This paper proposes the use of pump-off controllers to optimize cyclic steam enhanced recovery. This is accomplished by allowing pumping units to operate at constant higher strokes per minute while letting the pump-off controller system monitor the fluid pound dictated by changing well conditions. This concept alleviates the need to change pumping unit speeds as the cycle progresses while ultimately increasing net oil gained per cycle.

Keywords:
steam-assisted gravity drainage, operation, efficiency, artificial lift system, enhanced recovery, production cycle, pump-off controller application, controller, controller system, production control
Subjects:
Artificial Lift Systems, Well & Reservoir Surveillance and Monitoring, Improved and Enhanced Recovery, Beam and related pumping techniques, Thermal methods
Copyright 1981, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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