Abstract
New technology has been successfully deployed to reduce the numbers of repetitive failures in conventional rod pump systems and down production associated with failures by using an Electric Submersible Plunger Pump system (ESPP) with a Linear Permanent Magnet Motor (LPMM) in vertical and deviated wells. With this new technology, production efficiency is improved compared to conventional rod pump systems. In addition, wellsite aesthetics are enhanced, which is an important feature of this technology for urban areas. A downhole reciprocating pump is driven by LPMM which replaces a long stroke rod pump that has lower reliability based on frequent failures. The ESPP with LPMM was situated in the well to avoid free gas. The ESPP with LPMM system has achieved steady production due to a unique algorithm that controls the LPMM speed and assists with difficult operational conditions resulting from sand or gas interference. The variable speed drive (VSD) is adapted from a conventional electric submersible pump controller. The motor operating temperature is low due to intermittent loading on the motor and the idle time between each stroke. The power consumption was lower than previous rod pump systems while producing similar production rates. These power measurements show a reduction in power usage of over 50% compared to traditional rod pump systems. Currently, the ESPP with LPMM unit is operating under the initial projected parameters with no failure to date, and a second unit was recently installed in the field. Furthermore, this technology maintains high energy efficiency while eliminating potential leaks from the wellhead stuffing box with a rod string. Thus, there are no methane emissions, very low noise and low surface visual clutter during production activity. Lower cost is derived from the reduction in the number of workover interventions compared to other conventional and unconventional pumping systems.
