SPE 69550
Non Conventional Sucker Rod Pumping for Slim Hole Wells
Mario Alva and Anthony Alfaro, Perez Companc
Copyright 2001, Society of Petroleum Engineers Inc.
This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE Latin American and Caribbean Petroleum
Engineering Conference held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 25–28 March 2001.
This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE Program Committee following review of
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Abstract
Slim hole wells are usually associated to lifting efficiency
problems, specially when completed with very reduced
diameter, which is usual in marginal fields to decrease costs
and improve profitability.
The objective of this work is to give insight into results
obtained using a non-conventional sucker rod pumping in
pumping wells of 2.7/8” in diameter. The principal
characteristic of the system is the replacement of sucker rods
by 1” maccarroni tubing, which reciprocate the pump plunger
and direct the flow to the surface. The most important task
was to calculate the appropiate pumping action as to have
minimal risk to the well.
The same is considered in the modification of the equipment
of subsurface (sucker rod pump and maccarroni), polished rod
and stuffing box.
Introduction
The challenge of producing the wells cased with very reduced
diameter (2.7/8”) efficiently resulted in using 1” maccarroni in
substitution of the sucker rods to transmite the surface
pumping motion and power to the subsurface pump, which at
the same time works as tubing in shallow well of low
production.
Maccarroni has been used in the industry for many years,
mainly to produce from the wells of low production with
different types of gas intermittent lift systems, such as :
Crossover, Snorkel and Parallel.
The most important task was design the appropriate way of
pumping that assures the least fishing risk for the well, the
same one that considers basically the modification of the
subsurface equipment (the subsurface pump and 1” tubing),
polished rod and stuffing box.
This innovative design outlined in 1998, before the necessity
of producing five (5) slim hole wells efficiently. The wells
were completed in 1996 and put in production with
conventional gas lift (without packer) with a pressure of 280
psig. However, the reservoir flowing pressure continuously
decline from 300 to 200 psig, then the pressure of the injected
gas counteractued the drainage of fluids of the reservoir, to
such a point that the wells were loaded and stopped producing.
This design allows to produce wells of reduced diameter at
smaller cost compared with the wells of higher diameters
equipped with sucker rods and 2 3/8” tubing.
Discussion
Equipment selection
As shown in figure 1, following innovations are seen:
Subsurface equipment. The type of subsurface sucker rod
pumps prefered is RWTP as indicated in Table 1, although
types RWBP, RWAP; RHAP y RHBP with the appropriate
connections could be used, including important innovations:
- Pumps sealant is replaced by a compression anchor,
which is responsible for hold down the pump at the desired
depth.
- Guide rods on the top of the barrel are replaced by a
connector between the working barrel and maccarroni tubing.
- Sucker rods are replaced by 1” or 1 ¼” maccarroni.
Surface equipment. Following innovations have been
introduced comparing with standard installations :
- Instead of the conventional polished rod, the same
maccarroni tube is used with a polished rod liner to protect it.
- The use of a high pressure hose to connect the upper
end of the maccarroni to the flow line.
Calculations
In accordance with the configuration for the subsurface
equipment in Figure 1 and the following technical data , the
design is made according to the calcultation procedure from
acceleration factor , as shown:
2 M.M. ALVA, A. ALFARO SPE 69550

Data : c = 20"
- J 55 Maccarroni tube: h = 74.5"
Nominal diameter = 1 ¼ in.. A max-a = 0.05182 * g
Internal diameter = 1.38 in.
A max-d = 0.02988 * g
External diameter = 1.66 in.
2. WMACCARRONI = 2.4*1200 = 2880 lbs
Cross sectional area of maccarroni = 0.66853 in
External diameter of the coupling = 2.20 in. WFLUID = (1.05*8.33)*(1.85*1200*42/1000) = 815.5 lb
Weigth per feet = 2.40 lbs/ft Then:
Capacity of maccarroni = 1.85 bls/1000 ft PPRL = (2880 + 815) * (1 + 0.05182) = 3886 lbs
Joint Yield Strength (maccarroni ‘NU’) : 31950 lbs MPRL = 2880 * (1 - 0.02988) = 2794 lbs
CBE = (3886 + 2794)/2 = 3340 lbs
- Depth of the well = 1500 feet TORQUE = (3886 - 3340) * 22.218 = 12131 in.-lbs
- Depth of the subsurface pump = 1200 feet
- Expected production = 45 bls/día - Maximum stress (SA) :
Smin = 2794/0.66853 = 4179 psi
Calculations. For pumping unit API 80-133-54, working Smax = 3886/0.66853 = 5812 psi
with 54 and 8 spm and rod pump of 1 ¼", with procedure of SA = (0.25*31950 + 0.5625*4179) = 10338 psi
the Appendix we have:
Following the Modified Goodman procedure, maximum depth
- Expected production :. to which this system can be used, (because of J-55 maccarroni
PD = 0.146 * 8 * 54 = 63 bpd Yield Strenght), is shown in tables A and B (2500 ' for 1.1/4
and 1900 ' for 1"):
- Loads and Torque :
FT = 26.45 Table A: 1” maccarroni.
c = 24"
Depth (ft) 1200 1500 1900
h = 74.5"
A max-a = 0.06481 * g PPRL (pd) 2802 4919 6558
A max-d = 0.03323 * g
WMACCARRONI = 2.4*1200 = 2880 lbs MPRL (pd) 2088 3480 4408
WFLUID = (1.05*8.33)*(1.85*1200*42/1000) = 815.5 lb
Then: CBE (pd) 2445 4200 5319
PPRL = (2880 + 815) * (1 + 0.06481) = 3935 lbs
MPRL = 2880 * (1 - 0.03323) = 2784 lbs TORQUE (pd-in) 9443 19023 24096
CBE = (3935 + 2784) / 2 = 3359 lbs
TORQUE = (3935 - 3359) * 26.45 = 15208 in.-lbs SA (psi) 10002 11587 12644

- Maximum stress (SA) : SMAX (psi) 5674 9960 12615

Smin = 2784/0.66853 = 4164 psi
Smax = 3935/0.66853 = 5886 psi Table B: 1 ¼ ”maccarroni
SA = (0.25*31950 + 0.5625*4164) = 10330 psi
Depth (ft) 1200 1500 2000 2500
Comparing the last two results it is seen that Smax < SA ,
therefore the stress are inside the allowable range of stress.
PPRL (pd) 3935 4919 6558 8526
If the obtained values exceeded the values allowed by the
pumping unit (Torque = 80,000 inch-lb; PPRL = 13300 lbs)
MPRL (pd) 2784 3480 4640 6033
and the required production was different to the desired,
another calculation is made changing the condictions of
operation of the pumping unit, for example if we change to a CBE (pd) 3360 4200 5599 7279
smaller stroke (with 45 inch in this case), the new values of the
variables would be: TORQUE (pd-in) 15219 19023 25364 25364

- Expected production : SA (psi) 10330 10916 11892 13063

PD = 0.146*45*8 = 53 bls/día
SMAX (psi) 5886 7358 9810 12753
- Loads and Torque :
FT = 22.218
SPE 69550 NON CONVENTIONAL SUCKER ROD PUMPING FOR SLIM HOLE WELLS
Installation sequence
This system implies a new methodology for the installation
and production of wells, such as when running the RWBP
pump:
· Connects the dip tube to the compression anchor, that also
acts as the pump sealant, that is of the type modified hollow.
The barrel carries on its upper part a modified “hollow valve”
pull tube.
· Places this unit into the well supporting it with a maneuver
grip.
· Connect the hollow valve pull tube with the maccarroni with
an adequate crossover (API part C13-175)
· Pull down the subsurface pump and the maccarroni carefully.
· When it reaches the desired depth, hold the maccarroni with a
friction grip and cut the maccarroni off as necessary and
prepare the thread.
· Place the maccarroni piece with the liner rod, locating this
last one in the run area. Adjust appropriately.
· Space the pumps and load the compression anchor, place the
polished rod clamp, dynamometer device and finally support
all the pumping string by the carrier bar of the pumping unit.
· Place a flexible hose in the upper end of the maccarroni, by
means of elbows and crossover (Figure 1).
· Connects the other end from the hose to the production
manifold.
· Put the well in operation.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
· The main advantage is produce the well at maximum
capacity, combining the capabilities of beam pumping
assuring as much draw down as possible to obtain maximum
production rates.
· Uses the same surface equipment (pumping unit and prime
mover ) as those of the rod pumping.
Disadvantages:
· Less annulus space causes a quicker paraffines accumulation.
· Precision is required to load the anchor and misoperation
could discharge it.
· Friction of maccarroni couplings could cause premature wear
and breaks of both maccarroni and casing, and fishing
problems.
Results
This lift system:
! Has successfully solved the problem of production in
shallow, low diameter wells allowing a much lower cost for
well construction (10 vs. 7 when comparing 9 5/8 – 5 ½ with
slim hole 5 ½ - 2 7/8 wells).
! Improve operational efficiency when compared with
previous slim hole artificial lift from 8 to 38 bpd (250 %).
! Allowed to recover 24,500 bbls in the first year and
expected 128,400 bls until reaching economic limit.
3
! Significantly reduced pulling jobs, thus reducing
operational costs.
! Have been in operation for more than 26 months without
interruptions.
Conclusions
1. An altenative to rod pumping has been tested to produce
27/8” slim hole wells, which basically modify the subsurface
equipment, polished rod and stuffing box.
2. Tubing and sucker rods are replaced for 1” maccarroni
being the system suitable to reactivate marginal fields with
slim hole wells at low costs.
3. A new working methodology has been developed for
optimum operation.
4. RWTP type sucker rod pumps are recommended. If free
gas is expected, other pumps with traveling plunger and
appropriate gas separator can be used.
Nomenclature
A max-a = upward maximum acceleration, ft/sec
A max-d = downward maximum acceleration, ft/sec
2
Ap = cross sectional area of the plunger, in
2
At m = cross sectional area of the maccarroni, in
c = Length of the crank, in
CBE = effect of counterbalance, lb
FS = service factor
g = gravity acceleration = 32.2. ft/sec2
Gw = specific gravity of produced water
h = length of the arm (pitman), in
K = constant
L = pump depth, ft
Lm = length maccarroni, ft
MPRL = minimum polished rod load, lb
N = speed of pumping, spm
wm = weigth of maccarroni for foot lb / ft
WMACCARRONI = total weigh of the maccarroni string, lbs
WFLUID = weight of produced fluid
PD = expected production , bpd
PPRL = peak polished rod load, lb
FT = torque factor.
SA = maximum allowable stress, psi.
Smax = maximum stress, psi
Smin = minimum stress, psi
Sp = effective stroke of the plunger, in
T = minimun tensile strength, psi
Torque = gear reducer torque, in -lb
Vm = capacity of maccarroni (bl/1000 line feet)
ASA = Maximum allowable range of stress, psi
Acknowledgments
To Perez Companc for allowing the publication of this paper.
Apreciation for their concurrence and support in implementing
the installation at five wells of Laguna field is extended to S.
4 M.M. ALVA, A. ALFARO SPE 69550

Maguiña Production Engineer and J. Arone Production 2

A max-a = (S*.N / 70500)* (1+ c/h) * g . . . . (A-6)
Engineer.
· Minimum Load (MPRL) in the upper part of the string of
References maccarroni tube is:
1. Kermit Brown: “The Technology of Artificial Lifts
Methods”. MPRL = WMACCARRONI + (WMACCARRONI) * A max-d /g (A-7)
2. Nind, T. E. W. : “Principles of Oil Well Production”
3. “API Recommend Practice for Care and Handling of Where :
Sucker Rods”. 2
A max-d = (S*.N / 70500)* (1 - c/h) * g . . . . . (A-8)
Appendix – System Design
In accordance with Figure 1, the design is made from the · Effect of Counterbalance, is :
acceleration factor procedure , as shown:
Data CBE = (PPRL + MPRL ) / 2 . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . (A-9)
- Maccarroni tube:
Nominal diameter: 1 ¼ inch Maximum Torque on the Gear reducer :
Internal diameter: 1.38 inch
External diameter: 1.66 inch Torque = (PPRL - CBE) * F.T.90° . . . . . . . . . (A-10)
2
Traverse area - maccarroni: 0.66853 inch
Maximun Stress:
External diameter of the couple: 2.20 inch
Maccarroni tubing is subjected to a continuous work of
Weigth per feet : 2.40 lbs/ft
variable and recurrent loads. To define if the range of stress
Capacity: 1.85 bls/1000 ft
is below the maximum avalaible stress from Goodman’s
Degree: J - 55
modified diagram,
Joint Yield Strength (maccarroni ‘NU’) : 21360 lbs
- Depth of the well: 1500 feet
- Depth of the anchor: 1200 feet SA = ( 0.25*T + 0.5625*Smin)*FS . . . . . . . . (A-11)
- Expected production: 45 bls/día
TABLE 1 - HOLLOW MODIFIED PUMP 25 - 125 - RWBP
Calculation procedure : Description N° API
Assembly of the plunger
- Expected Production:
1 Reduction to maccarroni
PD = 0.1484 Ap*Sp*N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (A-1) 2 Cage, closed plunger C13-175
3 Ball and seat V11-175
Where: 4 Hollow pull tube valve connector
0.1484 = Constant conversion factor
5 Pull tube T11-125
Normally the previous equation is used with a constant “K” 6 Coupling upper pull tube C32-125
which involves Ap, 80% of “S” and the conversion factor. 7 plunger P21-125
Then, the equation changes to: 8 Ball and seat V11-125
9 Cage, closed plunger P12-125
PD = K*S*N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (A-2)
10 Plug, seat
- Maximum load in the upper part of the string of Assembly of the working barrel
maccarroni tube (PPRL) is: 11 Guide of modified hollow pull tube valve
12 Upper connector of modified barrel C21-20-125
PPRL = WMACCARRONI + WFLUID + (WMACCARRONI + 13 Barrel B12-125
WFLUID) * 14 Cage, closed barrel C14-20-125
A max-a / g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (A-3) 15 Ball and seat V11-175
Where :
16 Bushing, seat B22-20
WMACCARRONI = wm * Lm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (A- Assembly of the anchorage packer
4) 17 Reduction of the B22-20 to the packer
WFLUID = Gw*8.33 lb/gal *Vm*Lm*42 gal/bl . . (A-5) 18 Packer of anchorage without rubbers
SPE 69550 NON CONVENTIONAL SUCKER ROD PUMPING FOR SLIM HOLE WELLS 5

SURFACE :

CELBOW 2"

XOver 2" - 1 1/4"

WIRE
LINER HOSE

MACCARRONI
UNION
FLOW LINE

STUFFING BOX
CHECK VALVE

CASING GAS

SUBSURFACE

RESERVOIR

MACARONI OF 1 1/4"

CONNECTOR TRAVELING VALVE

MACARRONI-BARRIL
BARREL
CHAMBER

STANDING VALVE PUMP

TYPE RWTP

PLUNGER

ANCHOR

RESERVOIR

DIP TUBE
CASING 2 7/8"

Fig. 1 - Nonconventional Sucker Rod Pumping