Lecture 3: Artificial Lift Technology (Reating Sacker Road Bumping System)

Introduction

• Main topic: Reciprocating Sacker Road Bumping System
• Oldest type of artificial lift system, over 7,000 years
• Concept remains the same despite technological advancements
• Used for various types of wells and production volumes
• Evolution from lifting fluids a few meters to over 3,000 meters

System Components and Design

• Introduction to the System
• Surface and subsurface components
• System design and optimization
• Monitoring and management practices

Reciprocating Sacker Road Bumping System

• Most common artificial lift system globally
• Utilized in over 75% of wells worldwide
• Configurations may vary but the basic concept is reciprocating motion
• Adaptable for different types of crude oil (heavy, medium, light)
• Suitable for various well conditions (sandy, high gas-to-oil ratio)

Advantages and Applications

• Versatility:
  • Suitable for heavy, medium, and light crude oil
  • Applicable in vertical, horizontal, and deviated wells
  • Can handle large volumes and different pressures
• Economics:
  • Cost-effective to repair and service
  • Most of the cost is on surface equipment; subsurface is less than 25%
• Efficiency:
  • High system efficiency (up to 60%)
  • High salvage value for surface equipment
  • Flexible and easy to upgrade

System Components

• Subsurface Pump: Heart of the system
• Sucker Rod String: Mechanical link between surface and downhole equipment
• Surface Equipment: Produces and transmits reciprocating motion
• Prime Movers: Drives the overall system (electric motor, diesel engine, etc.)
• Monitoring and Control Systems: Optimize and control fluid production and pressure

Well Design

• Completion Types
• Shallow wells (simple completions)
• Deep wells (use of tubing anchor catchers to manage tubing movement)
• Potential issues if not properly designed (e.g., sand accumulation, friction issues)
• Selective Completion for producing from multiple zones

Subsurface Pump

• Components: Barrel assembly, plunger assembly, standing valve, traveling valve, setting assembly
• Operation: Upstroke and downstroke cycles
• Types:
  • Tubing pump: Barrel assembly connected to the tubing
  • Insert pump: Complete pump assembly connected to the rod string
  • Top anchor and bottom anchor configurations

Sucker Rod String

• Functions: Transfer motion to downhole pump and withstand conditions
• Types: Jointed rods, continuous rods
• Challenges: Corrosion, wear, and tear
• Design Considerations: Rod size, length, and material grade
• API Standards: Ensuring proper configurations

Surface Equipment

• Types of Units
• Gear Reducers and Prime Movers: Different types depending on requirements
• API Classifications: Identifying unit capabilities and performance metrics
• Wellheads: Critical for fluid control and isolation

System Design

• Design Considerations
  • Well productivity and completion
  • Fluid characteristics and properties
  • Economics (CAPEX and OPEX)
• Effective Stroke Length: Calculating the true stroke length at the pump
• Pump Displacement: Considering volumetric efficiency
• Dynamic Analysis Tools: Dynamometer surveys, echometer techniques

Conclusion

• Advantages:
  • High adaptability
  • Economic viability
  • High efficiency
  • Long operational life
• Limitations:
  • Restricted by depth and production volume
  • Challenges with high gas-oil ratios and deviated wells
• Potential for Improvement: Continuous advancements in technology

Q&A Highlights

• Limitations:
  • Production volume, depth, gas handling, and well deviations
• Offshore Usage: Limited due to space constraints
• Horizontal Wells: Feasible with precautions and suitable configurations
• Maintenance and Failure Mitigation: Importance of monitoring and regular checks

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Next Lecture: Electric Submersible Pumps (ESP) and their applications