Petroleum Engineering: Artificial Lift Equipment

Name: Petroleum Engineering: Artificial Lift Equipment
Author: KnowledgeCity

Learn about artificial lift equipment used in oil wells

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Course: On-Demand

(bright music) Progressive cavity pumping provides an artificial lifting method that can be used in the production of very viscous fluids and has few moving parts, so maintenance is relatively easy. This system consists of a surface drive head and a bottom pump composed of a steel rotor in a single-pitch helical shape and circular section, which rotates inside a vulcanized elastomer stator. There are several advantages to using a sucker rod lift. The sucker rod lift can work with a production of highly viscous fluids, 2,000 to 500,000 centipoise. The capital investment is of the order of 50 to 25% of that of conventional pumping units, depending on the size, due to the simplicity and small dimensions of the drive head. Operating costs are also much lower. Energy savings of up to 60 to 75% are noted compared to conventional efficient pumping units. The drive system is also efficient because the pumping rods do not rise and fall. They only rotate. Transportation costs are also minimal, as the entire unit can be transported with a van. Operates efficiently with sand due to the resilience of the stator material and the pumping mechanism. The presence of gas does not block the pump, but the free gas to the suction subtracts part of its capacity, as it happens with any pump, causing an apparent inefficiency. Wide production range for each model, recommend speed ranges from 25 to 500 RPM, which gives a ratio of 20 to 1 in the flows obtained. This range can be obtained without equipment change. The absence of pulsations in the formation near the well will generate less production of sand from unconsolidated deposits. Constant flow production makes instrumentation easier. Constant effort in the string with minimal movements reduces the risk of fatigue failures and the fishing of pump rods. Its small size and limited use of surface space make the unit perfectly suitable for locations with multiple wells and offshore production platforms. The low noise level and small visual impact make it ideal for urban areas. Absence of reciprocating parts prevents blockage or wear of moving parts. The installation of this equipment is cataloged as a simple operation, so the necessary personnel for the installation does not generate greater expenses to payroll. There are also some disadvantages to using a sucker rod lift. The temperature resistance is up to 280 degrees Fahrenheit or 138 degrees Celsius. Maximum 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 178 degrees Celsius. This is due to the resistance of the elastomer, but, in some cases, these can be reinforced by working with special alloys, and this makes the initial investment grow. High sensitivity to produced fluids. Elastomers may swell or deteriorate with the contact of certain toxic fluids for prolonged periods of time. Stators have a tendency to cause considerable damage when the pump works dry for relatively short periods of time. Wear by contact between the rods and the production pipe in directional and horizontal wells. For a pump replacement, it is necessary to remove the production pipe.

Essential Provider : KnowledgeCity 5 Lessons · 20m in Arabic, English

Course Description

Artificial lift equipment is used within oil wells to increase pressure in a reservoir, encouraging oil to the surface. In this course, you will learn about various types of artificial lift systems, their uses, and their advantages. By the end of this course, you will be able to differentiate between artificial lift systems and understand when each should be used.

We will discuss electrical submersible pumps (ESP), an artificial lifting system used to displace volumes of crude oil. We will also discuss progressive cavity pumping which can be used in the production of very viscous fluids and has many benefits, including low capital investment. This course will help you understand the purpose and benefits of a plunger lift for maximizing natural gas production and removing contaminants. We will also explore the process and uses of artificial gas lifts, including the difference between continuous gas injection and intermittent gas flow. Finally, we will discuss subsurface hydraulic pumps.

What You'll Learn

Differentiate between the various types of artificial lift systems and understand when each should be used
Describe electrical submersible pumps (ESP) and how they displace volumes of crude oil
Explain the benefits of a plunger lift for maximizing natural gas production and removing contaminants
Distinguish between continuous gas injection and intermittent gas flow in artificial gas lifts
Explain how progressive cavity pumping is used in the production of very viscous fluids
Describe sucker rod lift and subsurface hydraulic pumps as artificial lift methods

Key Takeaways

Artificial lift equipment is used within oil wells to increase pressure in a reservoir, encouraging oil to the surface.
Electrical submersible pumps (ESP) are an artificial lifting system used to displace volumes of crude oil.
Progressive cavity pumping can be used in the production of very viscous fluids and offers benefits including low capital investment.
A plunger lift helps maximize natural gas production and remove contaminants.
Artificial gas lifts can use either continuous gas injection or intermittent gas flow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What artificial lift systems does this course cover?

The course covers sucker rod lift, gas lift, plunger lift, electrical submersible pumps (ESP), and subsurface hydraulic pumps, and it also discusses progressive cavity pumping and artificial gas lifts.

What will I be able to do after completing this course?

By the end of the course you will be able to differentiate between artificial lift systems and understand when each should be used, describe the different types of artificial lift equipment, explain the benefits of a plunger lift, and understand the difference between continuous gas injection and intermittent gas flow.

What is the purpose of artificial lift equipment?

Artificial lift equipment is used within oil wells to increase pressure in a reservoir, encouraging oil to the surface.

What skills does this course help develop?

The course develops skills in artificial lift, hoisting, lifting equipment, oil pressure, petroleum engineering, and plunger lift.

Why is progressive cavity pumping discussed in this course?

Progressive cavity pumping is covered because it can be used in the production of very viscous fluids and has many benefits, including low capital investment.