Performance Evaluations of the Different Sucker Rod Artificial Lift Systems

Abstract The majority of oil wells operated throughout the world requires some form of artificial lift during their life cycle. Wells lifted by reciprocating sucker rod pumping systems represent almost more than 70 % of the total artificially lifted oil wells worldwide. As consequence of previous and current global crisis, the pressure on the operators is to maximizing production and net profit out in a very safe and environmentally controlled manner. The primary challenge is to select the suitable system capable to achieve these goals over the life cycle of the well. 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 and filed safety. There are several sucker rod-pumping systems applied all over the world. Each has its different advantages and disadvantage. Selecting the right system technology requires detailed analysis, including well, fluids, reservoir and location. This study will present detailed comparisons between the different systems in the area of production, depth, downhole failures, power saving, safety related to system operations. The comparison will be between the conventional beam, enhanced geometry beam, linear vertical mechanical Long Stroke pumping units and long stroke Wellhead Mounted Hydraulic pumping units systems. This study was undertaken using advanced predictive methods. The results compared with actual field applications from Canada, USA, Latin America and Middle East. The latest technology in sucker rod pumping systems regarding the system’s capabilities as production, depth, optimization, power consumption and control considered in this study.