Development of a new high-reliability downhole pumping system for large horsepowers

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1983 · J. Pet. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/12299-PA· OSTI ID:5204255

Ryall, M L; Grant, A A

This paper describes the design concepts incorporated in an entirely new patented hydraulically powered downhole pumping system that has been the basis for a major development program undertaken by Weir Pumps Ltd. with the support of two large oil companies and the U.K. Dept. of Energy. This system is shown to be readily adaptable to high-power artificial lift requirements for both oil and water, and typical installations for several different market applications, both onshore and offshore, are described in detail. The comprehensive laboratory and field trials of the prototype units are described, and it is shown that early expectations of a major improvement in reliability offered by the new system have been met fully by the highly successful field performance. The economic implications of this change in potential reliability do not require further emphasis to those experienced in day-to-day artificial lift operations on ''high-producing'' wells, where a 1-day loss of pumping alone can mean several hundred thousand dollars, loss of production revenue--i.e., more than the cost of the pump itself.

• Research Organization: Weir Pumps Ltd.
• OSTI ID: 5204255
• Journal Information: J. Pet. Technol.; (United States), Vol. 35:10
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
OIL WELLS
PUMPING
PUMPS
DESIGN
POWER INPUT
ARTIFICIAL LIFTS
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
HYDRAULIC EQUIPMENT
OFFSHORE SITES
OIL FIELDS
ONSHORE SITES
OPERATING COST
COST
DATA
EQUIPMENT
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
INFORMATION
MINERAL RESOURCES
NUMERICAL DATA
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESOURCES
WELLS
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production