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High volume, high water cut wells historically represent a challenge in terms of economic production, due to limitations with others artificial lift methods, ESPs are usually chosen for this type of application since it can move great volumes of fluid produced by longer laterals being drilled today. As electrical rates increase exponentially, and notably power grid limitations are becoming more...

There has been a recent shift in the Permian across unconventional frac targets in the Delaware Basin stacked play, shifting to shallower formations. As a result, Avalon targets are becoming more common. When comparing key scale risk drivers such as brine compositions, mol% CO2 and H2S of the Avalon formation to more traditional targets such as the Wolfcamp and 2nd & 3rd Bone Springs, not only...

The upstream oil and gas industry faces significant challenges in optimizing production from aging assets, particularly in managing the vast amounts of unstructured data generated by rod lift systems. This paper presents field results from the deployment of Cognitive Card Recognition (CCR), a machine learning-based solution for automated dynacard analysis and anomaly detection in rod lift...

Operators have been challenged in identifying physical defects or discontinuities when adopting continuous rods, in reciprocating rod pumps and PCP wells. Historically, the only method used is a visual, imprecise inspection, often resulting in running bad rod back in hole or removing good rod prematurely driving up LOE. This has been viewed as a barrier to entry for widespread adoption of...

Operators have been challenged in designing rod pumping solutions for the life of the well in deviated, horizontal and S curve wells. Overcoming frictional side loading in high-rate producers converting earlier from ESP to rod pumping. The first 6 months of the conversion is the most critical time where operators want to reduce the cost of ESP workovers going to rod pumping earlier. The challenge...

This paper introduces a multi-layered application to tackle two major challenges in unconventional wells within the Permian Basin: gas slugs and high gas-liquid ratios (GLRs) that disrupt electric submersible pump (ESP) operations, and sand fallback during ESP shutdowns, which can cause equipment failures like plugged pumps and broken shafts. These issues reduce efficiency, increase downtime, and...

The installation and retrieval of Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESPs) equipped with Permanent Magnet Motors (PMMs) require robust barriers to prevent shaft rotation and the subsequent generation of voltage. Current methods to provide these barriers involve additional operations, equipment, and personnel, which increase associated risks. This paper introduces a new method that is safe, effective...

This paper builds on last year's paper, which detailed the development of a new gas separation method for rod pump wells operating under gassy conditions, without limiting the liquid production rate. In this second part, the focus shifts to results from new applications in a different field within the Midland Basin, highlighting lessons learned from various BHA configurations, performance outcomes...

Pump valve cages play a critical role in fluid flow, and indirectly affect the integrity of the sealing components. Cage beat-out is a common problem, caused by deformation of the steel due to repeated impact from opening or rattling while open. In addition to the cage deformation, damage to the ball itself can also result in poor seal when the valve is closed. The Impact Resistant (IR) cage was...

As companies move to lower their operating and maintenance costs, gas lift use has seen a dramatic increase in unconventional production patterns in the Permian Basin.1 Due to the corrosivity of acid gasses and the corrosive nature of produced water in these wells, asset protection is crucial to provide long-term production and minimize costly workovers. In this study, we will review a gas lift...

Most frac hits are significant events with large pressure change, followed by enhanced flow of almost all water then declining with increasing oil at a level higher than before the event.  This study examines how best to “ride thru” the frac hit, but also how to manage ESP settings for the rapid fluid rate changes during and after the event.  The frac hits occurred at different points in the wells...

In an effort to address safety concerns, PMM manufacturers and operators have worked together and developed API 11S9 Recommended Practice that covers many of the safety issues relative to PMM operations. The PMM is a very good generator due to “always on” permanent magnet rotor so presents a risk of electric shock and arc flash (AF) hazards if rotation occurs when service personnel handle the ESP...

Artificial lift systems in the oil and gas industry have long relied on Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technology for monitoring and control. However, as the digital landscape continues to evolve, artificial lift systems must adapt to more dynamic and autonomous operations. In particular, leveraging cloud-native edge computing, microservices, and the Industrial Internet of Things...

This paper explores the Horizontal Valve System (HVS) and its ability to enhance vortex fluid flow profiles in downhole environments. Initial field trials demonstrated the HVS's effectiveness in lowering pump placement resulting in larger production outcomes, prompting further laboratory testing. The study replicates downhole conditions to compare lab results with field data, highlighting how the...

The contemporary rod pumping strategy for horizontal wells typically involves placing the pump at or above the Kickoff Point (KOP) to ensure the rod string and downhole pump operate in relatively low dogleg severity conditions. However, in certain types of reservoirs and well conditions, it may be beneficial to place the pump below the KOP. This paper presents a case study from Devon Energy’s...

As wells decline and available acreage for new wells lessens in the Permian Basin, it becomes increasingly important that operators capitalize on existing wells and maximize reserves. Scaling is a known issue in the basin, and this paper will address a likely solution. Acid treatments have proven to be effective across different levels, and when diverter is additionally pumped, the effectiveness...

The challenges frequently associated with Endless Rod applications primarily arise from corrosion, particularly mechanical corrosion where the inhibitor film is removed, leading to inadequate protection and allowing corrosion to develop. Barrier coatings can protect the rod from corrosion, preventing the formation of stress risers on the rod surface that, under cyclic loading, can easily propagate...

During intermittent gas lift, a low-density fluid (gas) is used to lift a high-density fluid (oil) from the bottom of the well to the surface. As a result of the oil having a higher density than the gas, some amount of the oil falls back in the form of droplets or in a film along the wall of the tubing to join the next slug of oil. However, there is still no method to accurately estimate the...

To address the escalating demands for decarbonization within the petroleum industry, a pioneering technology known as in-situ hydrogen (H2) production via electromagnetic-assisted catalytic heating has recently been proposed for extracting clean H2 directly from petroleum reservoirs. This study explores H2 generation from hydrocarbon/water reactions in the presence of natural rock powders under...

The phenomenon of liquid loading is a dominant limitation in developed gas fields globally. Apparently, all gas wells will experience this depleting process in the subsequent phases of their production. The primary problem in dealing with liquid loading is the issue of forecasting its occurrence and accurately determining its onset. This paper is focused on developing an improved model for...

With heightened technological advances in the area of late well life development and further production possibilities, there has been an increase in attention to plunger lift and the decision-making process that backs the selection of plungers in these plunger lift wells. It has been noted by companies, like ConocoPhillips, that ‘with more than 200 plunger lift systems in the San Juan basin, the...

The goal of a sucker rod is to convey the motion from the downhole pumping unit to lift fluid to the surface. When sucker rod lift is to be used on a well, it is necessary to choose the type of sucker rod that is optimal for the downhole conditions of the given well. Each sucker rod is designed to work in a specific environment, such as a corrosive or non-corrosive environment, and the loads...

The goal of a sucker rod is to convey the motion from the downhole pumping unit to lift fluid to the surface. When sucker rod lift is to be used on a well, it is necessary to choose the type of sucker rod that is optimal for the downhole conditions of the given well. Each sucker rod is designed to work in a specific environment, such as a corrosive or non-corrosive environment, and the loads...

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...

This paper will cover topics around the polished rod component of a downhole sucker rod pump. It outlines the development and testing of a Patent-Pending polished rod design by Q2 ALS, featuring a polished rod with a sucker rod end connection on the lower end. In contrast to traditional polished rod connections, the sucker rod connection has a superior threaded design, incorporating a shoulder for...