Downhole stuffing box aids pumping of heavy crude
Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) has found a new way to produce heavy oil from pumping wells. The key component is a bottomhole stuffing box which reduces the friction of the pumping string during the downstroke. The relatively simple system, already proven successful in the Ebano-Panuco area of Mexico, could be easily applied wherever operators are faced with the task of producing highly viscous oil and coping with the problem of constant sucker-rod string breakage. Basically, Pemex' method consists of a special downhole stuffing box and polished rod anchored at the end of the pumping string. The isolated tubing is filled with water to minimize friction, and the heavy oil is produced through the annular space between the tubing and casing strings. With Pemex' new downhole stuffing box, friction is minimized. Even though the system is applicable to practically any type of completion (any size of tubing and casing), Pemex has found it to be ideally suited for wells having 8-5/8-8in. casing or larger. The accompanying line diagram of a hookup for a well with 8-5/8-in. casing and 3-in. tubing shows the necessary installations. The stuffing box features a groove bolt at the top to allow tightening of a packing element without having to remove the assembly from the hole.
- OSTI ID:
- 5268751
- Journal Information:
- Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 68:38; ISSN OIGJA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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