverability, achieving a design oil rate of 4,250 b/d within a stable operating regime, and maintained incremental oil production averaging 131% relative to natural flow over the productive period (2011–2019). Economic evaluation using Net Cash Recovery (NCR) and Net Present Value (NPV) indicated that the ESP system achieved an NCR of US$ 213,889,115 and an NPV of US$ 143,405,102 at a 10% discount rate, confirming financial viability despite higher operational expenditures associated with energy consumption and maintenance. The study underscores the technical robustness and economic feasibility of ESP deployment in heavy oil reservoirs, particularly in wells with medium-to-high production rates, and highlights its critical role in sustaining long-term production and maximizing ultimate recovery.

• FJET_21_44_44

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