Ingénierie des réservoirs

On-Pump

Sur pompe : une bouée de sauvetage pour la production pétrolière et gazière

Dans le monde du pétrole et du gaz, "sur pompe" fait référence à une technique essentielle utilisée pour **relancer la production des puits qui ont cessé de couler naturellement**. À mesure que les réservoirs de pétrole et de gaz s'épuisent, la pression à l'intérieur du réservoir diminue, ce qui entraîne une baisse de la production. C'est là qu'intervient la solution "sur pompe".

Voici comment cela fonctionne :

  • Levée artificielle : "Sur pompe" utilise des méthodes de levée artificielle pour amener les fluides du puits à la surface. Ces méthodes créent essentiellement une "pompe" pour surmonter la diminution de la pression du réservoir et maintenir la production.
  • Techniques courantes : Plusieurs techniques entrent dans le cadre de "sur pompe", chacune ayant ses propres avantages et applications :
    • Pompes submersibles électriques (PSE) : Ces pompes sont immergées dans le puits et utilisent des moteurs électriques pour faire remonter le fluide à la surface. Les PSE sont reconnues pour leur grande efficacité et sont couramment utilisées dans les puits à fort taux d'eau.
    • Pompes à tiges : Ce sont des pompes traditionnelles dans lesquelles une tige de pompage est reliée à une pompe en fond de puits. La tige est actionnée par un moteur de surface, créant un mouvement alternatif qui soulève le fluide. Les pompes à tiges sont polyvalentes et conviennent à diverses conditions de puits.
    • Pompes à cavité progressive (PCP) : Ces pompes sont connues pour leur capacité à gérer les fluides à haute viscosité et sont souvent utilisées dans les puits à production de pétrole lourd ou de condensats de gaz.
    • Levée au gaz : Dans cette technique, du gaz comprimé est injecté dans le puits, réduisant le gradient de pression et aidant à faire remonter les fluides à la surface.

Avantages de la pompe sur puits :

  • Production soutenue : La pompe sur puits permet de poursuivre la production des puits qui seraient autrement fermés, prolongeant la durée de vie du réservoir.
  • Efficacité accrue : En optimisant le système de pompage, les opérateurs peuvent augmenter l'efficacité du recouvrement des fluides.
  • Rentabilité : Malgré l'investissement initial, la technologie de la pompe sur puits peut être une solution rentable par rapport au forage de nouveaux puits.

Défis de la pompe sur puits :

  • Installation et entretien : L'installation et l'entretien des systèmes de levée artificielle peuvent être complexes et nécessiter une expertise spécialisée.
  • Panne d'équipement : Les pannes de pompe peuvent entraîner des temps d'arrêt et des pertes de production.
  • Intégrité du puits : Les puits qui ont été fermés pendant une période prolongée peuvent nécessiter des travaux de réparation pour garantir l'intégrité du puits avant d'installer un système de levée artificielle.

Conclusion :

La technologie de la pompe sur puits joue un rôle crucial dans le maintien et l'optimisation de la production de pétrole et de gaz dans les champs matures. En surmontant les limites de la pression de réservoir en baisse, ces techniques permettent aux opérateurs de maximiser le recouvrement et de prolonger la durée de vie économique de leurs actifs. Alors que l'industrie pétrolière et gazière continue d'explorer de nouvelles façons d'accéder et de produire des hydrocarbures, les solutions de pompage sur puits resteront des outils essentiels pour maximiser la production et garantir la viabilité à long terme des opérations pétrolières et gazières.


Test Your Knowledge

On-Pump Quiz

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary purpose of "on-pump" technology in the oil and gas industry?

a) To increase the rate of oil and gas extraction from new wells. b) To transport oil and gas from the wellhead to processing facilities.

Answer

c) To revive production from wells that have ceased flowing naturally.

c) To revive production from wells that have ceased flowing naturally. d) To monitor the pressure and flow rate of oil and gas wells.

2. Which of the following is NOT a common "on-pump" technique?

a) Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs) b) Rod Pumps

Answer

c) Horizontal Drilling

c) Horizontal Drilling d) Progressive Cavity Pumps (PCPs)

3. What is the main advantage of using Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs)?

a) High cost-effectiveness for all well conditions. b) Versatility for various well conditions.

Answer

c) High efficiency, especially in wells with high water cut.

c) High efficiency, especially in wells with high water cut. d) Ability to handle high viscosity fluids.

4. Which of the following is a significant challenge associated with "on-pump" technology?

a) The need for skilled labor to operate the equipment.

Answer

b) The risk of equipment failure leading to production losses.

b) The risk of equipment failure leading to production losses. c) The high cost of installing and maintaining the systems. d) The environmental impact of using artificial lift methods.

5. What is the ultimate goal of implementing "on-pump" solutions in oil and gas production?

a) To reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.

Answer

b) To maximize oil and gas recovery from mature fields.

b) To maximize oil and gas recovery from mature fields. c) To improve the safety of oil and gas production operations. d) To increase the efficiency of drilling new wells.

On-Pump Exercise

Scenario: An oil company has a well that is producing at a declining rate due to a drop in reservoir pressure. The company is considering implementing an "on-pump" solution to revive production.

Task:

  1. Identify two "on-pump" techniques that would be suitable for this scenario, explaining why they are appropriate.
  2. Outline two potential challenges the company might face when implementing these techniques.
  3. Suggest one way to mitigate each of the identified challenges.

Exercise Correction

**1. Suitable "on-pump" techniques:** * **Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs):** ESPs are a good choice for reviving production in wells with a high water cut, which is often the case in declining wells. They are highly efficient and can handle significant water volumes. * **Rod Pumps:** Rod pumps are versatile and can be used in various well conditions, including wells with varying fluid properties. They are also relatively cost-effective compared to other artificial lift methods. **2. Potential Challenges:** * **Installation and Maintenance:** Installing and maintaining ESPs or rod pumps can be complex and require specialized expertise. * **Equipment Failure:** Pump failures are a common problem, leading to downtime and production losses. **3. Mitigating the Challenges:** * **Installation and Maintenance:** The company should partner with experienced contractors who have expertise in installing and maintaining the chosen pump type. They should also invest in regular maintenance and monitoring programs to detect potential issues early. * **Equipment Failure:** To minimize the risk of equipment failure, the company should use high-quality pumps and components. They should also implement a backup system, such as a spare pump, to minimize downtime in case of failure.


Books

  • Petroleum Production Engineering: by Don Watts (This comprehensive textbook covers artificial lift techniques, including on-pump methods, in detail.)
  • Artificial Lift in Oil and Gas Wells: by Abdulhadi A. Al-Hussainy (Provides a deep dive into various artificial lift techniques, with specific sections on ESPs, rod pumps, and gas lift.)
  • Well Stimulation and Artificial Lift: by John P. Brill (This book focuses on various well stimulation techniques, including artificial lift, and how to optimize them for production.)

Articles

  • "Artificial Lift Optimization for Oil and Gas Production" by SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) (This article discusses the importance of artificial lift and provides strategies for optimization.)
  • "A Comparative Study of Artificial Lift Methods for Oil and Gas Wells" by Journal of Petroleum Technology (This article analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of different artificial lift techniques, including on-pump methods.)
  • "Case Study: On-Pump Technology Boosts Production in Mature Field" by Oil & Gas Journal (Find specific examples of how on-pump technology has been successfully applied in real-world scenarios.)

Online Resources

  • SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) website: (Search for "Artificial Lift" or "On-Pump" for a vast database of publications, technical papers, and resources.)
  • Schlumberger website: (Schlumberger is a leading provider of oilfield services, including artificial lift solutions. Their website offers information on their products and services.)
  • Baker Hughes website: (Baker Hughes is another major oilfield services company with a comprehensive artificial lift portfolio. Their website provides information and case studies on their on-pump solutions.)

Search Tips

  • Use keywords like "artificial lift," "on-pump," "electric submersible pumps (ESPs)," "rod pumps," "progressive cavity pumps (PCPs)," and "gas lift" in conjunction with "oil and gas production."
  • Refine your searches by specifying the type of artificial lift technology you're interested in (e.g., "ESPs for oil production").
  • Search for specific case studies or examples of successful on-pump implementations.
  • Look for recent publications and industry news articles to stay updated on advancements in on-pump technology.

Techniques

On-Pump: A lifeline for Oil & Gas Production

Chapter 1: Techniques

On-pump techniques encompass a variety of artificial lift methods designed to overcome declining reservoir pressure and maintain fluid production from mature wells. The choice of technique depends heavily on factors such as well depth, fluid properties (viscosity, gas-oil ratio, water cut), reservoir characteristics, and cost considerations. Key techniques include:

  • Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs): ESPs are submersible centrifugal pumps powered by electric motors located within the wellbore. They are highly efficient, particularly effective in wells with high water cuts, and suitable for high production rates. However, they are susceptible to damage from sand production and require specialized expertise for installation and maintenance.

  • Rod Pumps: These are reciprocating pumps driven by a surface motor connected to a downhole pump via sucker rods. Rod pumps are known for their versatility, reliability, and ability to handle a wide range of fluids. They are relatively simple to install and maintain compared to ESPs but are less efficient at higher production rates and deeper wells.

  • Progressive Cavity Pumps (PCPs): PCPs utilize a rotating helical rotor within a stator to pump fluids. Their ability to handle high viscosity fluids makes them ideal for wells producing heavy oil or gas condensate. They are relatively low maintenance but can be less efficient than ESPs.

  • Gas Lift: This method uses compressed gas injected into the wellbore to reduce the hydrostatic pressure and assist in lifting fluids to the surface. It's particularly useful in wells with high gas-oil ratios but requires a reliable gas supply and careful management to prevent gas coning or other operational issues.

Chapter 2: Models

Modeling plays a crucial role in selecting and optimizing on-pump systems. Accurate reservoir simulation and wellbore flow modeling are essential for predicting production performance and evaluating the effectiveness of different artificial lift techniques. Key modeling aspects include:

  • Reservoir Simulation: This helps predict pressure decline, fluid flow patterns, and the impact of different production strategies on reservoir performance. It helps determine the optimal placement and design of artificial lift systems.

  • Wellbore Flow Modeling: This simulates fluid flow within the wellbore, considering factors like friction, pressure losses, and fluid properties. It is crucial for predicting pump performance and optimizing the design of the pumping system.

  • Artificial Lift System Modeling: Specialized software packages can simulate the performance of different artificial lift techniques, allowing operators to evaluate various configurations and optimize operating parameters. This helps in selecting the most suitable technique and predicting production performance with various pump types and sizes.

  • Economic Modeling: This considers the cost of installation, operation, maintenance, and energy consumption to evaluate the overall economic viability of different on-pump solutions.

Chapter 3: Software

Various software packages are employed in the design, optimization, and monitoring of on-pump systems. These tools leverage the models described in the previous chapter to provide crucial insights and enable better decision-making. Examples include:

  • Reservoir Simulation Software: CMG, Eclipse, and Petrel are examples of widely used reservoir simulators capable of incorporating artificial lift models.

  • Wellbore Flow Simulation Software: Specialized software packages are available for detailed wellbore flow modeling, which is crucial for accurately predicting pump performance and optimizing artificial lift system design.

  • Artificial Lift System Design Software: Software specifically designed for artificial lift system design helps engineers select appropriate equipment, optimize operating parameters, and predict production performance. These often incorporate features for troubleshooting and diagnostics.

  • Production Monitoring and Optimization Software: Software solutions enable real-time monitoring of well performance, providing operators with insights into the health of the artificial lift system and enabling timely interventions to prevent production disruptions.

Chapter 4: Best Practices

Successful on-pump operations require careful planning, execution, and ongoing monitoring. Best practices include:

  • Thorough Well Assessment: A comprehensive well assessment, including logging, pressure testing, and fluid analysis, is crucial for selecting the appropriate artificial lift technique.

  • Proper System Design: The artificial lift system must be properly designed to meet the specific requirements of the well and reservoir. This includes selecting the appropriate pump type, size, and operating parameters.

  • Regular Maintenance and Inspection: Regular maintenance and inspection of the artificial lift system are essential to prevent equipment failures and ensure optimal performance.

  • Real-time Monitoring and Optimization: Real-time monitoring of well performance allows operators to identify problems and make adjustments to optimize production.

  • Effective Training and Expertise: Operators need proper training and experience in operating and maintaining artificial lift systems.

Chapter 5: Case Studies

Numerous case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of on-pump techniques in revitalizing mature oil and gas wells. These case studies highlight the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the resulting improvements in production. Examples could include:

  • Case Study 1: A case study showing the successful implementation of ESPs in a high water-cut well, resulting in a significant increase in production and extended well life.

  • Case Study 2: A case study demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of rod pumps compared to drilling a new well in a specific field scenario.

  • Case Study 3: A case study illustrating the challenges and successes of gas lift implementation in a high-gas-oil-ratio reservoir. This could highlight issues like gas coning and strategies to mitigate them.

These case studies will emphasize the varied applications of on-pump techniques and their contribution to maximizing hydrocarbon recovery and economic viability. Each case study should detail specific well characteristics, the artificial lift method employed, the results achieved, and the lessons learned.

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