Pump issue halts production on Triangle’s Cliff Head

Australia-based oil and gas company Triangle Energy has experienced issues with operations on its Cliff Head oil field located offshore Australia, which caused the production halt on one of the wells. 

On Tuesday, May 30, 2018, a technical issue occurred during steady state production operations which caused well CH12H to stop producing, Triangle informed on Wednesday.

Company personnel were immediately mobilized to the unmanned production platform and following diagnostic tests, have confirmed the issue is associated with production well CH12H’s downhole electric submersible pump (ESP).

According to the company, CH12H, which was producing 240 bbls/day prior to this issue, remains offline. Triangle’s engineers will continue to pursue further tests and trials in an attempt to restart the ESP and regain production.

In parallel, Triangle has started to plan for a CH12H ESP replacement using the company’s coil tubing unit (CTU) in the event the ESP restart is unsuccessful.

In order to maximize utilization of the CTU, it is Triangle’s intent to incorporate CH12H’s ESP replacement (if required) within a wider offshore campaign that aims to target other identified production optimization opportunities.

The Cliff Head oil field is located 10 kms off the coast of Western Australia, at a water depth of 15-20 meters. The Production License WA-31-L covers 72km², and the oil field covers 6km² in the Commonwealth Exploration Permit WA-286-P.

Triangle holds a 78.75% interest in Cliff Head and is the operator, with Royal Energy holding an interest of 21.25%.