ARTIFICIAL LIFT AN INTRODUCTION

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Reservoir characterstics
IPR A wells inflow performance relationship defines its production potential Liquid production rate The anticipated production rate is a controlling factor in selecting a lift method Gas-liquid ratio A high GLR generally lowers the efficiency of 12/5/12 pump-assisted lift

WELL BORE
Well depth The well depth dictates how much surface energy is needed to move fluids to surface, and may place limits on sucker rods and other equipment. Completion type Completion and perforation skin factors affect inflow performance. Casing and tubing sizes Small12/5/12 diameter casing limits the production

SURFACE
Flow rates Flow rates are governed by wellhead pressures and backpressures in surface production equipment ( separators,chokes and flowlines). Flowline size and length Flowline length and diameter determines wellhead pressure requirements and affects the overall performance of the production system. 12/5/12

Fluid contaminants Scale, paraffin or salt can increase the backpressure on a well. Power sources The availability of electricity or natural gas governs the type of artificial lift selected. Diesel, propane or other sources may also be considered. Field location In offshore fields, the 12/5/12 availability of platform space and

TYPES

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TYPICAL SCHEMATIC SUCKER ROD PUMP

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Sucker Rod Sucker Rod Pump Assembly

Tubing Anchor/Catcher

Reserv oir

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VALVE ACTION

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Pump design procedure From the IPR curve, the Pwf needed for a desired production rate is determined. From a two-phase flow calculation, the pump inlet pressure, P1, is calculated from Pwf. From the surface tubing pressure, P2, is determined based on single-phase liquid flow at the desired rate. Once the pressure increase from the pump is known, the work required from the pump is found, usually based on knowledge of the frictional losses in the pump

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SUCKER ROD PUMP ADVANTAGES

High System Efficiency, Optimization Controls Available, Economical to Repair and Service, Positive Displacement/Strong drawdown, Upgraded Materials Reduce Corrosion Concerns, Flexibility -Adjust Production 12/5/12 Through Stroke Length and Speed,

LIMITATATIONS

Potential for Tubing and Rod Wear Gas-Oil Ratios Most Systems Limited to Ability of Rods to Handle Loads ( Volume Decreases
As Depth Increases

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PCP

Wellhead Surface Drives Continuous & Threaded Sucker Rods Subsurface PC Pumps & Accessories

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PCP TYPICAL SCHEMATIC

Vertical Electric Wellhead Drive

Tubin g Sucker Rod Stat or Rotor

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ADVANTAGES

Low Capital Cost Low Surface Profile for Visual & Height Sensitive Areas High System Efficiency Simple Installation, Quiet operation Pumps Oils and Waters with Solids Low Power Consumption Portable Surface Equipment Low Maintenance Costs Use In Horizontal/Directional Wells

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Limited Depth capability Temperature Sensitivity to Produced Fluids Low Volumetric Efficiencies in High-Gas Environments Potential for Tubing and Rod Coupling Wear
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Requires Constant Fluid Level

Gas Lift Systems

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TYPICAL LAY OUT GAS LIFT SYSTEM

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Injection Gas In

Produced oil

Completion Fluid Production Packer 12/5/12

Side Pocket Mandrel with Gas Lift Valve Reserv oir

Gas Lift System Advantages

High Degree of Flexibility and Design Rates Wireline Retrievable Handles Sandy Conditions WellAllows For Full Bore Tubing Drift Surface Wellhead Equipment Requires Minimal Space Multi-Well Production From Single Compressor Multiple or Slim hole CompletionProduced
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System Limitations

Needs High-Pressure Gas Well or Compressor One Well Leases May Be Uneconomical Fluid Viscosity Bottom hole Pressure High Back-Pressure
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ESP
Wellhead Equipment Power Cables Pumps & Motors Variable Speed Drives Gas Separators

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ESPs can be very effective at moving large volumes of fluid with low GLRs, however, capital costs and run life must be fully understood to ensure profitability: high PI low GOR oil wells (up to 1000 scf/bbl with separator)
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high water cut producers

Inadequate design as a result of poor IPR data gather data on first pump run for redesign Inadequate service facilities Scaling on impellers Solids erosion Inadequate gas separation > 12/5/12 10% through pump

Produced Hydrocarbons Out Tubi ng Pum p Seal Sectio n Moto r

Motor Contr ol

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High Volume and Depth Capability High Efficiency Over 1,000 BPD Low Maintenance Minor Surface Equipment Needs Good in Deviated Wells Adaptable in Casings > 4-1/2 Use for Well TestingVent

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Limitations

Available Electric Power Limited Adaptability to Major Changes in Reservoir Difficult to Repair In the Field Free Gas and/or Abrasives High Viscosity Higher Pulling Costs 12/5/12