Abstract
An expert advisor program for rod-pumping diagnostics (EXPROD) is being used successfully in the majority of oil fields operated by Chevron U.S.A. Field studies show that EXPROD gives excellent results in more than 90% of the cases analyzed. The program starts with results obtained from an analysis of field dynamometer data. These results consist of surface and downhole dynamometer cards, pumping-unit torque, rod stresses, and other parameters. From these data, EXPROD produces a one- to two-page diagnostic report in paragraph form that identifies equipment problems and recommends solutions. The problem-solving strategy used by EXPROD consists of a statistical pattern recognition scheme coupled with a network of rules based on company expertise in rod-pumping diagnostics. With this logic, EXPROD attempts to find the best diagnosis or a set of alternatives to account for a problem. This approach differs from the widely used rule-based deduction schemes in many expert system shells. Use of EXPROD reduces the expertise required for problem diagnosis but does not eliminate the need for some expertise. The purposes of this paper are to illustrate the use of expert system technology to diagnose problems with rod-pumped wells, to describe the mechanism used for problem solving, and to show howmore » EXPROD provides trouble-shooting recommendations.« less
Published Version
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