Benefits of Slow-Speed Pumping

Paul M. Bommer, U. of Texas at Austin, and David Shrauner, Bommer Engineering Co.

One of the most significant operating costs (frequently the largest) associated with sucker-rod pumping is the expense of pulling and repairing the rods, pump, and tubing. Many wells are pulled for repairs so often that they are marginally economic. This problem is made worse by the days of lost production associated with the downtime. This work demonstrates how pumping slowly can solve these difficulties, making marginal wells economic over a long period of time.

Technology Today Series - SPE 103359 (2.41 MB)

David Shrauner, Operations Manager, Bommer Engineering Co., has 40 years of oil and gas experience in drilling, completion, and production. He started as a roughneck in west Texas and has attended South Plains College and Texas A&M U. Paul Bommer, SPE, is a senior lecturer in petroleum engineering at U. of Texas at Austin. He has 25 years of operational experience. His interests include artificial lift and wellbore stability. He holds BS, MS, and PhD degrees in petroleum engineering from U. of Texas at Austin.