Norman Grimes and Luis Guanacas - Odessa Separator Inc.
High Gas-Liquid Ratio (GLR) conditions present significant challenges for Electric Submersible Pump (ESP) systems, as free gas and slug flow can reduce hydraulic efficiency, increase motor temperature and electrical instability, promote gas interference and gas locking, and shorten ESP run life. This paper presents the application of the Gas Release System Bypass (GRSB), an advanced downhole flow-conditioning technology designed to regulate, disperse, and remove free gas before it reaches the ESP intake.
The GRSB integrates a Double Cup Seal Packer, Pressurization Chamber, Centrifugal Regulator, and Gas Release System with CT line to progressively condition multiphase flow. Large gas slugs are disrupted, gas bubbles are dispersed and partially reabsorbed, and remaining free gas is redirected through a dedicated bypass. The technology was applied in wells operating with GLR values greater than 1,000 SCF/STB. Field performance was evaluated through pump intake pressure, motor current, operating frequency, motor temperature, and production trends.
During field applications, the CT line discharge configuration was evaluated, and more stable ESP behavior was observed when the end of the CT line was positioned in a different section. Following GRSB installation, the wells demonstrated stable operating parameters and sustained production under high-GLR conditions. The wells have maintained extended ESP run life with stable pump intake pressure, motor current, frequency, and motor temperature. These results demonstrate the importance of proper GRSB configuration and CT line positioning for reliable gas management and stable ESP performance.