Sizing, Parametric Investigation and Analysis of Automated Sucker Rod Pump using Beam Pump Simulators

Abstract

Reciprocating piston artificial lift systems are widely adopted especially, for onshore wells. Matching the pump mode to well and reservoir conditions reduces the pumping cost and increases the efficiency of production. Parameters influencing the energy requirement of sucker-rod lifted oil wells are investigated in this study, and new insights are provided for the parametric investigation of design variables required for sizing beam-pumped wells. Two (2) artificial lift simulators are integrated for automated sizing of beam-pumped systems. A sucker-rod artificial lift system is optimally sized for a case study oil well, to obtain the minimum API rating of the pumping unit, sustain the target production rate, and determine the corresponding minimum prime mover required to drive the pump sustainably. Compared to using a single simulator for the case study, the integrated approach reduces the damped and polished rod horsepower by 54.9% and 26.5% respectively, for a corresponding decrease in minimum NEMA D motor size by 38.6%. These key performance indicators demonstrate the benefits of simulator integration in automated sizing of beam pumps.

Keywords

• artificial lift simulator
• energy requirement
• parametric investigation
• prosper
• qrod
• sucker-rod pump