2 - Forms of Lift - ESP Methodology

Major forms of Artificial Lift
Schlumberger Private
INFLOW AND OUTFLOW PERFORMANCE

SURFACE PRESSURE
At Wellhead
PRODUCED FLOWRATE
If Po < Pwf, the well will flow naturally

(~6% of wells by number)
If Po Pwf, the well will require Artificial Lift
(~94% of wells worldwide)

WELL OUTFLOW
RELATIONSHIP
Po
Required Po to produce desired rate
Reservoir Pressure- Pr
Pwf
WELL FACE
PRESSURE
WELL INFLOW (IPR)

Available Pwf as function of the flowrate
INFLOW PREFORMANCE RELATIONSHIPS

Straight Line (PI):
Vogel Relationship:
Qo/Qomax = 1 0.2 (Pwf/Pr) 0.8 (Pwf/Pr)2
Pwf
= flowing bottom hole pressure at sandface (psia)
Pr
= average reservoir pressure (shut in BHP psi)
= oil flow rate (BPD)
Qo
= flow rate (BPD)
Qomax
= maximum flow rate (Vogel or combination),
PI
= Productivity Index BPD/psi.
Pwf = Pr Q / PI
Straight line vs. Vogel Graphically
OUTFLOW PERFORMANCE RELATIONSHIP

Po = Ph + Pfr + Pwh
Ph = Hydrostatic pressure
Pfr = Pressure drop due to friction losses
Pwh = Wellhead Pressure (surface pressures)
Several correlations have been developed to better model mixed flow

considering different factors such as flow-regime, water cut,
viscosity, well inclination, roughness, holdup, etc.
Where,
Pressure to Head Conversion

To convert pressure to head:
Head (in feet )= Pressure (psi) / (SG*0.433)
Fresh water gradient = 0.433 psi/ft
The concept of Artificial Lift
Lift process transfers energy downhole or decreases

fluid density in the wellbore to reduce hydrostatic
pressure on formations.
Artificial Lift is needed when reservoir pressures do not

sustain acceptable flow rates or there is no fluid flow at
all.
ARTIFICIAL LIFT METHODS OVERVIEW

ARTIFICIAL LIFT METHODS

Gas Lift (SLB)
DuraLift
PC Pumps (SLB)
ESPs (SLB)
HydroLift
Hydraulic Pumps (SLB)
Beam pump (not SLB)
AL Methods Applicability not one size fits all

ESP's
poor
fair
good
fair
fair
good
good
fair
good (with VSD)
fair
Applicability of AL Methods
Condition
Rod Pumps Hydraulic Pumps PCP's
GL
Scale
fair
fair/poor
fair
fair
Sand
fair
very good/poor* good
very good
Paraffin
poor
fair
good
poor
Corrossion good
fair
fair
fair
High GOR
poor
fair
fair
very good
Deviation
poor
very good
fair/good very good
Rate
poor
fair
fair
very good
Depth
fair
very good
fair
good
Flexibility
very good very good
good
very good
Temperature very good good
poor
good
Artificial Lift Market 94% of Wells are on AL
US
541,000
Revenue
Spears 2004
Rod Pumps
Electric Submersible Pumps
PCP's
Gas Lift
Hydraulic Pumping
Russia
Others
121,000
Total Expenditures
9,000
Libya
Egypt
1,760
1,200 Oman
2,600
Venezuela
15,000
Peru
4,600
China
76,000
India
3,000
Brazil
7,400
Argentina
13,800
Indonesia 9,500
Australia
1,300
World: 845,000 wells
MM$
717
1725
369
130
30
320
3291
Wells
Spears 2004
% WW Wells WW
Rod Pumps
79%
669,716
Electric Submersible Pumps
12%
98,065
PCP's
4%
30,144
Gas Lift
3%
26,892
Canada
Hydraulic Pumping
<1%
5,000
North
Sea
48,200
Others
2%
14,856
600
100%
844,673W.Europe
Total Systems
ARTIFICIAL LIFT Application Ranges

Typical Artificial Lift Application Range
Ft./Lift
12,000
11,000
10,000
9,000
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
1,000
Rod Pumps
2,000
3,000
4,000
PC Pumps
5,000
6,000
7,000
Hydraulic Lift
8,000
9,000
10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 BPD
Submersible Pump
Gas Lift
ARTIFICIAL LIFT System Efficiency;

includes all mechanical losses
100
80
70
Overall System Efficiency (%)
90
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
PCP
Hydraulic Piston
Pumps
Beam Pump
ESP
Artificial Lift Type
Hydraulic Jet
Pump
Gas Lift
(Continuous)
Gas Lift
(Intermittent)
Artificial Lift
Selection
Making artificial lift decisions is

primarily a process of choosing
the lift method most applicable to
expected surface, reservoir, fluid
and operational conditions
AL Methods Applicability not one size fits all

Rod Pumps
fair
fair
poor
good
poor
poor
poor
fair
very good
very good
good
Hydraulic PumpsPCP's
Gas Lift
PumpsPCP's
fair/good*
fair
good
very good/poor* good
very good
fair/good*
good
poor
fair
fair
fair
fair
fair
excellent
excellent
poor/good very good
good
fair
very good
very good
fair
good
very good
good
very good
very good
poor
good
poor/very good* very good*fair
ESP's
poor
fair
good
fair
fair/good*
good
good
good
good (with VSD)
fair/good*
fair
Condition
Scale
Sand
Paraffin
Corrossion
High GOR
Deviation
Rate
Depth
Flexibility
Temperature
Efficiency
Reciprocating Displacement
Rod Pumps
Rod Pumps combine a cylinder (barrel) and

piston (plunger) with valves to transfer well fluids
into the tubing and lift the fluid to the surface.
Transfer of mechanical energy from surface

via rod string to downhole pump
Rod Pumps
Disadvantages:
Most widely used AL method
Restricted flow and depth
Best understood by field personnel
Susceptible to free gas
Usually the cheapest (where suitable)
Frequent maintenance
Low intervention cost
Remote locations without electricity
Deviated wellbores are difficult (rod and

tubing wear)
Readily accommodates volume changes
Reduced tubing bore
Reliable diagnostic tools available
Susceptible to corrosion
Can often pump below perforations
Potential wellhead leaks
Advantages:
Progressing Cavity
Displacement Pumps
Mechanical
Mechanica energy transfer via rotation
sucker rods (top drive) or electricity
(bottom drive).
Progressing cavity pumps are based on

rotary fluid displacement. This spiral
system consists of a rotor turning inside a
stationary stator.
PC Pumps Applications
Heavy & viscous oils.
Production of solids-laden
fluids.
Medium to sweet crude.
Coal bed methane / gas well
de-watering.
Urban areas.
Agricultural areas.
Lower surface footprint than Beam Pumps
Progressing Cavity Pumps

Disadvantages
Simple two piece design.
Sensitive to overpressure
Excellent for viscous crude
Sensitive to pump off
Resistant to abrasives and solids
Restricted flow rate (< 5000 bpd)
Non-pulsating. Does not gas lock or

emulsify fluid.
Restricted setting depths (< 6500 ft)
Limited operating temp (< 250 F

absolute max)
Not compatible with some chemicals,

H2S and high API Gravity Oils
Oil Gravities from 5 to 42 API
Fairly flexible application method
Efficient power usage
Advantages
Gas Lift
Gas Lift uses additional high

pressure gas to supplement
formation gas. Produced
fluids are lifted by reducing
fluid density in wellbore to
lighted the hydrostatic
column, or back pressure,
load on formations.
Gas Lift as an Artificial Lift Method
By injecting relatively high pressure gas from the surface to a

predetermined depth in the wellbore, the average specific
gravity of the fluid decreases which causes a drop in the well
face pressure (Pwf) generating additional draw-down which
according to Darcys Law- turns on increased fluid production.
Gas lift injection decreases fluid average density, thus the

hydrostatic load on formations is reduced so that available
reservoir energy can cause inflow, and commercial
hydrocarbon volumes can be boosted or displaced to the
surface.
GL Typical System
INFLOW
Gas Lift
Advantages
Disadvantages
Fairly low operational cost
Flexibility - can change rates by
If gas is corrosive it will require treatment
pressures. Also, easy to change gas lift
Possible high installation costs
valves without pulling tubing
Top sides modifications to existing

platforms
High volume lift method 35,000 bpd
typical
Very good for sand / deviated wells
adjusting injection rates and/or
Must have a source of gas
Compressor installation & maintenance
Limited by available reservoir pressure
Hydraulic-Lift Pumping
Systems
Hydraulic systems transfer energy

downhole by pressurizing special
power fluid,
fluid usually water or a light
refined oil or pumped through well
tubing or annulus to a subsurface
pump, which transmits the potential
energy to produced fluids. Common
pumps consist of jets (venturi and
orifice nozzles), reciprocating pistons,
or less widely used rotating turbines.
Advantages of Jet Pumping

No moving parts, can tolerate solids & deviated wellbores
Simplifies completions significantly

Chemicals can be injected with power fluid
No rig required to change zones (tandem well)
Low capital cost per unit production
No rig required to replace pump (due to wear or

productivity changes)
Disadvantages of Jet Pumps

Low system mechanical efficiencies (30%)
High surface maintenance costs if using piston power fluid
pumps
Industry not familiar with system due to past monopoly
supply & poor marketing/product knowledge
High fuel/energy running costs
Hydraulic Piston Pumps

Offered as an alternative to jet pumps
Higher efficiencies (up to 95%)
Reciprocating piston to lift product to surface
Hydraulically retrievable
Similar flexibility in design and application
Ideal Hydraulic Pumping System

RedaHPS + Surface System + Downhole Equipment = A Complete System
Multi-well Installation Driven by RedaHPS
Portable Testing Units
Principles of Operation
Jet pumps can be used as an alternate to Piston pumps
Jet pump assemblies can be shorter and higher flow
Referred to as far back as 1852

First patents for oil wells usage in 1930
They can fit interchangeably into BHAs

Shorter BHAs can be used
Jet Pump Overview

Pumping action achieved with energy transfer
Potential energy (pressure) is converted to kinetic energy in
form of high velocity jet stream
Well fluids intermix at the exit (in throat)

Momentum entrains well fluid
Mixture passes through expanding area (diffuser) slows

down the liquid
Pressure of the mixture must be sufficient to reach the
surface
High pressure fluid passed through the nozzle
Pressure
Head
Velocity
Head
Nozzle and Throat Sections
Jet Pump Overview Contd

No moving parts
Heavy oils, paraffin, gas, sand and corrosives
Reservoir needs relatively strong drive

100 psi / 1000 ft as a guideline
Has to be sufficient tubular space in well

To avoid excessive friction loss
Offer ruggedness, reliability and volume
Flow passages can use exotic materials for:
Jet Pump Overview Contd

Guidelines:
Higher lifts = higher pressure
Production capacities from 50 10,000 bpd

Abrasion resistant nozzles in ceramic, SS or Tungsten
Carbide
Total length of jet pump section can be ~1.5 ft
Gas can lead to reduced return flowing gradient = less HP
PF pressure 2000 4000 psi (5000 psi max)

Maximum well depths 3000 12,000 ft
Performance - Nozzle to Throat Area

Ranges from 20 60% ratio
Selection defines defines:

Effectiveness of power fluid injected
Power fluid to lift
Input horsepower
Higher lift = more pressure = more efficiency (up to

5000 psi max)
Different N to T combinations provide range of lift

capacity
Area Ratio
Fad= An/At
E.G. Large throat to nozzle ratios have higher flow capacities
OBJECTIVE IS TO MINIMIZE HP TO MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY
Where:
Fad= dimensionless area ratio
An= area of nozzle, sq. in.
At= area of throat, sq. in.
N/T Characteristics Examples

High head, low flow pump
When nozzle is 20% of the area of

the throat
When nozzle is 60% of the area of

the throat
Low head, high flow pump
LESS flow area around nozzle for

well fluids to enter
MORE flow area around the nozzle

for well fluids to enter
Low production rate capacity

compared to power fluid rate
High production rate capacity

compared to power fluid rate
Higher injection pressures

required to meet defined lift
Deep wells with high lift may need

this configuration
Shallow wells with low lift
Velocities are typically 200 - 300 fps in throat area!
Equipment Selection
Balancing the Following:
Jet pump components
Will only circulate PF
PF pressure could be too high for required lift
If the throat area is too small = cavitation

Defining minimum annular area is a key part of the design
Power fluid supplied

Goal = minimal HP and maximum production
Friction considerations
Goal = keep losses to a minimum for application
Nozzle too small
Jet Pump Application Range

Tubing
Max Lift
Size
Max Production (B/D)
1-1/4
2-3/8
2-7/8
3-1/2
1,000 B/D
2,500 B/D
8,000 B/D
10,000 B/D
Capacity (Ft.)
10,000 Ft.
15,000 Ft.
15,000 Ft.
15,000 Ft.
Reverse flow retrievable
Flexible production capacity
Deviated & crooked wells
Deep wells
Multiple wells
Offshore platforms
Remote & urban locations
Environmentally friendly
Multiple zones
Economical
Unitized & transportable
Complex well completions
Low Profile
Field repairable
No-moving parts
Sand & solids
Gas & water
Paraffin & heavy oil
Corrosive fluids
DST, well cleaning & testing
Low maintenance
Advantages of Hydraulic Jet Pumps
Piston Pumps
Free Piston Pump Application Range
Max Production (B/D)
at Depth
Max Lift
Capacity (B/D)
2-3/8
2-7/8
3-1/2
4
1317 B/D at 8700 ft.

2400 B/D at 8700 ft.
4007 B/D at 8700 ft.
5005 B/D at 5005 ft.
18,000 Ft.
18,000 Ft.
18,000 Ft.
18,000 Ft.
Advantages of Piston Pumps

Hydraulic retrievable
Flexible production capacity
Deviated & crooked wells
Deep wells
Multiple wells
Offshore platforms
Remote & urban locations Environmentally friendly
Economical
Unitized & transportable
Complex well completions
Low profile
High Efficiency (95%)
Low fluid levels
Multiple zones
Tubing
Size
Typical Hydraulic System
Open Power Fluid System

Power fluid is produced
Casing free installation
Simplest design
Most economical design
Ideal for chemical treatment
Allows circulation of heated fluids
Closed Power Fluid System
Excellent in abrasive, corrosive, and viscous fluids

Excellent in offshore and urban applications
Higher initial capital expense
Minimize power fluid treatment
Piston Pump
Same reciprocating action as rod pump
Ideal for low flow rates
Low intake pressure
Higher efficiency
Maximum drawdown
Standard Wellhead and Downhole

Pump
Electric Submersible
Centrifugal Pump
Systems
Electric submersible systems use

multiple pump stages mounted in
series within a housing, mated
closely to submersible electric
motor on the end of tubing and
connected to surface controls
and electric power by an armor
protected cable.
Transfers electrical energy that
is converted to torque..
ELECTRIC SUBMERSIBLE
PUMPS
ESP
The ESP was introduced as a means of Artificial lift by REDA

in the late 1920s.
There are a wide variety of pump sizes, capacities, motor
horsepower, and voltage ranges for different applications
The Electric Submersible Pumping (ESP) System transfers

electrical energy from the surface to a down hole motor that
converts it into a mechanical force (torque). This rotational
movement turns the pumps impellers and lifts the well fluids
to the surface.
ESP - Motor
Its the heart of the

system since it provides
the torque required by the
downhole pump.
The motor is a three

phase, squirrel cage, two
pole induction design.
Motor - Components
The housing material forms the cover

for the motor and is threaded at both
ends for head and base components.
The stator is composed of the the

housing material for a desired
diameter, the stator core, and the
stator windings (copper
copper wire)
wire .
Stator Laminations
562
540
Motor - Components
The rotor is made up of rotor

laminations that are smaller in
diameter from the stator
laminations and these create
the iron core. Inside each slot
are copper bars with
supporting copper end rings.
Rotor laminations with copper bars
562
540
ESP - Motor Selection
Motors are available in a

number of different Sizes,
Voltages, and Horsepower
ranges depending on the
application
ESP Protector
The protector is located
directly above the motor.
ESP - Functions of the Protector
Couples the torque developed in the motor to

the pump via the protector shaft.
Prevents entry of well fluid into the motor.
Provides pressure equalization.
Houses the bearing to carry the thrust
developed by the pump(s) and keeps it off of
the motor.
Provides a reservoir for the thermal
expansion of the motors oil
ESP Gas Separators

In some applications, there may
be gas produced along with the
oil and water liquids.
If gas is present, then a gas

separator can be installed and
becomes the pumps intake. This
assists in eliminating some of the
gas that might be produced
through the pump.
ESP Pump
The multistage centrifugal pump

consists of numerous impellers
and diffusers (application
dependent) to provide the lift
(pressure) required. The pump
has a discharge head that the
tubing screws into.
ESP - Pumps
A Centrifugal Pump is a machine that moves

fluid by spinning it with a rotating impeller
inside a stationary diffuser that has a central
inlet and a tangential outlet.
The pressure (head) develops against the
inside wall of the diffuser as the curved wall
forces fluid to move in a circular path
upwards and into the impeller and diffuser
above.
One impeller and diffuser make one pump
stage.
stage
Maximum HeadHead-Capacity for Pumps
4.5" Casing
5.5" Casing
7" Casing
15000
10000
5000
0
0
10000
20000
Flow Rate - BPD (60 Hz)
30000
Total Dynamic Head -Feet
20000
Pump
Performance
Curves
ESP's operate at
3,500 rpm on a
60-cycle power
supply or 2,900
rpm on a 50cycle power
supply.
ESP - Power Cable

And Motor Lead Extension
MLE Cable
Power Cable
Electric power is transferred

to the motor through an
electrical cable banded to the
tubing.
ESP - Power Cable

Power Cable consists of three copper
conductor wires extending from the top of the
motor flat cable lead to the wellhead.
Bottom Hole Temp and fluid properties are

critical for the selection of cable.
The electrical cable has been refined
over the years to be used specifically for
oilwell applications.
The size of the cable selected is based

on amperage and voltage drop.
ESP Power Cable

Components
Insulation material - protects and covers the conductor wire

Barrier Jacket - protects and covers the insulation.
Jacket Material - rubber compound designed for temperature,
chemical, and gas considerations.
The exterior armor - the outer shield that holds it all together
The conductor - electrical properties
ESP - Surface Equipment
Transformers
VSDs
J-Boxes
Wellhead Connectors

The Wellhead is the device that is
installed at the surface on the
wellbore casing.
Special wellheads are required to

allow for cable and/or connector
passage.
Purposes: to support the tubing string,

cable & ESP and contain high
pressures conditions often present
within the casing.

Electrical transformers are required
to deliver the correct voltages at the
motor terminals.
Transformers can be either single

phase or three phase.
- Step-down transformers:
- Step-up transformers:
Wellhead
Production
Casing
Drain valve
Check valve
1 joint Tubing
Motor flat cable

Pump
Pump intake
Protector
Pothead
Motor
Perforations.
Primary cable
Motor
controller
Junction
box
Transformers
ESP J Box
A Junction box or vent box:
Allows for any gas to vent that may have migrated

through to the power cable.
Provides easy/safe accessible test point for
electrically checking downhole equipment.
Provides a connection point for the surface cable

from the motor control panel or VSD to the power
cable in the wellbore.
ESP Switchboards
The switchboard is used to energize the motor
The controller also provides the capability to

monitor the REDA Production system with the
use of a recording instrument.
It contains a motor controller which monitors

running parameters and provides protection to
the system.
VSDs
It provides a constant ratio of

between voltage and frequency for
proper operation.
The variable speed controller allows for

flexibility of the downhole system for
flow control capabilities.
ESP s Advantages
Can operate under conditions such as higher bottom hole temperate

with the use of alternative materials.
Can be utilized to test wells by using a portable VSD
Can achieve high production rates

When VSD operated, can offer flexibility to accommodate changing
conditions in time (PI, water cut, Pwf, Pr, etc.)
Can be used at low bottom hole pressures.
Can operate reliably in deviated and offshore wells.
Can sometimes operate below perforations.
ESP s Disadvantages
A pulling unit is required to retrieve the failed ESP, regardless of
failed component.-expensive intervention costs.

High temperatures affect cable and motor insulation.
High dog leg severities are a problem.
Available electrical power for required horsepower.
Use of Switchboards (constant speed) limits the flexibility of
production rates.
Higher gas content can limit system capabilities.
High solids may cause rapid wear and premature failure.
ESP - Summary
Electric submersible systems use multiple pump stages
mounted in series within a housing, mated closely to
submersible electric motor on the end of tubing and
connected to surface controls and electric power by an
armor protected cable.
Wide performance range and versatility (VSD only)
Can operate in deviated wells and off shore
Most efficient and economical lift method on a costper-barrel basis
Tubing must be pulled to change or repair the

downhole components
Depth and Gas Oil Ratio restrict capacity and

operating efficiency
Large volumes of gas can lock up the pump
END
End of Module

2 - Forms of Lift - ESP Methodology

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

2 - Forms of Lift - ESP Methodology

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Major forms of Artificial Lift

INFLOW AND OUTFLOW PERFORMANCE

If Po < Pwf, the well will flow naturally

If Po Pwf, the well will require Artificial Lift

(~94% of wells worldwide)

WELL INFLOW (IPR)

INFLOW PREFORMANCE RELATIONSHIPS

= flowing bottom hole pressure at sandface (psia)

= average reservoir pressure (shut in BHP psi)

= oil flow rate (BPD)

= flow rate (BPD)

= maximum flow rate (Vogel or combination),

= Productivity Index BPD/psi.

Straight line vs. Vogel Graphically

OUTFLOW PERFORMANCE RELATIONSHIP

Pfr = Pressure drop due to friction losses

Pwh = Wellhead Pressure (surface pressures)

Several correlations have been developed to better model mixed flow

Pressure to Head Conversion

Fresh water gradient = 0.433 psi/ft

The concept of Artificial Lift

Lift process transfers energy downhole or decreases

Artificial Lift is needed when reservoir pressures do not

ARTIFICIAL LIFT METHODS OVERVIEW

ARTIFICIAL LIFT METHODS

Beam pump (not SLB)

AL Methods Applicability not one size fits all

Artificial Lift Market 94% of Wells are on AL

World: 845,000 wells

ARTIFICIAL LIFT Application Ranges

10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 BPD

ARTIFICIAL LIFT System Efficiency;

Overall System Efficiency (%)

Artificial Lift Type

Making artificial lift decisions is

AL Methods Applicability not one size fits all

Rod Pumps combine a cylinder (barrel) and

Transfer of mechanical energy from surface

Most widely used AL method

Restricted flow and depth

Best understood by field personnel

Susceptible to free gas

Usually the cheapest (where suitable)

Low intervention cost

Remote locations without electricity

Deviated wellbores are difficult (rod and

Readily accommodates volume changes

Reduced tubing bore

Reliable diagnostic tools available

Can often pump below perforations

Potential wellhead leaks

Progressing cavity pumps are based on

Lower surface footprint than Beam Pumps

Progressing Cavity Pumps

Simple two piece design.

Excellent for viscous crude

Sensitive to pump off

Resistant to abrasives and solids

Restricted flow rate (< 5000 bpd)

Non-pulsating. Does not gas lock or

Restricted setting depths (< 6500 ft)

Limited operating temp (< 250 F

Not compatible with some chemicals,