Downhole pumps stabilise operations at Lancaster oil field west of Shetland

Oil flow has improved from the early production system at the Lancaster field west of Shetland following installation of electric submersible pumps (ESP) in both wells.

Lancaster is the first attempted development of fractured basement reservoirs in UK waters.

According to operator Hurricane Energy, the 205/21a-6 well has been restored to natural flow, while the 205/21a-7z well will continue being produced using an ESP.

During ESP testing output from the FPSO Aoka Mizu rose from around 15,000 b/d to 17,000 b/d, as oil and water production from the 205/21a-7z well stabilised.

With the ESP in place, there has been no evidence of the performance issues which led to the latter well having to be shut-in at the end of May.

Source: Offshore Magazine