Work is underway to increase pressure within the reservoir at the UK’s newest oil production site at Wressle, the operator announced today.
A statement from Egdon Resources today said a downhole jet pump would be installed in an artificial lift at the well, near Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire.
Artificial lift is commonly used to increase production when the energy of the reservoir is not strong enough to push oil to the surface. Methods can include beam pumping, downhole pumps and the injection of compressed gas.
Earlier this month, Egdon announced that the well, which began formal production in July 2022, had begun producing water along with the oil. The proportion of water to total liquids (known as the water cut) averaged 3.72% in July, Egdon said, after 11 months at zero.
Egdon’s managing director, Mark Abbott, said:
“The installation of a jet pump system has been programmed for some time and was selected following earlier evaluation of all artificial lift options along with our joint venture partners.
“Its installation will ensure production from the Wressle-1 well continues to be optimised following the expected onset of water production.”
Work on the artificial lift is expected to take about three weeks. Production from Wressle has been suspended and is due to resume in late September 2023, Egdon said.
The operation has also included a slickline programme, where data is collected on downhole pressure and temperature gradients. This data, and the impact of the artificial lift, will be included in an ongoing Competent Person’s Report on Wressle, the company said.
David Bramhill, executive chairman of Union Jack Oil, a partner in the Wressle site, said:
“Industry sources indicate that over 90% of oil wells employ artificial lift during their life-cycle, therefore, the natural sequence of the installation of a jet pump on the Wressle-1 well offers a reliable method of ensuring the continued operation and the optimisation of its future production performance.”
Union Jack’s share fell nearly 9% on early trading. It recovered and at the time of writing it was down nearly 5%. Egdon’s share price was unchanged on the news.
The most recent production data, for May 2023, puts Wressle as the UK’s second largest onshore oil producer, after Wytch Farm in Dorset. In May 2023, the well produced 3,185 tonnes, representing 5.95% of UK onshore oil.
DRILL OR DROP? 
Oh great idea
Pressurize the strata and polute the local aquifer. That should add to AWA’ s future supply problems.
I think you’ll find that the strata is already under pressure at the moment and the well depth is well below any aquifer and is isolated by cement from seeping out. Standard drilling practice. So no need to worry. Look on the bright side, increased production improves our energy security and helps negate old people sitting in the cold and dark in the winter.
A jet pump will decrease reservoir pressure, not increase it.
Hmm, looking at the background within the picture there is the great idea of repeating recent forest fires. Seems that controls are required for all energy supply.