Abstract
Summary To extend the run life of the pump while producing all available fluid is the goal of all progressing-cavity-pump (PCP) operators. The primary challenge is to do so without starving the pump and causing damage to the stator. The petroleum industry has been searching for years to find a reliable way to control PCPs for pumpoff. Several methods have been used, from monitoring torque to manual fluid levels. To date, none of these have been commercially successful. A method for controlling these wells has been developed combining wedge flowmeter technology and microprocessor control of both electric motors using variable-frequency drives and hydraulic motors using proportional control valves. This method has proved to be accurate and reliable, extending the run life while producing all available fluids. Combining this automated technology at the well with a Web-based system that feeds back real-time data to a dedicated surface-control-and-data-acquisition (SCADA) host allows PCP technical experts to diagnose problems and operators to respond quickly to changing well conditions. This presentation discusses the advances in automation and optimization of PCPs. The method will be explained, and field-study results showing actual well tests will be presented.
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