SPE Live Podcast: Permanent Magnet Motors in Artificial Lift - Technologies, Safety, and Best Practices. From the Permian to the World

Electrical Submersible Pumps continue to play a vital role in artificial lift, offering efficient and scalable solutions across a wide range of reservoir conditions. In recent years, Permanent Magnet Motors (PMMs) have gained significant momentum as a preferred alternative to traditional Induction Motors (IMs) in ESP systems. While PMMs have been part of the industry since the 1990s, their widespread adoption has accelerated over the past decade, driven by advancements in motor efficiency, drive technology, and integrated control and monitoring systems. These innovations have contributed to lower power consumption, improved environmental performance, and enhanced economic returns, making PMMs a compelling option in today’s energy landscape. However, with these benefits come specific operational and safety considerations. One key challenge is managing the regenerative power generated by magnetized rotors, which can pose risks during handling, installation, and operation. The industry has responded with robust safety protocols, power isolation techniques, advanced control logic, and automated startup procedures to mitigate these risks and unlock the full potential of PMM technology.

This SPE Live, in collaboration with the SPE Artificial Lift Technical Section, brings together leading experts to explore the evolution of Permanent Magnet Motor technology in ESP applications—from early developments to cutting-edge global implementations. Drawing on extensive experience from the Permian Basin and other key production regions, the discussion will cover:

• Recent technological advancements enabling the broader adoption of PMMs
• Integration with modern Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) for optimized control
• Enhanced operational reliability and energy efficiency
• Safety protocols for handling, commissioning, and operating PMM-driven ESP systems
• Field case studies highlighting cost savings, performance gains, and sustainability benefits

Whether you’re working in a high-volume shale play or managing brownfield operations overseas, this session offers valuable insights and takeaways for engineers, operators, and asset managers looking to improve artificial lift performance through the adoption of PMM technology.

Moderated by Shivani Vyas, Sales Manager, Odessa Separator Inc.

Speakers:

• Dakai Yin, ESP Engineer Advisor, Oxy
• Lorne Simmons, North American Director of Quality and Training, Levare