Journal of Canadian Petroleum Technology
Volume 51, Number 1, January/February 2012, pp. 74-81

SPE-136690-PA

Improving Progressing-Cavity-Pump Performance Through Automation and Surveillance

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DOI  More information 10.2118/136690-PA http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/136690-PA

Citation

  • Woolsey, K.A. 2012. Improving Progressing-Cavity-Pump Performance Through Automation and Surveillance. J Can Pet Technol  51 (1): 74-81. SPE-136690-PA. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/136690-PA.

Discipline Categories

  • 5.1.4 Monitoring and Control
  • 5.2.7 Progressing Cavity Pumps
  • 5.7 Operations Management
  • 5.3.5 Scale, Sand, Corrosion, and Clay Migration Control
  • 4.4.1 Process Control and Automation
  • 4.4.2 SCADA

Keywords

  • pump off control, automation, optimization, SCADA

Summary

To extend the run life of the pump while producing all available fluid is the goal of all progressing-cavity-pump (PCP) operators. The primary challenge is to do so without starving the pump and causing damage to the stator. The petroleum industry has been searching for years to find a reliable way to control PCPs for pumpoff. Several methods have been used, from monitoring torque to manual fluid levels. To date, none of these have been commercially successful. A method for controlling these wells has been developed combining wedge flowmeter technology and microprocessor control of both electric motors using variable-frequency drives and hydraulic motors using proportional control valves. This method has proved to be accurate and reliable, extending the run life while producing all available fluids.

Combining this automated technology at the well with a Web-based system that feeds back real-time data to a dedicated surface-control-and-data-acquisition (SCADA) host allows PCP technical experts to diagnose problems and operators to respond quickly to changing well conditions.

This presentation discusses the advances in automation and optimization of PCPs. The method will be explained, and field-study results showing actual well tests will be presented.

© 2012. Society of Petroleum Engineers

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History

  • Original manuscript received: 19 November 2010
  • Meeting paper published: 12 September 2010
  • Revised manuscript received: 13 September 2011
  • Manuscript approved: 22 September 2011
  • Published online: 24 January 2012
  • Version of record: 30 January 2012