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Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Vaalco Energy continues to have production problems offshore Gabon. As previously disclosed, in late-July the primary electrical submersible pump (ESP) failed on its Avouma 2-H well on the Abouma Platform on the Etame Marin Permit. Prior to attempting to start the secondary ESP, Vaalco and the original equipment manufacturer which installed the ESP worked closely to re-design the start-up procedure and adjust the operating conditions in an effort to prevent another ESP failure. The lower pump was successfully started in August and remained operational for approximately 10 days. At the time of the secondary ESP failure, the well was producing at a rate of around 1,850 bpd gross.
Vaalco has attempted to restart the lower ESP without success and the well has been temporarily shut-in pending a workover. The company is in the process of mobilizing a hydraulic workover unit to the Avouma Platform to recover failed ESPs in the Avouma 2-H and the South Tchibala 2-H. Both wells produce from the Avouma platform and both wells have recently experienced failed ESPs.
After removing the ESPs, VAALCO plans to immediately install a replacement ESP in the Avouma 2-H well and anticipates restoring production from the well by mid fourth quarter of this year. The failed ESPs will be sent to the manufacturer’s facilities for a root cause investigation to determine the failure mechanism. Once the cause of the ESP failures is understood, appropriately modified ESP systems will be installed in the South Tchibala 2-H well and, if necessary, the Avouma 2-H well.
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