Artificial Lift

The discovery of shale formations laden with hydrocarbons marked a significant turning point in the energy industry, especially because these formations exhibited minimal to no permeability. This inherent characteristic posed a substantial challenge for traditional extraction methods, leading to the advent of what is known as the unconventional play. The core of this approach is hydraulic...

We are excited about the opportunity to present an in-depth overview of Oura™ (Optimization using real-time automation), an intelligent downhole electric valve designed for artificial lift and enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Oura™ brings cutting-edge capabilities to the forefront of the industry. Oura is also proving invaluable in various EOR methods such as Water, Polymer, CO2 Floods, and Injections...

Objectives/Scope:  A new methodology for automatic iteration on viscous damping enhanced with state-of-the-art pump fillage, fluid load lines and valve openings and closing calculation is presented. Field results showing the impact of the methodology in diagnosing downhole conditions, improving inferred production, fluid level, pump intake and horsepower calculations are shown.

Methods...

Artificial Lift systems are crucial in optimizing production for horizontal oil and gas wells. As these wells face rapid reservoir pressure decline, increased gas and solids production, high deviation in well geometry, and unstable flow regimes selecting an appropriate artificial lift method becomes paramount. By implementing the right artificial lift system, operators can counter these challenges...

The installation of tubing in a well makes it susceptible to wall loss from corrosion and wear. This degradation is influenced by environmental conditions, such as temperature, pressure, corrosiveness, and flow rates, along with operating factors like the type of artificial lift and well deviation. Periodic evaluation of tubing condition throughout the well's operational life, using non...

OBJECTIVES/SCOPE:  Cleaning out a lateral is a powerful tool for restoring production in mature wells, but sometimes the hydraulics will not allow circulation with fresh water. An interesting technique for cleaning out such laterals has been field tested in the Delaware Basin, and it has potential application in many basins. As laterals age, a proper cleanout using this new method can restore...

After deep analysis of gas separation methods and understanding the nature of fluid and gas flow, a new design is developed to generate better downhole conditions and enhance gas separation efficiency. A study of legacy downhole gas separators using a substantial database of horizontals wells across the Delaware and Midland basins demonstrated a decrease in gas separation efficiency with an...

In less than 9 years, High Pressure/Single Point Gas Lift has grown from 0 to about 3000 applications in unconventional wells and its use continues to expand with trailer mounted units to unload frac hits and applications later in the well life.

This paper presents examples of these expanding applications including case histories on unloading frac hits and shows how/why this very simple "new"...

This paper introduces a technology for handling solids above the discharge of the ESP pump that increases the run time of the well and prevents premature failure due to plugging or damage to the pump parts thus contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and environmental impact. Additionally, the new technology was engineered to allow fluid injection through the tubing and its components...

A discussion of Rod Lift VSD control parameters, setup, and configuration for optimal operation under varying operating conditions History shows that many operators utilize only the most basic control parameters when setting up VSDs for rod lift applications. This paper will discuss the VSD and Rod Pump Control parameters necessary for safe, reliable, and efficient rod lift control.