header logo
Contact Us
Book a Demo
header logo
Contact Us
Book a Demo
header logo
Contact Us
Book a Demo

Enhance Oil Production by Optimizing ESP Operating Parameters Using AI

With advancements in modern technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML), industries in all areas can improve operation abilities by optimizing their operating parameters. The oil and gas industry is no exception; they also look for innovative ways to increase productivity, reduce production costs, and avoid downtime. In this article, let’s explore how to enhance oil production by optimizing Electric Submersible Pump (ESP) systems using AI applications.

Why Are ESPs Important in the Oil and Gas Industry?

Electrical submersible pumps are used in the oil and gas industry to provide additional pressure to the fluids (oil, gas, water) so they can reach the surface after the pressure in the reservoir–located thousands of feet below the ground–has been reduced following years of production, what is known as a decline in natural reservoir pressure.

In addition to high-volume oil recovery, ESP systems are deployed for transferring large quantities of fluids, minimizing surface footprint, and more. Since these systems have very high efficiencies, the carbon footprint is also reduced in comparison to other methods.

Although ESPs are designed to withstand harsh environments, including corrosion, high bottom hole temperatures, extreme pressures, and more, it is a fact that they can fail, sometimes without any apparent signals.

Leveraging AI to Optimize ESP Operating Parameters

AI applications serve as ESP monitoring tools, allowing operators to make informed and systematic decisions to optimize operational efficiency. By leveraging AI-driven insights, such as those provided by advanced solutions like nybl’s liftAI, operators can enhance their ability to manage ESP operations effectively and maintain high-performance levels throughout production processes.

The Integration of AI technologies in oilfield monitoring and operations increases reliability, productivity, and overall performance. Below are some specific ways AI can enhance ESP operations.

Optimizing Operational Efficiency

Regular analyses of data such as, fluids flow rates, and energy efficiency, help operators optimize performance parameters and maintain proper asset management by reducing energy consumption and unit operation costs, with additional profits flowing to the bottom line. AI solutions like nybl’s liftAI suggest optimized settings for pump speed, fluid flow rate, and other critical parameters to maximize oil production while minimizing energy consumption. The RRL (Remaining Run Life) algorithm of liftAI helps to forecast the operational lifespan of an ESP before reaching a critical threshold where failure is likely to occur. This predictive capability is crucial for optimizing maintenance schedules.

Furthermore, AI-powered remote monitoring solutions help enhance human labor at the well sites, contributing to a healthier and safer environment for the employees and supporting a more sustainable work environment. For example, nybl’s liftAI offers real-time monitoring of ESP performance and operational status, providing operators with instant alerts and notifications for potential issues, allowing rapid response and preventive actions to avoid costly downtime and disruptions.

Resolving Unexpected ESP Failures

Regular and continuous monitoring of ESP operating parameters using cutting-edge AI-based tools helps to proactively identify changes that allow operators to learn about potential risks and mitigate their consequences before they occur. liftAI uses AI-based predictive analytic data to forecast potential ESP failures in advance. By analyzing historical performance data and real-time IoT sensor readings, it identifies patterns and indicators of predictive failures, allowing proactive maintenance.

Integration and Usability

Advanced AI solutions seamlessly integrate with existing data sources, including IoT sensors and historical databases, processing and analyzing large volumes of data to extract intelligent insights, eliminate pump failures, and enable data-driven decision-making for ESP operation and performance optimization. Solutions like liftAI feature user-friendly interfaces designed for ease of use and accessibility, allowing enterprises to deploy them quickly and operators to interact intuitively with the platform, accessing actionable insights and recommendations to streamline ESP operations and maintenance workflows.

Wrapping Up

The landscape of ESP management is evolving continuously to enable a more cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable business for the oil and gas industry. The convergence of AI, IoT, and ML technologies facilitates improved ESP management. AI algorithms can natively be used to analyze vast amounts of real-time data collected from IoT sensors, but they require niche knowledge to turn them into reliable, valuable tools that combine those data to turn them into enablers of decisions that empower operators to take the right actions at the right moments.

This is what makes nybl’s liftAI the leading remote oilfield management solution for the oil and gas industry. LiftAI has demonstrated its effectiveness in regular operations and pilot tests, delivering tangible benefits such as increasing oil production by up to 7%, extending pump lifespan by up to 20%, and reducing operations and maintenance-related emissions by 10-15%.

By harnessing real-time proprietary data insights and predictive analytics, LiftAI empowers operators to make informed decisions, detect potential issues, and optimize production processes. This transformative integration of AI-driven insights with remote management capabilities enables oil and gas companies to achieve a more sustainable operation.

Waleed Refaat

Finance Director & Value Maker

Linkedin-in
Waleed has more than 20 years of experience in organizational accounting and finance management. He is responsible for nybl’s financial strategy and direction to meet company growth, client and investor expectations. He earned a Bachelor of Accounting from the Higher Institute of Advanced Studies in Cairo.

Michael LeTan

Chief Technology Officer & World Builder

Michael is an accomplished system architect with more than 30 years of experience in product development, delivery and deployment. He was part of a team of graduate engineers from MIT and Harvard to develop one of the leading-edge systems for Baker Hughes. Michael also served as the development manager for a web-based SCADA start-up and was the director of engineering for BCS Systems. He received his Bachelor of Science in system engineering from The University of Houston–Clear Lake.

Shriprakash Pandey

Partner & Entrepreneurship Enabler

Linkedin-in
Shriprakash is a business leader and entrepreneur with more than 28 years of experience leading international technology and engineering companies serving the utilities market. He is the founder and managing director of Commtel Networks and an expert in all aspects of business, including sales, business development, global alliances and operations. Shriprakash is an accomplished engineer and a graduate of the advanced management programs at the Indian School of Business and Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management.

Noor Alnahhas

CEO & Visionary

Linkedin-in
Noor is a serial entrepreneur with nearly 15 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. He has a proven track record of building businesses and relationships within the Gulf Cooperation Council and serves as an advisor to start-ups in the Middle East and U.S. Noor earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing and entrepreneurship from the University of Houston and completed additional leadership training at Wharton School of Business and INSEAD, a graduate business school with campuses in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Hafsa Yazdani

Chief Developer & Queen of Bees

Linkedin-in
Hafsa is a software developer who has led the creation of specialized engineering applications in several industries, including oil and gas, supply chain and security. A member of Google’s Women Techmakers, she is passionate about advancing the involvement of girls in technology and entrepreneurship. Hafsa graduated at the top of her class from Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University with a Bachelor of Science in computer science.

Alessandra Scicchitano

Alessandra Scicchitano is a leading expert in Human-Centred Tech and Product Strategy. She provides strategic advisory to tech companies looking to grow repeat business and revenue through high-impact products.

Before founding AURES Consulting, Alessandra held research and management positions at world-class organizations like IBM and in projects funded by the European Commission. With more than 10 years of experience in the technical field, she has published several peer-reviewed papers and spoken at countless international conferences.

She is the creator of TILT – Tech in The Loop, a framework to build high-impact tech products by introducing Human Centricity in different aspects of the product strategy, a University Lecturer teaching about Digital transformation and Product Strategy, and serves as a tech advisor to startups.

Nasser Alnahhas

An innovative, multilingual CEO with over 25 years’ experience leading organizations by providing exceptional business transformation services and cutting-edge solutions. Ability to create and establish robust strategic direction. Trusted advisor to partners in multinational corporations in petroleum and natural gas, chemical manufacturing, power and utility, and water and wastewater treatment industries. Proven leader with the ability to drive strategic short and long-term plans, shifting priorities, and delivering compelling collaboration skills that foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Influential in nature, with excellent presentation and communication skills.

Lane Sloan

Lane Sloan is a 30-year veteran of the oil and gas industry and comes from a long and distinguished career with Shell Oil. During his tenure, Mr. Sloan was a member of Shell’s senior management, and served at various times as general manager of products for finance, vice president of corporate planning, chief financial officer and VP Business Services, regional coordinator for Far East, director of East Zone Oil Products, and president of Shell Chemical Company.

After leaving Shell, Mr. Sloan joined SAIC, an IT and engineering consultancy headquartered in San Diego, California, as executive vice president in charge of energy activities. He was subsequently named CEO of SAIC’s joint venture with Halliburton in Grand Basin.

Mr. Sloan later became an executive professor at the University of Houston, where he taught leadership, corporate strategy, and energy courses. He also served as executive director of University of Houston’s Global Energy Management Institute. Today, he is a Silver Fox Advisor and president of Sloan Consulting Services, where he mentors entrepreneurial CEOs.

Mr. Sloan has a bachelor’s Degree in Business and a Master’s in Management Science, both from the University of Colorado. He also has a Master’s in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston. He has co-authored Terra Incognita: A Navigation Aid for Energy Leaders and authored Develop a Leadership Plan: Become a Great Leader.

Mohammed Shono

Chief Operating Officer & Wild Card

Linkedin-in

Mohammed was one of the founding members of the Digital Transformation Project Management office at Saudi Aramco, which oversees the key business initiatives under the company’s 4th Industrial Revolution program. A 20-year veteran of the IT industry, Mohammed started as a software developer delivering applications in knowledge management and systems integration. He earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Tulane University and his MBA from Strathclyde University.

Sufyaan Abdul Haseeb

Chief of Deployment and President Americas

Linkedin-in

Sufyaan has built management systems and environmental monitoring solutions for a variety of industries, including energy and security. He is a certified project manager (PMI) and an active member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI), which supports the advancement of information and communications technology. Sufyaan earned a Bachelor of Engineering in electronics and instrumentation from Birla Institute of Technology & Science and a Master of Science in electrical engineering from George Mason University.