Transforming offshore oil production

05 September, 2024

The Belbazem offshore block field is being developed by Al Yasat Petroleum Operations Company, a joint venture between ADNOC and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). The block is located approximately 120 km northwest of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and comprises three large oilfields — Belbazem, Umm Al Salsal and Umm Al Dholou. Each oilfield has its own offshore tower housing a wellhead, valves and controls needed to extract oil or gas from underwater reserves. Each facility is also equipped with ESPs, which are absolutely vital in offshore oil production.

The ESPs will be used for artificial lifting, a pivotal technique in the oil and gas industry. ESPs are electric submersible pumps driven by a special electrical motor, efficiently extracting hydrocarbons from deep wells. They enhance production rates, especially in high-yield reservoirs with low natural pressure. ESPs offer versatility and can be remotely controlled, which reduces the need for manual intervention. Their high efficiency and adaptability make them indispensable for maximising reservoir productivity.

However, ESPs are also difficult to power. They are placed remotely in deep sea environments where harsh conditions are the norm, and the power is typically transmitted over long distances through specialised, insulated cables. The failure of an ESP during offshore oil production can lead to halted oil extraction, revenue losses and potential equipment damage. Repairs are also costly, time-consuming and potentially dangerous — because ESPs are often installed in confined spaces, like wells, maintenance creates risks of falls, slips and exposure to electrical and mechanical hazards.

All of these factors can disrupt operations and affect production schedules. For Belbazem, they must be avoided at all costs in order that the offshore block can meet immediate output target of 45,000 barrels of light crude, every day, without fail — and, of course, support ADNOC’s goal of five million barrels a day by the end of the decade.

This is also why variable speed drives (VSDs) are essential for powering ESPs. VSDs allow precise control of the pump’s speed so it can be adapted to changing well conditions, which ensures efficient operation and extends the equipment’s lifespan.

Using MV drive technology in ESP applications

Given the high stakes of the Belbazem development project, it was clear that VSDs were needed to accurately control the ESPs’ speed based on the required operation conditions — and that these systems must be tailored specifically for the Belbazem field’s requirements.