Artificial lift

Study Evaluates Ability of Tailpipe Systems To Optimize Artificial Lift in Horizontal Wells

The performance of artificial-lift systems on horizontal wells is greatly influenced by both the volume of gas produced and the tendency for gas slugging.

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The performance of artificial-lift systems on horizontal wells is greatly influenced by both the volume of gas produced and the tendency for gas slugging. With a sucker rod pump (SRP) system, gas slugging leads to gas interference at the pump, reducing system efficiency and equipment run life. With an electrical submersible pump (ESP), gas slugs can cause cycling of the ESP, which may shorten run life significantly. A trial project was launched to evaluate the performance of two tailpipe systems that could be applied to both forms of artificial lift.

Introduction

The two tailpipe systems were tested in a number of wells using SRPs, and one well was tested using an ESP. The goal was to

  • Reduce the frequency and magnitude of slugging behavior seen at the pump
  • Reduce the flowing bottomhole pressure without having to land pumps past the kickoff point (KOP)
  • Improve separation of free gas from the produced fluid before it reaches the pump intake

The two systems differ in both separator design and packer location.

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