Solving the puzzle that is unconventional production began more than 60 years ago with the setting of the hydraulic fracturing corner piece. Over time, advancements in technologies like directional drilling and the chemistries of fracturing fl uids helped to fill in a few more gaps. New approaches to seismic acquisition and interpretation and drilling and completions optimization delivered greater initial returns. While work continues to fill in those areas of the puzzle, focus has turned more to increasing production over the life of the well.

Enhancing artificial lift systems is one of the many areas currently under examination. Two examples of such work are included in this month’s unconventional artificial lift feature. One features a horizontal gas lift system that addresses the challenge of getting more with less, and the other explains how permanent magnetic motors can offer a huge cost savings when used in electric submersible pumps.

A third example was announced last month when Baker Hughes shared the results of a field trial of its new LEAP Adaptive Production System. The system was installed Dec. 12, 2015, at a depth of 1,585 m (5,200 ft) in the Mississippi Lime play in Woods County, Okla., for SandRidge Energy.

The entirely new approach to artificial lift delivered 300% greater oil production and 200% greater natural gas production at the trial compared to a previous artificial lift solution, according to a press release. In continuous operation since its installation, the system was seamlessly deployed through the deviated section of the wellbore and started on its first attempt with no issues.

“Until now, operators have had to use 100-year-old technology that was never intended to operate in deep horizontal wells or to handle the rapidly declining production rates and high gas volumes typical of unconventional reservoirs,” Wade Welborn, vice president of artificial lift systems at Baker Hughes, said in the release. “As the first artificial lift technology designed specifically for these unique production challenges, the LEAP adaptive production system represents a step change in artificial lift technology.”

The downhole system consists of a positive displacement pump, which can be installed to sit deeper in a well than traditional rod pumps; a submersible linear electromagnetically actuated motor, which drives the pump and eliminates the need for the long rodstring; and a sensor, which provides pressure and temperature data to help ensure the highest level of production optimization and system longevity, the release stated.

In addition, proprietary software built into the LEAP system surface variable speed drive integrates with downhole electronics to allow remote adjustments to the pumping system speed and stroke length as production rates change.

Time, effort, ingenuity and dogged persistence keeps the industry moving forward in its quest to solve the 100,000-piece jigsaw puzzle that is production from unconventional reservoirs.

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