Abstract

Lasmo Oil (Malacca Strait) Ltd. (Lasmo), has successfully installed Progressive Cavity Pumps (PCPs) to replace Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs) in its Melibur field in the Malacca Strait, Sumatra, Indonesia. This type of pump was first introduced to Lasmo at the end of 1990 and a total of 21 PCP pumps have now been installed. Unlike the ESP, the PCP has simpler operational features whereby the motor is installed on the surface to drive the downhole equipment. The downhole equipment consists of a Stator and Rotor which is run on conventional sucker rods. This pump is best utilized in vertical wells with a maximum setting depth of 4,000 ft and a maximum production rate of 2,000 bfpd. Lasmo has found that conversion from ESPs to PCPs reduces electricity expenses by 70%, reduces well maintenance costs by a minimum of 35%, and maximizes the oil production rate, by having an adjustable pump speed to suit well productivity. As a result of these benefits, Lasmo is in the process of replacing the remaining ESPs in the Melibur field with PCPs, bringing the total number of installed PCPs to 35. This paper elaborates on the PCP field experience by comparing the benefits and operational problems of PCPs.