Wade Erwin, Petroquip
Blake Bredemeyer, Oxy
Sand production is widely recognized as one of the most significant challenges affecting the operation, efficiency, and longevity of rod-pumped wells. As sand and other solid particles migrate into the pump assembly, they create abrasive conditions that accelerate wear on critical components. This abrasion not only reduces pump efficiency but also increases the risk of premature equipment failure, unplanned downtime, and costly maintenance interventions.
PetroQuip’s SandMaze SRP reduces the total cost of operating a rod-pumped system by being specifically engineered as a self-cleaning downhole solution to address these challenges. By preventing solids fallback during shutdowns and leading to incident-free start-ups, the SandMaze SRP protects not only the pump but also the associated rod and tubing string from excessive wear, which helps to maintain optimal volumetric efficiency. This results in an operation with diminished friction, reduced maintenance requirements, and extended equipment life. The SandMaze SRP also prevents sand and other solids from migrating down the outside of the pump barrel and accumulating, reducing the risk of blockages and operational issues. By mitigating this sand buildup, it minimizes the likelihood of unplanned tubing pulls during rod part or pump failure workovers.
This paper provides an in-depth look at the SandMaze SRP’s operating mechanism, highlights the operational benefits delivered, and presents field-proven performance data that demonstrates its effectiveness as a cornerstone in modern sand management strategies. Oxy recently completed a six-well study evaluating the SandMaze SRP as a downhole fallback solution to extend rod pump run life. Across the trial, the SandMaze SRP demonstrated consistent protection against sand and solids returning to the pump, which is one of the leading causes of premature pump failure. Wells equipped with the SandMaze SRP showed notable reductions in pump and rod wear, fewer workovers, and longer, more stable production intervals compared to historical performance.
PetroQuip’s SandMaze SRP is ideal for operators seeking a solution that not only minimizes pump wear but also helps avoid costly unplanned tubing pulls during workovers. Operators incorporating this technology have seen measurable results, demonstrating that it significantly mitigates the risks associated with sand production while improving overall rod-pump reliability. Alone with Oxy’s six-well trial, we can account for an overall increase of 181% of the run life.