Description:
Horizontal wells that utilize rod pumps often use a gas separator to remove gaseous content from oil prior to pumping. These systems require complicated downhole configurations and expensive packing materials.
This technology provides a simplistic alternative to gas separators that may simultaneously reduce both gas interference and oil well completion costs. The well will be able to effectively pump out just oil, reducing mechanical failures that occur when gaseous content is introduced to the pump. This will also lower the intake pressure at the perfections to result in a lower measured PWF and increased rate. Ultimately, this technology should drastically reduce the need for packers in a horizontal production well and improve the efficiency.
Reference Number: D-1369
Market Applications:
•Oil well pumping
Features, Benefits, & Advantages:
• Simplistic design
• Replaces gas separator and packer
• Inexpensive
• Improves well efficiency greatly
• Decreases pressure measured by PWF
Intellectual Property: A US provisional patent, serial number 62560279, was filed on 9/19/17.
Development Stage: A prototype has been developed and is being tested. Up to 90% efficiency is being achieved.
Researchers:
•Marshall Watson, Petroleum Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
Keywords: Rod pump, Horizontal well, Oil, Gas