Summer Internship Program - Artificial Lift Technology by Dr. Muhammad G

Introduction to the Session

• Welcome by Myter, a senior gas and petrochemicals engineering student and the moderator for the session
• Presenter: Dr. Muhammad G, an expert in artificial lift and petroleum engineering
• Overview of Dr. Muhammad's qualifications and experience:
  • PhD in Petroleum Production Engineering with a specialization in artificial lift
  • 34+ years in the oil and gas industry
  • Extensive field experience worldwide
  • Former President of SPE Egyptian Section
  • Published over 55 technical papers
  • Recipient of numerous awards

Artificial Lift Technology Overview

• Importance in oil and gas industry
• 95-98% of the world's wells use artificial lift
• Aimed to make lectures simple and understandable for students with varying backgrounds
• The sessions are divided into four parts covering different aspects of artificial lift

Session Breakdown

• Session Agenda:
  • General overview of artificial lift
  • Types of artificial lift
  • Importance and application in oil, water, and gas wells
  • Overview of various systems:
    • Gas Lift
    • Reciprocating Rod Pumping System
    • Electrical Submersible Pumping System
    • Progressive Cavity Pump

Artificial Lift Systems

Fundamentals

• Flow dynamics in wells
  • Delta pressure (ΔP) is needed for flow
  • Bottom hole flowing pressure (Pwf) must be higher than the hydrostatic pressure plus wellhead pressure plus pressure loss
• When artificial lift is needed:
  • If Pwf is less than required pressure to lift liquids

Types of Artificial Lift

• Formation Pressure Assist: No mechanical pumps; reduce hydrostatic head
  • Plunger Lift
  • Foam Lift
  • Gas Lift
• Mechanical Assist: Use pumps driven by electric, hydraulic, or mechanical sources
  • Rod Lift
  • Progressive Cavity Pump (PCP)
  • Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP)
  • Hydraulic Lift

Criteria for Selection

• Maximizing production
• Flexibility in production rates
• Cost considerations (CAPEX and OPEX)
• Reliability and uptime
• Local experience and field conditions
• Noise and environmental impact

Challenges and Considerations

• Reservoir and well parameters
  • Reservoir pressure, productivity index (PI), water cut, gas-oil ratio (GOR)
  • Well depth, deviation, and types
  • Completion design
  • Facility considerations
  • Economical and operational viability

Specific Artificial Lift Technologies

Gas Lift

• Most commonly used, especially in offshore wells and unconventional gas wells
• Reduces average fluid gradient by injecting gas
• Components and mechanics:
  • Gas lift valves, mandrels
  • Gas injection points at different depths
• Pros and cons

Q&A Session

Questions Addressed

• Gas Lifting an Inactive Well:
  • Feasibility depends on well-specific parameters (fluid type, reservoir pressure, gas-oil ratio, etc.)
• Foam Lift:
  • Commonly used for gas well de-liquefication
  • Reduces hydrostatic pressure
  • Cost considerations and specific applications

Conclusion

• Importance of artificial lift in maintaining well productivity
• Considerations for choice and application of various lift systems
• Continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies

Thank you! Dr. Muhammad is open to further questions and is ready to continue with more detailed sessions.