High Temperature All-Metal PCP, a Proven Artificial Lift for Thermal Oil

Recovery

Matthieu Lehman

New Technology Market Leader – PCM S.A., France

This presentation introduces a breakthrough in the world of artificial lift systems, named
PCM Vulcain TM featuring an All-Metal Progressing Cavity Pump (AMPCP). Protected by two
proprietary patents this technology opens the door to a wide range of application in thermal
Enhanced Oil Recovery (TEOR).

The presentation will focus on the main features encompassing the specifications for Surface
and Downhole equipments and will highlight in which extent this artificial lift system can provide
added value for Thermal Oil Recovery.

Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS), Steam Flood (SF) and Steam-Assisted-Gravity Drainage SAGD)
being the 3 main thermal oil recovery processes used in Thermal EOR, the presentation will
highlight their challenges to produce heavy oil and unconventional oil.
As each of those thermal EOR processes may require the installation of an artificial lift system
during their life cycle, the presentation will also discuss and compare the limitations of Sucker
Rod Pumps (SRPs) and Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESPs High Temp) versus AMPCP.

High temperature conditions related to steam present tough challenges to overcome for the
artificial lift systems. Safe, reliable and cost-effective technologies are of the essence to produce
oil reserves using the above thermal EOR processes.

Technical challenges and operating performance and flexibility shall be addressed but Capital
Expenditures and Operating Expenditures are also the corner stone in the choice of the artificial
lift. This presentation will compare different criteria showing the different benefits of SRP, ESP
and AMPCP sweeping all covering key criteria.

The presentation will also focus on recorded performances of the AMPCP new technology in order
to bring valuable facts to the audience that can be re-used for further technology assessment.

When comes the time to chose the artificial lift, it is important to have a clear idea of artificial lift
potential and limitations in order to select the most appropriate technology to optimise the
production.
Thus this presentation will be suited for production engineers, well performance engineers,
maintenance engineers, drilling engineers, field supervisors, operation managers and any
manager involved in the sanction of a field development or re-development.

Drawing the quintessence of this technology deployed in more than 150 installations, this
presentation will be ideal to share knowledge on a promising technology helping recovering and
producing more in unconventionnal reserves.

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