Abstract
The aim of this paper is to present all relevant information regarding the very first operation of a Progressive Vortex Pump (PVP) string in a production well of a continuous steam injection stimulated field, located in the northeast part of Brazil. The string used had a configuration similar to a typical Progressive Cavity Pump (PCP), with the pump being driven around 1,100 rpm by an electric motor located at the wellhead, through a sucker rod string. The paper will address all relevant information gathered during field operation.
The procedure consisted of running a complete PVP string in a production well from a continuous steam injection stimulated field, for a period of up to six months or until a failure happened. The operation was monitored with a SCADA system acquiring relevant data, like demanded amperage and power from the electric motor and estimated torque at which the sucker rods were subjected. Flow rate tests were performed monthly, with their results enabling the comparison of the pump's performance when pumping water only and production fluid. After the failure, the string was pulled out from the well to be subjected to a thorough analysis in order to determine the root cause.
Running a sucker rod string at 1100 rpm, well beyond the 300 rpm – 400 rpm limit typically found in Progressive Cavity Pumps, showed to be very challenging. At first glance, the present system configuration, with a sucker rod string driven pump, may sound to be a cost effective approach, especially by avoiding the use of a submersible electric motor. With that in mind, the paper will also discuss potential areas to improve overall system lifetime.
Originally, a Progressive Vortex Pump was designed for automotive application, to pump gas from a car's tank to the fuel injection system. Therefore, the system as described in this paper is the very first successful attempt to apply such technology in the oil and gas E&P industry.
The aim of this paper is to present all relevant information regarding the very first operation of a Progressive Vortex Pump string in a production well of a continuous steam injection stimulated field, located in the northeast part of Brazil. The paper will address how to properly configure the variable speed drive, the rod string specification and the flow rate test results.
