Zenith Presents Ground Fault Immune Technology in UAE

The benefits of a groundbreaking new gauge technology will be outlined by Zenith Oilfield Technology at the SPE Unconventional Artificial Lift Configurations and Deployment Methods workshop in Dubai, 13-14 March 2012. The UK-based firm will discuss the pioneering technology for electrical submersible pumps (ESP) at the event, which Zenith is also sponsoring.

The Ground Fault Immune ESP gauge operates even when damage occurs on the motor cable which results in a ground fault, spelling the end for operators having to run blind with no well data as a result of this common problem for the first time. Dave Shanks, Development Manager at Zenith, will discuss the impressive results of its successful trial in the Middle East.

Shanks said: “Artificial lift is crucial to increasing production, with more than 95% of oil wells globally relying on some type of artificial lift. The workshop is a great opportunity for us to discuss developments and experiences in this area and share the success of our new technology which is a breakthrough in ESP monitoring, eliminating the issues caused by ground faults.”

The new downhole gauge runs a unique new power and communication system so that insulation breaks down caused by ground faults will not short the system. Therefore the monitor will continue to run as long as the ESP cable is operational.

Shanks continued: “All too often in ESP operations a ground fault will cause downhole monitoring systems to fail and leave operators running blind. This can result in up to 25% reduct ion in fluid output compared to a pump optimized with a live down hole gauge, resulting in a significant loss of production. Our Ground Fault Immune gauge offers a monitoring solution which cannot be disturbed by these type of faults for the first time.”

This technology provides Zenith with a platform for a range of new and exciting products with the ability to provide more electrical power to down hole instrumentation and, with high speed data transmission, gather more accurate and more complex information than has been previously possible.

Zenith operates in the artificial lift sector of the global oil and gas industry. Established in 2004, and headquartered in Aberdeen shire, UK, Zenith now has 85 staff operating out of 30 countries. The company designs, assembles and supports industry-leading solutions for the gathering and analysis of downhole data and the design of completions equipment.