Extract’s 413 Motor Is Perfect for 5-1/2” 23 Pound Casing Applications

For well casing in the Permian Basin, the growing convention for unconventional wells involves the 5-1/2”, 23-pound option. Because its inside diameter is smaller than the previously preferred 20-pound casing, this change is squeezing operators who are using 456 (4.56” outside diameter (OD)) motors for their ESPs. Some companies work around the issue by stacking two or three 3.75” motors in tandem, but that creates several issues of its own.

That is why there is a growing interest in the smaller-yet-powerful 413 (4.13 OD) motor for ESP installations. Here are some specific reasons:

Saves Time and Money In and Out

For a 456 motor, 5-1/2 inch 23 lb. casing’s ID (inside diameter) is too tight to allow the motor to fit. When the installation involves a deviation, getting it around the bend can be challenging.  In either situation, the 456 is risky and the potential for getting stuck is high. Should that happen, it requires fishing, which can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks. In either case, it runs up thousands of dollars in fishing costs while also stopping production.

Alternatively, the 413 fits easily into the casing and leaves more annular space. When applied properly this allows you to get higher horsepower density and more efficient cooling. Better cooling means longer motor life. This saves time in installation and in removal when well service is needed. It also reduces the likelihood of a fishing situation.

When fishing is necessary, the 413’s compact size gives plenty of space for an overshot in 20 lb. casing.

Some producers have tried to solve the power issue by stringing together three 375 motors. The challenge here is that, yes, they are smaller in OD, but the string of three makes the assembly take much longer. The string is extremely long and involves multiple connections, which can create more mechanical issues and added safety risks. In addition, 375 series motors are limited in horsepower (HP) and struggle to provide the power needed to run larger pumps.

More Power

On the other hand, running the 413 in tandem—with just two instead of three—delivers up to 396 HP. That’s plenty of power to run larger 6000 pumps or 4300 pumps, boosting production over what’s possible with triple-tandem 375s.

That 396 HP rating ranks the 413’s power close to or exceeding that of its similarly-sized competitors, whose ODs, at 4.20” (two models) and 4.22”, are larger than the 413’s.

Cost Savings

Quicker installation with the 413 motor means a shorter route to production and lower well service costs. Using one or even two of the 413s instead of three 375s can reduce CAPEX.

In the Field

After one client’s first 413 installation in Q4 2022, a company representative declared, “These things are killing it!” They are so pleased with the motor’s performance that they are switching several wells per month to the motor, running tandems in each well.

In most installations the client is putting 413s into 5-1/2 inch 23 lb. casing, but they’re also installing some into 20lb casing. Many wells in this field are deviated a bit more than the average, so the 413 allows more clearance to enhance production and lower risk upon installation.

Call with Questions

Have questions about whether the 413 is the right motor for your 5-1/2” 23 lb. casings? Contact us HERE and ask about a free consultation.

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