Despite its common use as an artificial lift method for heavy-oil developments, electrical-submersible-pump (ESP) system performance in high-viscosity applications is not fully understood. Failure to understand challenges to equipment performance in such conditions can lead to operational inefficiency and equipment failures. The complete paper presents results of single-phase and multiphase tests performed by researchers at the University of Campinas. It also presents operational data, lessons learned, and examples of failures gathered over 10 years of ESP operation in the Peregrino field, a highly viscous, heavy‑oil field offshore Brazil operated by Equinor.

The field was discovered in 1994 in the southern part of the Campos Basin offshore Brazil.

The Journal of Petroleum Technology, the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ flagship magazine, presents authoritative briefs and features on technology advancements in exploration and production, oil and gas industry issues, and news about SPE and its members.

ISSN: 1944-978X (Online) ISSN: 0149-2136 (Print)