ABSTRACT

The driving force which displaces oil from a reservoir come from the natural energy of
compressed fluid stored in the reservoir. When this natural energy associated with oil will not produce
sufficient pressure differential between reservoir and wellbore to leave reservoir fluid up to surface
then the reservoir energy must be supplemented by some form of artificial methods.

There are several lifting mechanisms available for the production engineer to choose from. One widely
used group of artificial lift mechanism used some kind of a pump set below the liquid level to increase
the pressure of the well stream so as to overcome the pressure losses occurring along the flow path.
Other lifting methods use compressed gas, injection from the surface into the well tubing to help the
lifting of well fluids to the surface. Artificial lift method is used to lower the producing bottomhole
pressure (BHP) on the formation to obtain a higher production rate from the well. This can be done
with a positive-displacement downhole pump, such as a beam pump or a progressive cavity pump
(PCP), to lower the flowing pressure at the pump intake. It also can be done with a downhole
centrifugal pump, which could be a part of an electrical submersible pump (ESP) system. A lower
bottomhole flowing pressure and higher flow rate can be achieved with gas lift in which the density of
the fluid in the tubing is lowered and expanding gas helps to lift the fluids. Artificial lift can be used to
generate flow from a well in which no flow is occurring or used to increase the flow from a well to
produce at a higher rate. Most oil wells require artificial lift at some point in the life of the field, and
many gas wells benefit from artificial lift to take liquids off the formation so gas can flow at a higher
rate.
 INTRODUCTION

India is one of the most developing country in the oil producing countries .in 1955 government
of India decided to develop the oil and natural gas resources in the various regions of the country as
part of the public sector development with this objective an oil and natural gas directorate was setup
towards the end of 1955 as a subordinate office under the then ministry of natural resources and
scientific research the department was constituted with a nucleus of geoscientist from the geological
survey of India . ONGC is the largest crude oil and natural gas Company in India, contributing around
71 per cent to Indian domestic production. Crude oil is the raw material used by downstream
companies like IOC, BPCL, HPCL and MRPL (Last two are subsidiaries of ONGC) to produce
petroleum products like Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene, Naphtha, and Cooking Gas LPG.

ONGC has discovered 7 out of the 8 oil and gas producing basins in India. It has established 8.98
billion tonnes of in-place hydrocarbon reserves. It has to its credit more than 570 discoveries of oil and gas
with Ultimate Reserves of 3.13 Billion Metric tonnes (BMT) of Oil plus Oil Equivalent Gas (O+OEG) from
domestic acreages. It has cumulatively produced 1042 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of crude and 715
Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) of Natural Gas.
.

Out of ___ wells using artificial lift under ONGC at Rajahmundry asset, ____wells are being
artificial lifted in which __wells are gas lifted and ___ are being lifted using rod pump. Most of the
wells under Rajahmundry asset are gas wells, which gives the advantage in selecting gas lift as a
suitable method of lifting. ONGC uses programs developed by IOGPT named GLIDE and SRP for the
design for artificial lift. The usage of other lift systems, such as Plunger Lift and Hydraulic Jet Pump
(HJT) is also planned for several wells under the asset.
 1. BASIC CONCEPT AND REVIEW

1.1 Artificial Lift Methods

Artificial lift is a means of overcoming bottomhole pressure so that a well can produce at some
desired rate, either by injecting gas into the producing fluid column to reduce its hydrostatic pressure,
or using a downhole pump to provide additional lift pressure downhole.
We tend to associate artificial lift with mature, depleted fields, where Pavg has declined such that the
reservoir can no longer produce under its natural energy. But these methods are also used in younger
fields to increase production rates and improve project economics. It is used to lower the producing
Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP) on the formation to obtain a higher production rate from the well.
Artificial lift can be used to generate flow from a well in which no flow is occurring or used to increase
the flow from a well to produce at a higher rate. Most oil wells require artificial lift at some point in the
life of the field, and many gas wells benefit from artificial lift to take liquids off the formation so gas
can flow at a higher rate.
Artificial lift methods can be done with a Positive-Displacement Downhole Pump, such as a Beam
Pump or a Progressive Cavity Pump (PCP) to lower the flowing pressure at the pump intake. It also
can be done with a Downhole Centrifugal Pump, which could be a part of an Electrical Submersible
Pump (ESP) system. A lower bottom hole flowing pressure and higher flow rate can be achieved with
Gas Lift in which the density of the fluid in the tubing is lowered and expanding gas helps to lift the
fluids.

1.2 Types of Artificial Lift Methods

 Sucker-Rod Pumping (Bean Pump)

 Electrical Submersible Pumping (ESP)
 Gas Lift and Intermittent Gas Lift
 Reciprocating and Jet Hydraulic Pumping Systems
 Plunger Lift
 Progressive Cavity Pumps (PCP)

1
1.3 Selection of Artificial Method

Reservoir Characteristics:

Artificial lift considerations should ideally be part of the well planning process. Future lift
requirements will be based on the overall reservoir exploitation strategy, and will have a strong impact
on the well design.
Some of the key factors that influence the selection of an artificial lift method.

IPR: A well’s inflow performance relationship defines its production potential

Liquid production rate: The anticipated production rate is a controlling factor in selecting a lift
method; positive displacement pumps are generally limited to rates of 4000-6000 B/D.
Water cut: High water cuts require a lift method that can move large volumes of fluid

Gas-liquid ratio: A high GLR generally lowers the efficiency of pump-assisted lift

Viscosity: Viscosities less than 10 cp are generally not a factor in selecting a lift method; high-
viscosity fluids can cause difficulty, particularly in sucker rod pumping
Formation volume factor: Ratio of reservoir volume to surface volume determines how much total
fluid must be lifted to achieve the desired surface production rate
Reservoir drive mechanism: Depletion drive reservoirs: Late-stage production may require pumping
to produce low fluid volumes or injected water.
Water drive reservoirs: High water cuts may cause problems for lifting systems Gas cap drive
reservoirs: Increasing gas-liquid ratios may affect lift efficiency. Well Characteristics:

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: Small-diameter casing limits the production tubing size and constrains
multiple options. Small-diameter tubing will limit production rates, but larger tubing may allow
excessive fluid fallback.

Wellbore deviation: Highly deviated wells may limit applications of beam pumping or PCP systems
because of drag, compressive forces and potential for rod and tubing wear.
Surface Characteristics:
Flow rates: Flow rates are governed by wellhead pressures and backpressures in surface production
equipment (i.e., separators, chokes and flow lines).
Fluid contaminants: 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 availability of platform space and placement of directional wells
are primary considerations. In onshore fields, such factors as noise limits, safety, environmental,
pollution concerns, surface access and well spacing must be considered.
Field Operating Characteristics:

Long-range recovery plans: Field conditions may change over time.

Pressure maintenance operations: Water or gas injection may change the artificial lift requirements
for a field.
Enhanced oil recovery projects: EOR processes may change fluid properties and require changes in
the artificial lift system.
Field automation: If the surface control equipment will be electrically powered, an electrically
powered artificial lift system should be considered.
Availability of operating and service personnel and support services: Some artificial lift systems
are relatively low-maintenance; others require regular monitoring adjustment. Servicing requirements
(e.g., work over rig versus wire line unit) should be considered. Familiarity of field personnel with
equipment should also be taken into account.
1.4 LITERATURE REVIEW

Artificial lift allows wells to be produced that are non-flowing. Generally this is achieved by a
mechanical device inside the well, such as pump; decreasing the weight of the liquid/gas mixture via
high pressure gas; or improving the lift efficiency of the well. In the production string (tubing) that is
usually set without a production packer, a pump placed below the dynamic fluid leveling the well lifts
the crude up to the surface. This energy input allows the fluid to continue on its way and relieves the
pay zone of all or part of the back pressure downstream from the pump.

Sucker Rod Pumping is the most common method of artificial lift (85%), with gas lift second (10%),
and then electrical submersible and hydraulic pumping about equal (2%) in usage. Sucker rod pump
uses a vertical positive-displacement pump consisting of a cylinder and a hollow plunger with a valve
i.e. it works by creating a reciprocating motion in a sucker rod string that connects to the down hole
pump assembly. It is run into the tubing screwed onto the end of a rod string. The system is actuated
from the surface by a motor that drive a walking beam or a hydraulic elevator.

In 1954, a group of users and manufacturers of sucker rod pumping equipment undertook a study in
depth of the many complex problems associated with this means of lifting fluid from a well. To control
and direct the effort, Sucker Rod Pumping Research, Incorporated, a non-profit organization was
created. The services of Midwest Research Institute at Kansas City were retained to perform the work
necessary to achieve the objectives of the organization.

The design calculations are based on correlations of the test data that were obtained during the research
phase of the project. Sucker Rod Pumping Research, Inc., before its dissolution, released these
correlated test results to the American Petroleum Institute for publication. This technical report for the
design calculations of sucker rod pumping systems using conventional pumping units is based on these
correlations.
Three discussions included in the final reports of test results by Midwest Research Institute have been
published for permanent reference in API Drilling and Production Practice (1968). These discussions
include the following topics:
 Vibration characteristics of sucker-rod strings

 Physical characteristics of sucker rods

 Dimensional analysis of sucker-rod pumping systems

 2. SUCKER ROD PUMP
Sucker rod pump is an old technique in the oil industry from lifting the crude oil from the oil
wells and it is mostly used method of artificial lift system. Approximately 80 to 90% artificial lift wells
operating on sucker rod pumps [SRP].
Simple strategy of the pumping unit is broadly divided into three units namely:

a) Surface Unit

b) Sub Surface Sucker Rod Pump

c) Sucker Rods

Fig 2.1: Schematic of a Sucker rod pump

In brief, each of these units is described in detail and how they are linked together into a unique
pumping system. With the help of prime mover, say an electric motor of comparatively low
r.p.m. (like 720 r.p.m.) a rotating motion is generated. The rotating motion is then converted to
reciprocating or vertical motion with the help of surface unit. This linear reciprocating motion is
then transmitted to sub-surface sucker rod pump through the sucker rods, which is the linkage between
the surface unit and subsurface pump.

2.1 SURFACE UNIT

In the history sucker rod pumping system is a proven technology with many surface components.
The structural part of a conventional beam consist the following parts.

Fig 3.1: Structural Parts of a Conventional Beam Pumping Unit

a) Prime mover
It is of comparatively low RPM a rotating motion is generated. Two typesof prime movers are
very common.
 Electric Motor: most sucker rod pumping units are being run on electric motors. Low cost, ease of
control, more compact and adaptability to automatic operations relative to other types of prime
mover have endeared it most. Electric motors used for pumping are designated as NEMA B, C and D series
motors which will produce a less RPM of 720 -950 etc.
 Internal Combustion Engine: Internal combustion engines are usually run on the well head gas
from the casing head. A gas scrubber is installed at the well head to knock out the liquid such as oil
and water from the gas before it enters the engine carburetor. Slow speed engines with operational
speed between 200-800 rpm are preferable.
b) Designation of Pumping Units
The API has standardized and designated the pumping unit. For example of a unit C-456D-256- 144,
where ‘C’ is Crank balanced conventional unit, 456 means gear box having maximum torque of
456,000 inch-lb, ‘D’ means Double reduction gear box, 256 means the unit having the PPRL (Peak
Polished Rod Length) capacity of 25600 lbs and 144 means having maximum possible stroke length of
144 inch.
The classification as mentioned by API gives the complete designation of conventional pumping unit
as

 C - Crank balanced conventional unit,

 B - Beam balanced conventional unit,

 A – Air balanced unit,
 M – Mark 11 unit,
 TM – Torque master unit

Conventional Crank-Balanced Units - As the cranks on a conventional unit rotate, the pitman side
members cause the walking beam to pivot on a center `bearing, moving the polished rod. Adjustable
counterweights are located on the cranks. This is the most common pumping unit type, because of its
relative simplicity of operation, low maintenance requirements and adaptability to a wide range of field
applications.

Fig 3.2: Class I Lever System-Conventional Unit.

Beam-Balanced Units - On beam-balanced units, the counterweights are positioned at the end of the
walking beam. This type of unit is susceptible to damage at high pumping speeds, and2 so its use is
limited to smaller sizes and low pumping speeds. Nonetheless, it’s simple design and dependability
make it an attractive option for shallow wells.
 Class III – Single arm lever - Here the walking beam act as a single arm lever. This is push-up
leverage system. Here in class III lever system the counter weight and the load are of same side of the
Sampson post. Class III lever systems include air-balanced and the Mark II crank counterbalanced
units. The walking beam hinge point is at the rear of the unit and the actuating force is located between
the pivot point and the well.

Fig 3.3: Class III Lever system-Lufkin Mark II

Air-Balanced Unit - Air-balanced units are similar to crank-balanced units in that the rotation of the
crank causes the walking beam to pivot and move the polished rod. A piston and air cylinder partially
counterbalances the well load by compressing air in the cylinders. An auxiliary air compressor,
controlled by a pressure switch, maintains the system air pressure. The piston/air cylinder assembly
allows for more accurate control of the counterbalance than the use of counterweights, and reduces the
weight of the unit.
 Fig 3.4: Class III Lever system-Air Balanced System

Mark II Units - On Mark-II units, the cross yoke bearing is located very close to the horse head. The
cranks, which rotate in only one direction, have an angular offset to produce an out-of-phase condition
between the torque exerted by the well load and the torque exerted by the counterbalance weights.
These features reduce problems associated with torque peaks that are more common with conventional
crank balanced units.

2.2 SUB-SURFACE SUCKER ROD PUMP

The polished rod connects the walking beam to the sucker rod string and ensures a sealing surface
at the wellhead to keep well fluids within the well. The well head assembly contains a stuffing box that
seals on the polished rod and a pumping tee to lead well fluids into the flow line. The casing-tubing
annulus is usually connected, through a check valve, to the flow line. It is a sub-surface reciprocating
pump, actuated by the up and down motion of sucker rods, which is a connecting link between surface
unit and sub-surface pump. Its feature resembles a reciprocating tube-well water pump. It has five main
components:

• Barrel.
• Plunger.
• Standing valve.
• Travelling valve.
• Pump seat or nipple.

Types of sub-surface sucker rod pumps

There are two categories of sub-surface sucker rod pumps.

a. insert pump or rod pump

b. tubing pump
In the insert or rod pump, the barrel, plunger, travelling and standing valve are the integral part of entire
sub surface assembly and is run as a unit on the sucker rod string. in the tubing pump the working
barrel is run as part of the tubing and is placed at the desired depth. The standing valve is then dropped
into the well followed by running in plunger along with sucker rod strings and is placed inside barrel.
Fig 4.1: Sub surface sucker rod pumps

2.3 SUCKER ROD STRING

Sucker rod string, in fact, is the vital link between the sub surface pump and the pumping unit.
These sucker rods are available as per API in three different lengths - 25', 30'and 35'. These are
connected to each other upto the depth of the pump. These are solid steel bars with forged upset ends
with threads on it. API has standardised these solid steel sucker rods. The diameter of the rod body
ranges from 1/2" to 1 1/8" with 1/8" increments. Usually the rod body of diameters 5/8", 3/4", 7/8" and
1 " are very common.
 A table indicating different tensile strengths of different rod grades viz.'C', 'D', & 'K' has been given
below:

Rod grade Composition Tensile strength, psi

Table
5.1:

MIN MAX

K AISI 46 85,000 115,000

C AISI 1536 90,000 115,000

D Carbon or 115,000 140,000

Alloy
Chemical and Mechanical Properties API Sucker-Rod materials

API has standardized different grades of sucker rods of which grade 'C' is the carbon steel sucker rods
and is the least costly. Grade 'D' sucker rods is the chrome molybdenum alloy for higher range of
strength; other than the above mentioned two grades, grade 'K' is a special nickel, molybdenum alloy
used in moderate corrosive fluids.
i. Sucker rod Joints

Sucker rod joints are probably the most important aspect in making a perfect integrated system
of the rod string. Sucker rods are joined with the help of couplings. These couplings are also API
specified. The threads are plain and therefore it is easy to put a coupling on sucker rod pin and to rotate
it just by hand. The end of the sucker rod coupling (shoulder) which is in contact with the pin flat face
(shoulder face) should than be tightened (shoulder to shoulder joint) with a proper make-up torque
between the two parts to enable the two sucker rods to form one integrated body with a coupling in
between them.

Rod joints are usually made up with the using pneumatic or hydraulic power tongs. These power tongs
exert a desired torque on the joint.
 Fig 5.1: Sucker Rod Joints

ii. Sinker Bar

Sinker bars provide concentrated weight above the pump to help keep the rod string straight
and in tension, which reduces buckling of the sucker rods or the pump plunger. A few number of
sinker bars just above the pump provide the stability of the downhole SRP operations due to their
increased weight on the pump.
For example, a sucker rod pump well is completed with 1”, 7/8” and ¾” sucker rods and in that
well about 60m or so 1” rods are installed at lowest end of the string just above the pump as sinker bar.
iii. Well head equipment

The sucker rod well head is not like the normal wellheads. The material difference is the
presence of the polished rods projecting out of well head through the stuffing box in case of sucker rod
pumping system. An extensive range of stuffing boxes, pumping flow tees, blowout preventers,
pressure regulators and chokes, as well as valves and gauges ensures the right equipment is available
for your well.
 Fig 5.2: Sucker Rod Pump WELL HEAD
iv. Stuffing box

A stuffing box is a device attached to the pumping tee that seals fluids in the tubing by forming
a tight seal with the polished rod and diverting the produced fluids out of the pumping tee into the flow
line.

Fig 5.3: schematic diagram of Stuffing Box

v. Tubing Anchors

During upward and downward strokes the load is transferred to travelling valve and
tubing respectively. Therefore, in each pumping cycle, a freely suspended tubing string periodically
stretches and contracts. This results into the buckling of tubing string, which sometimes become very
severe. There are several ways to contain the buckling of the tubing. The most effective way is to
anchor the tubing string by a tension type anchor.
Two types of tubing anchors are known:

1. Mechanical type tubing anchor catcher.

2. Hydraulic type tubing anchor catcher.

Fig 5.4: Tubing Stretch / contraction for freely suspended tubing during

pumpingoperation

2.4 MONITORING AND TROUBLESHOOTING TOOLS

Monitoring of rod pumping system can be broadly categorized into two components i.e.
Monitoring of surface system and sub-surface system.

The methods commonly used for monitoring are:

i. Acoustic surveys: (Echo meter survey)
ii. Dynamometer Card (Dynagraphs)

2.5 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SRP

Advantages:

• Installation and operation is very simple, most field and operating personnel are familiar with
this unit.
• Positive displacement/strong drawdown
• High system efficiency
• Very much flexible – production can be easily adjusted through stroke length & speed.
• Very economical to repair & maintenance.
• Optimization controls available.

Disadvantages

• Volumetric limitations of sucker rod pumps are due to tubular size and depth. Volumetric
efficiency is reduced in wells with high GOR, if solids are produced, if paraffin form or if the
fluid or corrosive.
• Initial capital cost, especially for larger high capacity units. The costs of the rod string must be
included in the economic analysis.
• A major disadvantage is the rod string operating in a corrosive environment. Rod wear will
damage tubing and, upon tubing failure may cause high work over expense. Also, the tubing
cannot be internally coated to prevent corrosion due to rod wear. Heavily loaded rod strings,
especially in corrosive fluids, may have high failure frequency.

2.6 WELLS USING SRP – ONGC (RJY ASSET)

 MALLESWARAM
 MSDD
 MSDT
 MSDV
 KAIKALURU
 KKL #22
 MORI
 MORI #2
 MORI #5
 MORI #9
 LINGALA
 LNG #10
 LNG #17
 GOPAVARAM
 GLAA
 GLAC
 GMDB
 GMDC
 KESANAPALLI
 KW #44
 3. GAS LIFT

Gas lift is a method of artificial lift that uses an external source of high-pressure gas for
supplementing formation gas to lift the well fluids. The principle of gas lift is that gas injected into the
tubing reduces the density of the fluids in the tubing, and the bubbles have a “scrubbing” action on the
liquids. Both factors act to lower the flowing bottomhole pressure (BHP) at the bottom of the tubing.
Gas lift system is a type of artificial lift system used to start the flow from a well which cease to flow
or increase the production rate of a well to desired rate by injecting high pressure gas through casing
tubing annulus. Gas upon entering the tubing, improves liquid flow in two ways, one is the expansion
energy of high-pressure gas which pushes the oil to the surface and next is by aerating the oil column
by gas, so that the density of the fluid column gets reduced, which in turn reduce the flowing bottom
hole pressure. This leads to increased pressure draw down across the well bore and sand face,
increasing well inflow.
 Fig.3.2.1. configuration of typical gas lift well
Typical Gas Lift System

Types of Gas Lift

Gas lift system is classified into two categories:
i. Continuous gas lift.
ii. Intermittent gas lift
 3.1 CONTINUOUS GAS LIFT
The vast majority of gas lift wells are produced by continuous flow, which is very similar to
natural flow. In continuous-flow gas lift, the formation gas is supplemented with additional high-
pressure gas from an outside source. Gas is injected continuously into the production conduit at a
maximum depth that depends upon the injection-gas pressure and well depth. The injection gas mixes
with the produced well fluid and decreases the density and, subsequently, the flowing pressure gradient
of the mixture from the point of gas injection to the surface. The decreased flowing pressure gradient
reduces the flowing bottomhole pressure below the static bottomhole pressure thereby creating a
pressure differential that allows the fluid to flow into the wellbore.

3.2 INTERMITTENT GAS LIFT

As the name implies, intermittent flow is the periodic displacement of liquid from the tubing by the
injection of high-pressure gas. The action is similar to that observed when a bullet is fired from a gun.
The liquid slug that has accumulated in the tubing represents the bullet. When the trigger is pulled (gas
lift valve opens), high-pressure injection gas enters the chamber (tubing) and rapidly expands. This
action forces the liquid slug from the tubing in the same way that expanding gas forces the bullet from
the gun. The disadvantage of intermittent-flow gas lift is the "on/off" need for high-pressure gas, which
presents a gas-handling problem at the surface and causes surging in the flowing bottomhole pressure
that cannot be tolerated in many wells producing sand. Because of the intermittent production of the
well, intermittent-flow gas lift is not capable of producing at as high a rate as continuous-flow gas lift.
Intermittent flow should not be considered unless the flowing bottomhole pressure is low, and the well
is gas lifting from the bottom valve.

3.3 GAS LIFT VALVE

A valve used in a gas-lift system to control the flow of lift gas into the production tubing conduit.
The gas-lift valve is located in the gas-lift mandrel, which also provides communication with the lift
gas supply in the tubing annulus. Operation of the gas lift valve is determined by preset opening and
closing pressures in the tubing or annulus, depending on the specific application. There are different
types of unloading valves, namely
i. Casing pressure-operated valve (usually called a pressure valve),
ii. Throttling pressure valve (also called a proportional valve or continuous flow valve),
iii. Fluid-operated valve (also called a fluid valve),
iv. Combination valve (also called a fluid open-pressure closed valve).

I. PRESSURE VALVES
In Pressure Valves tubing pressure affects the opening action of the valves. The production fluid enters
the valve and acts on the effective bellows area, compressing the bellows against the precharge
pressure, lifting the needle off the seat and opening the valve. The injection gas then flows through the
seat, through the reverse-flow check valve and into the tubing.
The Pressure Valves are further classified into:

Unbalanced Bellow Valve

An unbalanced bellow valve has a pressure charged nitrogen dome and an optional spring loading

element. While the forces from the dome pressure and spring act to cause closing of the valve, the
forces due to casing and tubing pressures act to cause opening of the valve
Unbalanced Bellow valve

Balanced Pressure Valve

Tubing pressure does not influence valve status when in the closed or open condition. The valve opens
and closes at the same pressure—dome pressure. Balanced pressure valves act as expanding orifice
regulators, opening to pass any amountof gas injected from the surface and partial closing to control
the lower gas flow rate.
Balanced Pressure Valve

Pilot Valve
Pilot valve used for intermittent gas lift where large port characteristics are desirable. It has two ports.
The smaller port (control port) is used for opening calculations and the large port (power port) is used
for gas passage calculations. The equations derived from unbalanced valves are also valid for pilot
valves.
 Pilot Valve
II. THROTTLING PRESSURE VALVE
Throttling pressure valves are also called continuous flow valves. The basic elements of a
throttling valve are the same as the pressure operated valve except that the entrance port of the valve is
choked to drop the casing pressure to tubing pressure by using tapered stem or seat, which allows the
port area to sense the tubing pressure when the valve is open. Unlike pressure-operated valves where
the casing pressure must drop to a pressure set by dome pressure and spring for the valve to close, a
throttling pressure valve will close on a reduction in tubing pressure with the casing pressure held

constant.
Throttling Valve
III. FLUID-OPERATED VALVE
 The basic elements of a fluid-operated valve are identical to those in a pressure-operated valve
except that tubing pressure now acts on the larger area of the bellows and casing pressure acts on the

area of the port. This configuration makes the valve mostly sensitive to the tubing fluid pressure.
Therefore, the opening pressure is defined as the tubing pressure required to open the valve under
actual operating conditions
Fluid Operated Valve
IV. COMBINATION VALVES
A combination valve consists of two portions. The upper portion is essentially the same as that
found in pressure-operated valves, and the lower portion is a fluid pilot, or a differential pressure
device incorporating a stem and a spring. Holes in the pilot housing allow the casing pressure to act on
the area of the stem at the upper end. The spring acts to hold the stem in the upward position. This is
the open position for the pilot. The casing pressure acts to move the stem to the closed position. The
fluid pilot will only open when tubing pressure acting on the pilot area is sufficient to overcome the
casing pressure force and move the stem up to the open position. At the instant of opening, the pilot
opens completely, providing instantaneous operation for intermittent lift.
Combination Valve

3.4 Valve Testing

Before sending to field for installation, every gas lift valve should be set and tested at an opening
pressure in the shop that corresponds to the desired opening pressure in the well. The pressure is called
test rack opening pressure (Ptro). The test is run with zero tubing pressure for pressure-operated valves
and zero casing pressure for fluid operated valves at a standard temperature (60 0F in the U.S.
petroleum industry.
The procedure for setting and testing valves in a shop is as follows:
 Install valve in test rack. .
 Adjust spring setting until the valve opens with applied pressure.
 Pressure up the dome with nitrogen gas. Cool valve to 600F.
 Bleed pressure off of dome until valve opens with applied pressure.

3.5 Gas Lift Installations

Different types of gas lift installations are used in the industry depending on well conditions. They fall
into four categories:
I. Open installation
No packer is set in open installations. This type of installation is suitable for continuous
flow gas lift in wells with good fluid seal. Although this type of installation is simple, it
exposes all gas lift valves beneath the point of gas injection to severe fluid erosion due to the
dynamic changing of liquid level in the annulus. Open installation is not recommended unless
setting packer is not an option.
II. Semi-closed installation
A semi-closed installation is identical to the open installation except that a packer is set
between the tubing and casing. This type of installation can be used for both continuous- and
intermittent-flow gas lift operations. It avoids all the problems associated with the open
installations. However, it still does not prevent flow of well fluids back to formation during
unloading processes
III. Closed installation
A closed installation is where a standing valve is placed in the tubing string or below the
bottom gas lift valve. The standing valve effectively prevents the gas pressure from acting on
the formation, which increases the daily production rate from a well of the intermittent type.
IV. Chamber installation
Chamber installations are used for accumulating liquid volume at bottom hole of
intermittent-flow gas lift wells. A chamber is an ideal installation for a low BHP and high PI
well. The chambers can be configured in various ways including using two packers, insert
 chamber, and reverse flow chamber.

3.6 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF GAS LIFT

Advantages

 Can handle large volume of solids with minor problems.

 Handles large volume in high-PI wells (continuous lift}; 50,000 B/D (7949.37 m /d).
 Fairly flexible-convertible from continuous to intermittent to chamber or plunger lift as well
declines.
 Unobtrusive in urban locations.
 Power source can be remotely located.
 Easy to obtain downhole pressures and gradients.
 Lifting gassy wells is no problem.
 Sometimes serviceable with wireline unit.
 Crooked holes present no problem.
 Corrosion is not usually as adverse.
 Applicable offshore.

Disadvantages

 Lift gas is not always available.

 Not efficient in lifting small fields or one-well leases.
 Difficult to lift emulsions and viscous crudes.
 Gas freezing and hydrate problems.
 Problems with dirty surface lines.
 Some difficulty in analyzing properly without engineering supervision.
 Cannot effectively produce deep wells to abandonment.
 Requires makeup gas in rotative systems.

3.7 WELLS USING GAS LIFT – ONGC (RJY ASSET)

 KESAPALLI
 KW #04
  KW #09
 KW #10
 KW #27
 KW #29A
 KW #30
 KW #32
 KW #34
 KW #36
 KW #41
 KW #45
 KW #46
 KW #47
 GOPAVARAM
 GM #08
 GM #09
 GM #10
 GM #12
 GS #15A

4. Plunger Lift
 Plunger lift has become a widely accepted and economical artificial lift alternative, especially in
high-gas/liquid-ratio (GLR) gas and oil wells. Plunger lift uses a free piston that travels up and down in
the well’s tubing string. It minimizes liquid fallback and uses the well’s energy more efficiently than
slug or bubble flow. As with other artificial lift methods, the purpose of plunger lift is to remove
liquids from the wellbore so that the well can be produced at the lowest bottom-hole pressures.
Plunger lift uses a free piston that travels up and down in the well’s tubing string. It minimizes
liquid fallback and uses the well’s energy more efficiently than in slug or bubble flow. Plunger
operation consists of shut-in and flow periods. The flow period is further divided into an unloading
period and flow after plunger arrival. Lengths of these periods will vary depending on the application,
producing capability of the well, and pressures. A plunger cycle starts with the shut-in period that
allows the plunger to drop from the surface to the bottom of the well. At the same time, the well builds
gas pressure stored either in the casing, in the fracture, or in the near wellbore region of the reservoir.
The well must be shut in long enough to build reservoir pressure that will provide energy to lift both
the plunger and the liquid slug to the surface against line pressure and friction.

Schematic of Plunger Lift

4.1 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF PLUNGER LIFT

Advantages

 Retrievable without pulling tubing.

 Very inexpensive installation.
 Automatically keeps tubing clean of paraffin and scale.
 Applicable for high GOR wells.
 Can be used with intermittent gas lift.
 Can be used to unload liquid from gas wells.

Disadvantages

 May not take well to depletion; therefore, eventually requires another lift method.
 Good for low-rate, normally less than 200 B/D (31.8 m/d) wells only.
 Requires more engineering supervision to adjust properly.
 Danger exists in plunger reaching too high a velocity and causing surface damage.
 Communication between tubing and casing required for good operation unless used in
conjunction with gas lift

* The plunger lift is currently not used in any well under ONGC Rajahmundry Asset, but under
procurement for usage in____ wells
 5. Hydraulic Jet Pumping

The Hydraulic jet pump converts the energy from the injected power fluid (water or oil) to pressure
that lifts production fluids. Because there are no moving parts involved, dirty and gassy fluids present
no problem to the pump. The jet pumps can be set at any depth as long as the suction pressure is
sufficient to prevent pump cavitation problem. It is a dynamic-displacement pump that differs from a
hydraulic piston pump in the manner in which it increases the pressure of the pumped fluid with a jet
nozzle. The power fluid enters the top of the pump from injection tubing. The power fluid is then
accelerated through the nozzle and mixed with the produced fluid in the throat of the pump. As the
fluids mix, the momentum of the power fluid is partially transferred to the produced fluid and increases
its kinetic energy (velocity head).

Sketch of Hydraulic jet Pump

 Working principle of a Hydraulic Jet Pump.

5.1 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Advantages

 Crooked holes present no problems.

 Unobtrusive in urban locations.
 Power source can be remotely located.
 Installations can be analyzed.
 Flexible. Normally able to match output to delivery of well.
 Can use diesel, natural gas or electricity as power source.
 Downhole pumps can be installed /retrieved using the power fluid.
 No record of plugging due to producing sand.
 Can be used on offshore platforms.
 Can use any liquid for power fluid. Typically a liquid being produced from the well is
used (water or oil)
 Easy to pump in cycles by qualified personnel.
 Power fluid can be heated to reduce viscosity of produced fluid. Additional liquids can
be mixed with the power fluid (such as diesel) for this purpose also.
 Inhibitors can be mixed with the power fluid for the purposes of controlling corrosion,
scale, emulsions from reservoir, etc.
 No record that a jet pump has ever created an emulsion
Disadvantages

 Uses momentum transfer as method for operation. A very inefficient form of energy
transfer. Total system efficiency approximately 10-30%.
 Requires approximately 10% submergence to prevent cavitation damage at low
production rates.
 Pump will cavitate if more production than planned is forced through the pump.

 As with other A/L systems, the less the back pressure the better.
 Producing more free gas for a given nozzle/throat combination than intended will reduce
the amount of produced liquids and may cause cavitation damage. Pump must be
retrieved and a larger throat installed.
 Power oil systems are a possible fire issue.
 High surface power fluid lines are required.
 Any leaks when using power oil pose an environmental issue. The issues of a leak when
using a power water system are much less.
 Maintaining an oil inventory required for power oil system, and cannot be sold.
 Can install a vented system so gas can by-pass pump but such systems are more
expensive.