Celebrating Innovation: Ikenna Okoro pioneers novel system for oilfield pump failure detection

In an era when technological innovation is redefining efficiency in the energy sector, engineer and inventor Ikenna Kingsley Okoro has emerged as a standout contributor to a newly developed patent that promises to transform how oil and gas companies monitor and maintain electrical submersible pump (ESP) systems.

Okoro’s work, part of a collaborative team effort, plays a key role in advancing automated diagnostics for ESP failures, a critical challenge in hydrocarbon production.

The patent (CA 3188168) which is currently open to public inspection details a cutting-edge system for identifying specific types of electrical failures in ESP systems, and introduces a novel method of classifying events using a computed voltage imbalance ratio.

By comparing neutral output voltages (NOVs) from normal operations and those recorded following suspected failures, the technology can determine whether an issue stems from a feedthrough failure or an ESP system malfunction.

This precision-driven classification reduces the need for time-consuming and expensive manual diagnostics, a significant breakthrough for an industry where downtime translates into millions in lost revenue.

Kinglsey Okoro’s contribution to this innovation lies in both the algorithmic design and the practical implementation of the monitoring system.

Drawing on a multidisciplinary background in electrical engineering and real-time systems, Okoro worked closely with hardware and software teams to refine the logic that drives the automatic classification engine.

His ability to bridge theoretical models with real-world ESP behaviors has been crucial in
optimizing the system for deployment in harsh oilfield environments.

“Reducing diagnostic time from days to minutes not only improves productivity but also enhances
safety,” said Ikenna Okoro in a recent interview. “I’m proud to be part of a team that’s pushing the
limits of what automation can achieve in subsurface energy systems.”

ESP systems are widely used to lift oil to the surface in mature wells. However, they are vulnerable to electrical failures, which can stem from various causes, including insulation breakdown, connector issues, or cable degradation.

Traditionally, identifying the exact nature of these failures requires manual testing and well shutdowns, processes that disrupt production and incur significant operational costs. With the approach outlined in the new patent, operators can now receive instant, data-driven diagnostics and respond more effectively.

Industry analysts are already hailing the innovation as a game-changer for upstream operations.

“This patent introduces a leap forward in predictive maintenance,” said Laura Keane, a petroleum technology consultant. “The integration of advanced monitoring systems like the one Okoro codeveloped reflects where the industry is heading: toward smarter, leaner, and more autonomous oilfield operations.”

Beyond the immediate application, Okoro sees wider potential for technology. The same voltage
imbalance detection principles could be adapted for other electrically powered industrial
equipment, extending its impact beyond the oilfield.

As the energy industry continues to face rising demands for efficiency and sustainability, the work of engineers like Ikenna Kingsley Okoro
underscores the essential role of innovation.

His contribution to this patent is not just a technical achievement, it’s a forward-looking solution that addresses some of the sector’s most persistent challenges.