Beam Pumping System Optimization Through Automation

Abstract

Abstract Recent economic conditions in the oilfield have given extra emphasis for operators to look for new ways to improve production operations and reduce operating costs. One means of doing this for rod pumped wells is utilizing Rod Pump Controllers (RPC). They have been available for over ten years in Argentina and only a relatively small percentage of operators have utilized it. This paper presents the theoretical and practical benefits obtained with the inclusion of RPCs in beam pumping systems: Energy saving: Despite the energy cost is not high in Argentina, the actual crisis force us to decrease the energy consumption through any circumstance. Production Optimization: In general, any increase in well production is a result of the RPC providing immediate significant operating information to allow early detection and identification of potential pumping problems. Expense Reduction: If a pumping system experiments a fluid pound or a system failure (i.e., stuck pump, pump "sanded-up", parted rod strings, tubing leak, etc.) the RPC will take action immediately. Manpower Utilization: Since a RPC can provide fault messages related to the problem it has identified, corrective action is more easily determined. The document shows a short technical description of the RPC and the Telemetry Software. Then, to demonstrate reality results, a test realized in Lomita oilfield (Rincón de Los Sauces – RepsolYPF) will be exhibited. On it, some practical advantages will be put on view. Finally, a comparison between production controls, failures indexes and energy consumption before and after the test will be presented.