The Optimal and Cost-Effective Artificial Lift System (ALS) Combination, Success Case Studies, and Cost Saving Assessment for RRP (Reciprocating Rod Pump) Wells in Oman

Abstract

Abstract With continuous instability of oil prices, it became necessary to reduce the cost of lifting the crude oil from the wells. This cost reduction is not feasible for each stage of the total oil production system; therefore, the optimization of each component in the production system is a must. The primary challenge is to extend the lifting equipment run life, especially the downhole components. For years, operators have been looking for reliable, flexible, and intelligent lifting systems to improve their operating costs, reservoir recovery factor by maximizing well production. Production optimization meant to apply an optimum analysis and comprehensive investigation of well production system; including the artificial lift system that expected to increase the oil production and reduce the operating costs. When producing difficult fluids from marginal, mature, and brown onshore oil fields, Sucker rod (Beam and Progressive Cavity) Pumping systems are typically the most common artificial lift methods used. The primary challenge is to extend the lifting equipment run life, especially the downhole components. Production optimization found to be an essential for the life cycle of each system to extend run life, decrease cost, and increase the cumulative production per well. High WC (90% & above), corrosive environment, sand production & scale build up resulted from water flooding effect are factors that result in harsh operating condition that dramatically affect downhole equipment lifetime & lead to premature failure. In some of the fields premature failures resulted from harsh operating conditions are found close to 70% of total premature failure & 35% of total failures. The failures and problems related to Beam pumping (BP) and the success resulted from the applications of the system optimization has encouraged us to be selected to be the subject of this paper. This presentation will discuss in full details the current downhole pump failures, challenges & plan of improving downhole pump metallurgy, configuration the application using latest technology in BP system. It will share different case histories and best practices from BP Wells by using actual well data and performance. This topic can be summarized in: - Heavy oil harsh well condition challenges & operational performance of beam pumping system in such these conditions. Solids & abrasives related failures investigation & solution planning Success stories maximizing pump efficiencies and minimizing failure rates of beam pumping system Cost saving impact after using solutions.