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8thAnnual Sucker Rod Pumping
WorkshopRenaissance Hotel
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
September 25 - 28, 2012
Russell Brown,
Lynn Rowlan, James N. McCoy
Positive and Negatives ofTubing Backpressure on GassySucker Rod Lifted Wells
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Frequently Observe Gas Pumped Up
Tubing Impacting Sucker Rod Lifted Well1. Gas Pumped up Tubing can be Detrimental to the
Operation of a Sucker Rod Lifted Well
a) Pump Problems because too Much Gas is Being
Pumped up the Tubing
b) Tubing Unloads while Acquiring Dynamometer Data
c) Pump Action Stops.
d) Various Pump Conditions based on Dynamometer
Card Shapes will be Shown.
2. Will Show Field Dynamometer Data Collected on a
Gassy Sucker Rod Lifted Well Using a Calibrated
Horseshoe Load Cell
Sept. 25 - 28, 20122012 Sucker Rod Pumping Workshop
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On Sucker Rod Well Producing a Lot of
Gas, Symptoms Frequently Seen Are:Gassy Fluid Level Near Surface
0 93.40
1.6
3.1
4.7
6.3
7.8
9.4
10.9
86.0
Fo Max
Fo From Fluid Level
Wrf
Wrf + Fo Max
No Pump Action ~ Weigh Rods in Air
0 93.2
0.35
1.95
3.55
5.15
6.75
8.35
9.95
86.0
Wra
Subtract Weight
Rods in Air and
Pump Card on
Zero Load Line
Sept. 25 - 28, 20122012 Sucker Rod Pumping Workshop
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0 168.0-2.50
0
2.50
5.00
7.50
10.00
12.50
15.00
17.50
20.00
22.50
156.0
Fo Max
Fo From Fluid Level
Wrf
Wrf + Fo Max
Calculated Pump Card Loads:Calculated Pump Card Loads:
SV Open Upstroke:SV Open Upstroke:
Fo Max = (Fo Max = (PdisPdis 0)*0)*ApAp
Fo = (Fo = (PdisPdis -- PintkPintk)*)*ApAp
TV OpenTV Open DownstrokeDownstroke::
Fo = 0Fo = 0
Pump Card Reference Lines:Pump Card Reference Lines:
1.1. Fo MaxFo Max -- assumes pump intakeassumes pump intakepressure is zero, where well providespressure is zero, where well providesno help in lift ing the fluid to the surface.no help in lift ing the fluid to the surface.
2.2. Fo From Fluid LevelFo From Fluid Level -- assumesassumespump intake pressure determined frompump intake pressure determined fromfluid level shot, where wellfluid level shot, where well s PIPs PIP
provides help in lifting the fluid.provides help in lifting the fluid.
3.3. Zero Load LineZero Load Line pump card setspump card setson zero load line because rods in tubingon zero load line because rods in tubingfluid with pressure above and below thefluid with pressure above and below theplunger equal; small friction due to fluidplunger equal; small friction due to fluiddisplacing through TV on down st rokedisplacing through TV on down st roke
Fluid Load Lifted by Rods
Well
Fo ~ Height of Pump Card
Pump CardPump Card ShouldShould Rests on Zero Load Line on Down Stroke.Rests on Zero Load Line on Down Stroke.
Pump Card Near Fo From Fluid Level on Up Stroke.Pump Card Near Fo From Fluid Level on Up Stroke.
Surface Card
Pump Card
4Sept. 25 - 28, 2012
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Steps C - D inPump Operation
Pump acts asa Compressor
Steps CSteps C -- D inD inPump OperationPump Operation
Pump acts asPump acts asa Compressora Compressor
AA
BBCC
DD
Incomplete Pump FillageIncomplete Pump Fillage
Occurs from C to D on Pump CardOccurs from C to D on Pump Card
C)C) Standing Valve closes, when plunger reachesStanding Valve closes, when plunger reachestop of stroke, rods start to untop of stroke, rods start to un--stretch to transferstretch to transferfluid load, Fo, from rods [C] onto tubing [D].fluid load, Fo, from rods [C] onto tubing [D].
D)D) Traveling Valve Opens when pressure in pumpTraveling Valve Opens when pressure in pumpbarrel >= Pump Discharge Pressure,barrel >= Pump Discharge Pressure, PDisPDis..
CC--D) Plunger appliesD) Plunger appliespressure to fluidspressure to fluids
inside pump barrel, toinside pump barrel, to
compress fluids incompress fluids in
Pump barrel andPump barrel and
increase pressure.increase pressure.
at [C] Pb = Pintk
at [D] Pb = Pdis
PDisPDis -- Discharge PressureDischarge Pressure
PBPB -- Pressure in BarrelPressure in Barrel
PintkPintk -- Intake PressureIntake Pressure
5Sept. 25 - 28, 2012
2012 Sucker Rod Pumping Workshop
GassyGassy
WellWell
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Gas thru the Pump Can Result in FlatGas thru the Pump Can Result in Flat
Pump Cards with NO Pump ActionPump Cards with NO Pump Action1)1) TV Stuck OpenTV Stuck Open -- Pump card on Zero Load, Looks l ikePump card on Zero Load, Looks like
Deep Rod Part but often can tag or jar the rods and knockDeep Rod Part but often can tag or jar the rods and knock
the debris out of the pump and rethe debris out of the pump and re--start pump action.start pump action.2)2) SV Stuck OpenSV Stuck Open Plots on the Fo from the Fluid Level linePlots on the Fo from the Fluid Level l ine
3)3) Tubing Blown DryTubing Blown Dry Missing Buoyancy, plots as a flat lineMissing Buoyancy, plots as a flat line
@ a height of@ a height ofWraWra--WrfWrf lbs above the zero load line..lbs above the zero load line..
6Sept. 25 - 28, 2012
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Gas Filled Pump Card Means that Free
Gas is Being Pumped up the Tubing
0 90.6-1.56
0
1.56
3.13
4.69
6.25
7.81
9.38
10.94
12.50
86.0
Fo Max
Fo From Fluid Level
Wrf
Wrf + Fo Max
Strokes 1-146 gas interference ~
gas pumped into the tubing
0 93.2
-1.56
0
1.56
3.13
4.69
6.25
7.81
9.38
10.94
12.50
86.0
Fo MaxFo From Fluid Level
Wrf
Wrf + Fo Max
Stroke 147-186 No Pump Action
7
Gas Compression TV Stuck Open!
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0 90.4-1.56
0
1.56
3.13
4.69
6.25
7.81
9.38
10.94
12.50
86.0
Fo MaxFo From Fluid Level
Wrf
Wrf + Fo Max
0 88.3-1.56
0
1.56
3.13
4.69
6.25
7.81
9.38
10.94
12.50
86.0
Fo MaxFo From Fluid Level
Wrf
Wrf + Fo Max
Gas Through the Pump Can Interfere
with the Normal Valve ActionStroke 187 TV Delay Going on Seat Stroke 188 More Gas Up the Tubing
8
TV Goes on Seat
Gas Compression
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0 94.6-1.56
0
1.56
3.13
4.69
6.25
7.81
9.38
10.94
12.50
86.0
Fo MaxFo From Fluid Level
Wrf
Wrf + Fo Max
0 94.0-1.56
0
1.56
3.13
4.69
6.25
7.81
9.38
10.94
12.50
86.0
Fo MaxFo From Fluid Level
Wrf
Wrf + Fo Max
Flat Pump Card Means No Load
Transfer Between SV and TVStroke 189 Pump Full of Gas Stroke 190-314 SV Open
Some Call This a
Gas Locked Pump
SV Stuck Open and
TV Stays Closed.
9Sept. 25 - 28, 2012
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0 93.4-1.25
0
1.25
2.50
3.75
5.00
6.25
7.50
8.75
10.00
11.25
86.0
Fo Max
Fo From Fluid Level
Wrf
Wrf + Fo Max
0 94.0-1.56
0
1.56
3.13
4.69
6.25
7.81
9.38
10.94
12.50
86.0
Fo MaxFo From Fluid Level
Wrf
Wrf + Fo Max
Pumping Gas Into Tubing, Then Light GassyGradient Unloads Tubing, No Pump Action as
Rods Hanging in Tubing Filled With Gas.Next 470 Strokes Fluids in Tubing Flow Off
Could be called aGas Locked Pump
Load Cell Weighing
Rod Weight in Air
0 89.6-1.56
0
1.56
3.13
4.69
6.25
7.81
9.38
10.94
12.50
86.0
Fo MaxFo From Fluid Level
Wrf
Wrf + Fo Max
Pump Fillage 50%
Lots of Gas up Tubing
Missing Buoyancy
Tubing Liquids Have
Blown Out and Rod
Buoyancy Missing
10
Gas Compression
Sept. 25 - 28, 20122012 Sucker Rod Pumping Workshop
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Additional Tubing BackpressureAdditional Tubing Backpressure
Needed on this WellNeeded on this Well1. Previous Dynamometer Data Acquired Using a
Calibrated Horseshoe Load Cell While the Tubing
Discharge Pressure Was too Low2. Sufficient Backpressure can Prevent Tubing Fluids
from Unloading
Unloading usually Caused by Poor Downhole GasPoor Downhole GasSeparation with Gas Pumped into the TubingSeparation with Gas Pumped into the Tubing
Tubing Fluids Lighten and Tubing Liquids Flow Off.
3. Best to Keep Gas Out of the Tubing by Setting thePump Intake Below the Perforations
4. Or Use an Effective Downhole Gas Separator to Keep
Gas Out of the PumpSept. 25 - 28, 2012
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Use of Backpressure Regulating Valve
on Tubing of a Sucker Rod Lifted Well
Use of Backpressure Regulating Valve
on Tubing of a Sucker Rod Lifted Well1.1. Use of a tubing backpressure regulating valve can maintainUse of a tubing backpressure regulating valve can maintain
pump action and prevent unloading of tubing liquids.pump action and prevent unloading of tubing liquids.
2.2. Excessive gas entering (pumped into) the tubing reducesExcessive gas entering (pumped into) the tubing reducesdifferential pressure across plunger and lightens tubingdifferential pressure across plunger and lightens tubing
fluid.fluid.
3.3. Surface tubing discharge pressure is higher whenSurface tubing discharge pressure is higher when
compared to the surface pressure if no backpressurecompared to the surface pressure if no backpressure
regulating valve were present.regulating valve were present.
4.4. Backpressure increases differential pressure across theBackpressure increases differential pressure across the
plunger and increases the tubing fluid gradient, whichplunger and increases the tubing fluid gradient, whichallows pump action to be maintained.allows pump action to be maintained.
5.5. Additional tubing backpressure potentially increasesAdditional tubing backpressure potentially increases
operating cost tooperating cost to Maintain Pump ActionMaintain Pump Action
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Tubing Backpressure Impact on
Pump with 50% Fillage
Tubing Backpressure Impact onTubing Backpressure Impact on
Pump with 50% FillagePump with 50% Fillage
0 86.0-2.50
0
2.50
5.00
7.50
10.00
12.50
15.00
74.1
Fo Max
Fo From Fluid Level
Wrf
Wrf + Fo Max
425 Psi Tubing Backpressure
PR HP = 3.3
200 Psi Tubing Backpressure
PR HP = 2.9
PPRL = 11935 Lbs
MPRL = 6639 LbsMPRL = 5936 Lbs
PPRL = 12149 Lbs
SPM = 5.90SPM = 5.88
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1.1. BackpressureBackpressure
regulating valve usedregulating valve used
to increase the tubingto increase the tubingpressurepressure..
2. Additional tubingbackpressure resultsin increased pressureon the pumpdischarge and
requires additionalhorsepower at thepump to lift the fluidsto the surface
Backpressure
on Tubing
BackpressureBackpressure
on Tubingon Tubing
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Using a Backpressure Valve can
Prevent Unloading Up The TubingGas Flowing through Pump OR PumpedGas Flowing through Pump OR Pumped into Tubinginto Tubing
Backpressure valve maintains high tubing pressure toBackpressure valve maintains high tubing pressure to
prevent gas from blowing all of the liquid out of tubingprevent gas from blowing all of the liquid out of tubing Without BPR Pump action erratic & discharge may STOPWithout BPR Pump action erratic & discharge may STOP
Flow
Harbison-FischerModel Illustrated
Increase Pressure by Compressing SpringPressure
Gage
Spring Force
BPVBPV
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Some Stuffing Boxes Can Increase
Friction on Polished Rod
Some Stuffing Boxes Can IncreaseSome Stuffing Boxes Can Increase
Friction on Polished RodFriction on Polished Rod1.1. Tubing Backpressure ActingTubing Backpressure Acting
On Some Types Of Stuff ingOn Some Types Of Stuff ing
Boxes Can Result InBoxes Can Result InAdditional Friction Applied ToAdditional Friction Applied To
the Polished Rod.the Polished Rod.
2.2. Pump Card Shows ThePump Card Shows The
Impact From The AdditionalImpact From The AdditionalFriction If Not Removed byFriction If Not Removed by
Calculations at the Surface.Calculations at the Surface.
3.3. Extra Stuffing Box Friction:Extra Stuffing Box Friction:
a)a) Increases Horse PowerIncreases Horse Power
b)b) Increases Upstroke LoadsIncreases Upstroke Loads
c)c) Decreases Down StrokeDecreases Down Stroke
LoadsLoads
FrictionFriction
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1.1. Compare BackCompare Back--
pressure regulatingpressure regulating
valve used tovalve used toincrease the tubingincrease the tubing
pressure from 250pressure from 250
and 1000 Psigand 1000 Psig
2.2. BackpressureBackpressurereduces the polishedreduces the polished
rod load (the polishedrod load (the polished
rod load is reduced byrod load is reduced by
a piston force equal toa piston force equal tothe backpressurethe backpressure
times the area of thetimes the area of the
polished rod).polished rod).18
Back-
Pressure
BackBack--
PressurePressure
Piston Force = BackpressurePiston Force = Backpressurex Area of Polished Rodx Area of Polished Rod
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Compare
250 to 1000 Psig Backpressure
Compare
250 to 1000 Psig Backpressure
Load-
Klbs
Stroke Length - Inches
Tubing Head Pressure 250 Psig Tubing Head Pressure 1000 Psig
PPRL= 12057 PPRL=13046
MPRL= 6568MPRL= 5795
Pump HP = 7.0
Pump HP = 3.1
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Use of Backpressure Regulating Valve
on Tubing Results in Lower Efficiency1.1. Increased the tubing fluid gradientIncreased the tubing fluid gradient
2.2. Increased the fluid load applied by the pump to the rodsIncreased the fluid load applied by the pump to the rods
3.3. Increased polished rod horsepowerIncreased polished rod horsepower
4.4. Increased Rod loading with Higher Stress Range.Increased Rod loading with Higher Stress Range.
5.5. Increased the load on the prime moverIncreased the load on the prime mover
6.6. Reduced the plunger effective stroke length due toReduced the plunger effective stroke length due to
increased static stretchincreased static stretch
7.7.
Reduced in the pumping speed, due to motor sl ipReduced in the pumping speed, due to motor sl ip
8.8. Reduced the effective pump displacementReduced the effective pump displacement
9.9. IncreasedIncreased frictional forces the stuffing box applies to thefrictional forces the stuff ing box applies to the
polished rod.polished rod.Sept. 25 - 28, 2012 2012 Sucker Rod Pumping Workshop
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Observations/Recommendations
1.1. Gassy Wells Difficult to Sucker Rod PumpGassy Wells Difficult to Sucker Rod Pump
2.2. Horizontal LateralsHorizontal Laterals can Unload a LOT OF GAScan Unload a LOT OF GAS3.3. Sufficient Backpressure on Tubing can ImproveSufficient Backpressure on Tubing can Improve
the performance of Gassy Rod Pumped Wellsthe performance of Gassy Rod Pumped Wells
4.4. Use Backpressure ONLY IF a well is Flowing OffUse Backpressure ONLY IF a well is Flowing Off
due to TOO Much Gas Produced Up the Tubingdue to TOO Much Gas Produced Up the Tubing
5.5. If the tubing unloads and pump action stops,If the tubing unloads and pump action stops,then try 200then try 200--300 Psi of backpressure on the300 Psi of backpressure on the
tubing BUT use more if required by welltubing BUT use more if required by well
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Benefits of Backpressure1.1. Maintain Pump ActionMaintain Pump Action
2.2. Reduced Well Intervention by theReduced Well Intervention by theOperatorOperator
3.3. Significantly Reduced Stuffing Box LeaksSignificantly Reduced Stuffing Box Leaks
4.4. More Consistent Production From DayMore Consistent Production From Day--toto--
Day.Day.
5.5. Backpressure May Increases OperatingBackpressure May Increases Operating
Cost, But Allows You to Pump the WellCost, But Allows You to Pump the Well
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Display the presentation at the Workshop.
Place it on the www.alrdc.com web site, with access to the site to be
as directed by the Workshop Steering Committee. Place it on a CD for distribution and/or sale as directed by the
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Other use of this presentation is prohibited without the expressedwritten permission of the author(s). The owner company(ies) and/orauthor(s) may publish this material in other journals or magazines ifthey refer to the Sucker Rod Pumping Workshop where it was firstpresented.
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DisclaimerThe following disclaimer shall be included as the last page of a Technical Presentation orContinuing Education Course. A similar disclaimer is included on the front page of the SuckerRod Pumping Web Site.
The Artificial Lift Research and Development Counci l and its officers and trustees, and the Sucker
Rod Pumping Workshop Steering Committee members, and their supporting organizations andcompanies (here-in-after referred to as the Sponsoring Organizations), and the author(s) of thisTechnical Presentation or Continuing Education Training Course and their company(ies), prov idethis presentation and/or training material at the Sucker Rod Pumping Workshop " as is" withoutany warranty of any kind, express or implied, as to the accuracy of the information or the productsor services referred to by any presenter (in so far as such warranties may be excluded under anyrelevant law) and these members and their companies will not be liable for unlawful actions andany losses or damage that may result f rom use of any presentation as a consequence of any
inaccuracies in, or any omission from, the information which therein may be contained.The views, opinions, and conclusions expressed in these presentations and/or training materialsare those of the author and not necessarily those of the Sponsoring Organizations. The author issolely responsible for the content of the materials.
The Sponsoring Organizations cannot and do not warrant the accuracy of these documentsbeyond the source documents, although we do make every attempt to work from authoritativesources. The Sponsoring Organizations provide these presentations and/or training materials asa service. The Sponsoring Organizations make no representations or warranties, express orimplied, with respect to the presentations and/or training materials, or any part thereof, includingany warrantees of title, non-infr ingement of copyright or patent rights of others, merchantability, orfitness or suitability for any purpose.
Sept. 25 - 28, 20122012 Sucker Rod Pumping Workshop