(2026037) Extending Run Life in Sand-Producing Wells: The Benefits of Rod Pump Sand Management Tools

Sand production has been recognized by the oil and gas industry as one of the most significant challenges affecting the operation, efficiency, and longevity of unconventional 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. 

Given these challenges, operators have expressed the need for sand fallback protection for wells produced on Sucker Rod Pump (SRP) lift.  The industry has responded to this challenge by developing tools that trap sand above the rod pump during a shutdown state. These tools have proven to reduce the total cost of operating a rod pump system by reducing pump plugging and wear. Rod pump sand management tools have improved economics by increasing run life and reducing operational costs.

This paper provides an in-depth look at a commercially available SRP sand management tool. PetroQuip has shared the operating mechanism and operational benefits of the Sand Maze SRP. The operator will share a seven-well study that evaluates the use of this tool on unconventional wells within the Midland Basin.  The operator’s data shows that SRP sand management tools extend run life and reduce the need to pull tubing on standard rod pump failures.