Artificial Lift

Surface Controlled, Electric Gas Lift (EGL) Systems Gaining Ground in the Permian

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.

Key Features of Oura™:

Automatic Iteration on Viscous Damping for Optimal SRP Well Control

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.

Energy-Efficient Wide-Range ESPCP System, A New Approach to Overcome the Main Challenges for Artificial Lift Systems in the Permian Basin

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, maintain consistent flow rates, and maximize hydrocarbon recovery, ensuring sustained and efficient production throughout the well’s operational life. 

Improved Well Analysis from Depth-Based Tubing Inspection Performed in a Facility

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-destructive testing (NDT) methods, is a recognized best practice.

Perspective on Low-Pressure Lateral Cleanouts: Challenges & Opportunity

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 production after a frac hit, prepare it for a refrac or for spotting acid across the lateral, run casing patches, clean out the top of a fish, and numerous other applications.

Breaking the curve: Improvement of Gas Separation Efficiency for High Fluid and High GLR Horizontal Wells

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 increase in GLRs and fluid rates. The development of this new methodology breaks the curve, not following the typical relationship of gas rates and gas separation efficiency.

How/Why High Pressure/Single Point Gas Lift Adoption/Uses Continue to Grow

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" technology grew from one person's idea to wide spread/ expanding adoption in a relatively short time.

Controlling Sand Flow Back in ESPs without Limiting Flushing Operations Through the Tubing. Field Applications in the Permian Basin

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 can be dissembled after pulling it, providing the production engineers with valuable information about the downhole conditions.

A Discussion of Rod Lift VSD Control Parameters, Setup, And Configuration for Optimal Operation Under Varying Operating Conditions

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.    

Sucker-Rod Pump Selection and Application

The most common form of artificial lift is sucker-rod pumping. One of the main elements of rod lift system design is the selection of a downhole pump. This study examines the various factors that affect the selection and design of downhole rod pumps. This paper will examine the following five downhole pump components: barrel, plunger, cages, balls and seats, and seating assembly. Understanding the various well and system design factors that are examined when selecting each of these components is a crucial part in the design of the downhole pump.

Annual Conference Info

NEXT CONFERENCE: APRIL 15-18, 2024