Maturing field required help to cost-effectively maintain production

An operator in Gabon wanted to rapidly improve waterflood capacity in a mature oil field without significant infrastructure modifications or capex. The REDA HPS horizontal multistage surface pumping system in place comprised two J350N 49-stage pumps and could achieve injection rates up to 30,000 bbl of water per day with 66% efficiency.

The system delivered industry-leading efficiency at the time of its installation and more than adequate reservoir pressure management during the early life of the field, enabling pressure and flow rate increases for 10 years. As the reservoir depleted, however, additional boosting was required. The existing pumps were not sufficient, but the field’s production did not justify major capital investment. Unless an economical option was found to increase injection to 100,000 bbl/d, oil production would soon cease.

Smaller, high-efficiency pumps provided a solution

Local engineers developed a new design to replace the J350N pumps with four N800N 10-stage pumps, which have higher efficiency (82%). The full system would greatly enhance waterflood capability without significant infrastructure changes.

Operator quadrupled injection capacity and extended field life

The high-efficiency pumps, along with upgraded thrust bearings and flanges to accommodate higher flow rates, were installed rapidly using local support personnel. The system can now deliver up to 124,000 bbl/d, which is expected to meet both current and future requirements.