Journal of Canadian Petroleum Technology
Volume 50, Number 4, April 2011, pp. 59-66

SPE-142862-PA

Pump Intake Pressure Determined From Fluid Levels, Dynamometers, and Valve-Test Measurements

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DOI  More information 10.2118/142862-PA http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/142862-PA

Citation

  • Rowlan, O.L., McCoy, J.N., and Podio, A.L. 2011. Pump Intake Pressure Determined From Fluid Levels, Dynamometers, and Valve-Test Measurements. J Can Pet Technol  50 (4): 59-66. SPE-142862-PA. doi: 10.2118/142862-PA.

Discipline Categories

  • 5.2 Artificial Lift Systems
  • 5.2.2 Electric Submersible Pumps

Keywords

  • pump intake pressure

Summary

Three pump-intake-pressure (PIP) calculation methods available for wells artificially lifted with sucker rods are discussed in detail in this paper. The values of PIP obtained from acoustic fluid-level measurements in wells with moderate pump submergence can yield PIP estimates that agree with those of pump fluid-load analysis. If PIPs determined using these methods do not agree, then the operator must review the data quality and may reduce the deviation by adjusting certain parameters affecting the calculations. Field data for a significant group of wells are used to compare the PIP results of the three methods. The results show that the PIP computed using the maximum and minimum pump dynamometer loads usually calculates a PIP that is too low, while the PIPs computed using the valve test loads are usually too high. Recommendations are presented for quality control of the computed values.

© 2011. Society of Petroleum Engineers

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History

  • Original manuscript received: 31 March 2009
  • Meeting paper published: 17 June 2009
  • Revised manuscript received: 6 August 2010
  • Manuscript approved: 16 September 2010
  • Published online: 29 March 2011
  • Version of record: 1 April 2011