University of Zakho
College of engineering
Department: petroleum engineering
Selection of Artificial Lift
Prepared by
Aswan Jomaa
Mohammed Khalid
Zeravan Hazim
Ahmed Bahri
LECTURER: MUSA BERENJKAR
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................2
History of Artificial Lift.............................................................................................3
Types of Artificial Lift................................................................................................4
Gas Lift.................................................................................................................. 4
Rod Pump..............................................................................................................4
Electric Submersible Pump (ESP)..........................................................................5
Progressive Cavity Pump (PCP).............................................................................5
Hydraulic Pump.....................................................................................................5
Plunger Lift............................................................................................................6
Advantage of Artificial Lift........................................................................................7
Increased Production............................................................................................7
Cost-Effective........................................................................................................7
Enhanced Recovery...............................................................................................7
Greater Control.....................................................................................................7
Reduced Risk.........................................................................................................7
Flexibility...............................................................................................................7
Disadvantage of Artificial Lift...................................................................................8
Selection of Artificial Lift..........................................................................................9
Factor Effect the artificial Lift selection..................................................................11
Conclusion..............................................................................................................12
Reference...............................................................................................................13
1
INTRODUCTION
Artificial lift is an essential process in the oil and gas industry to increase
the flow rate of hydrocarbons from a wellbore to the surface when
natural reservoir pressure is not sufficient. The selection of an
appropriate artificial lift method is critical to the profitability of a well
and is influenced by factors such as the well's depth, formation
characteristics, fluid properties, and production rates. The need for
artificial lift arises when the natural reservoir pressure declines, causing
the fluid column to become heavier, making it difficult to flow to the
surface. Artificial lift methods can overcome this problem by reducing
the weight of the fluid column or by increasing the pressure at the
bottom of the wellbore. Artificial lift methods can also help maintain
the production of a well and extend its economic life. Artificial lift
methods have evolved over the years to become more efficient, cost-
effective, and versatile. The most common artificial lift method is rod
pumping, which has been used for decades and is still the preferred
method for many shallow wells with low production rates. However, as
wells become deeper, hotter, and more challenging, other methods
such as gas lift, electric submersible pumps (ESPs), hydraulic pumping,
plunger lift, and progressive cavity pumps (PCPs) have gained
popularity. The selection of an appropriate artificial lift method involves
evaluating the well's production characteristics, fluid properties,
economic factors, and operational considerations. Each method has its
own set of advantages and disadvantages that should be carefully
evaluated to select the most suitable method for a well. This report will
provide an overview of the types of artificial lift methods, their
advantages and disadvantages, and the factors to consider when
selecting a proper artificial lift method for a well.
2
History of Artificial Lift
The use of artificial lift in the oil and gas industry can be traced back to
the late 1800s when wells in Pennsylvania began experiencing declining
natural reservoir pressure. The first successful artificial lift method was
the beam pump, also known as a sucker rod pump or nodding donkey,
which was invented in the 1890s. The beam pump used a reciprocating
motion to lift fluid to the surface, and it quickly became the preferred
artificial lift method for most wells. In the early 20th century, the use of
electricity became widespread, and electric motors were used to power
artificial lift systems. Electric submersible pumps (ESPs) were also
introduced, which could be installed downhole to lift fluid to the
surface more efficiently than rod pumps. However, the high cost of
ESPs limited their use to high-producing wells. During the mid-1900s,
the use of natural gas as an energy source for artificial lift systems
became popular, and gas lift was introduced. Gas lift involves injecting
compressed gas downhole to reduce the weight of the fluid column and
increase the production rate. In the 1970s, progressive cavity pumps
(PCPs) were developed, which could lift viscous and abrasive fluids
more efficiently than other artificial lift methods. The 1980s saw the
introduction of hydraulic pumping, which used a hydraulic piston to lift
fluid to the surface. Today, artificial lift methods have continued to
evolve with advances in technology, and a wide range of methods is
available to suit different well characteristics and production rates.
Modern artificial lift systems incorporate advanced sensors and control
systems to optimize production and minimize downtime. In summary,
artificial lift has been an essential process in the oil and gas industry for
over a century, and the development of new and improved methods
has helped maintain production and extend the economic life of wells.
3
Types of Artificial Lift
Gas Lift: Gas lift is a widely used artificial lift method that uses
compressed gas to lift fluids to the surface. Gas is injected into the
wellbore, reducing the fluid density and allowing the natural reservoir
pressure to lift the fluids to the surface. This method is suitable for
wells with high gas-oil ratios, low bottom-hole pressures, and relatively
shallow depths.
Rod Pump: A mechanical lift method that uses a series of rods and a
surface pumping unit to lift fluids to the surface. Rod pumps are
suitable for wells with low gas-oil ratios and moderate depths.
However, rod pumps require frequent maintenance and can experience
mechanical failures.
4
Electric Submersible Pump (ESP): An electrical lift method that uses
a motor to drive a centrifugal pump located downhole. ESPs are
suitable for wells with high production rates and moderate to high
depths.
Progressive Cavity Pump (PCP): A mechanical lift method that uses a
rotor and stator to move fluids to the surface. PCPs are suitable for
wells with high viscosity and solids content.
Hydraulic Pump: A hydraulic lift method that uses hydraulic fluid to
power a piston or plunger to lift fluids to the surface. This method is
suitable for wells with moderate to high depths and high production
rates.
5
Plunger Lift: A pneumatic lift method that uses compressed gas to lift
a plunger that is installed inside the tubing string, helping to remove
liquids and gas from the wellbore. Plunger lift is suitable for wells with
low production rates and high liquid loading.
The selection of the appropriate method will depend on several factors
such as well depth, production rate, reservoir characteristics, and fluid
properties. A thorough understanding of these factors is essential in
selecting the optimal artificial lift method for a particular well.
6
Advantage of Artificial Lift
Artificial lift offers several advantages in oil and gas production,
including:
Increased Production: Artificial lift methods can increase the
production of hydrocarbons from a well that may have become
depleted or was not producing at optimal levels.
Cost-Effective: Artificial lift methods can be a cost-effective solution to
maximize production, as compared to drilling new wells.
Enhanced Recovery: Artificial lift methods can increase the
percentage of hydrocarbons recovered from a reservoir, increasing
overall production.
Greater Control: With artificial lift, operators can control the rate of
production and optimize the flow of hydrocarbons, minimizing waste
and increasing efficiency.
Reduced Risk: Artificial lift can reduce the risk of well damage or
accidents associated with natural flowing wells, improving safety and
environmental protection.
Flexibility: Artificial lift methods can be adapted to suit the specific
needs of the well and can be modified over time to accommodate
changes in production requirements. In summary, artificial lift methods
can improve hydrocarbon production, reduce costs, enhance recovery
rates, increase control and flexibility, and improve safety and
environmental protection.
7
Disadvantage of Artificial Lift
High initial cost: Artificial lift methods can be expensive to install and
maintain. This can be a significant disadvantage for smaller or marginal
wells. Energy consumption: Artificial lift methods require energy to
operate, which can increase operating costs and carbon emissions.
Maintenance and repair: Artificial lift systems require regular
maintenance and repair to ensure they operate effectively. This can be
a significant expense for oil and gas companies. Equipment limitations:
Different artificial lift methods have specific equipment requirements,
and these may not be suitable for all well types or environments.
Environmental impact: Artificial lift methods can have an environmental
impact, particularly if they require the injection of chemicals or the
release of gases into the environment. Complex operations: Artificial lift
methods can be complex to operate and require skilled personnel to
manage them effectively.
8
Selection of Artificial Lift
Selecting the correct artificial lift method for a well involves a
comprehensive analysis of various factors. Here are the general steps
involved in selecting the right artificial lift method for a well: Evaluate
well and reservoir parameters:
Start by analyzing well and reservoir parameters such as well depth,
formation characteristics, fluid properties, and production rates. This
will help determine the requirements and limitations of the artificial lift
method options.
Assess the available artificial lift methods: The most common artificial
lift methods include rod pumps, gas lift, electric submersible pumps
(ESP), progressive cavity pumps (PCP), plunger lifts, hydraulic pumps,
and jet pumps. Evaluate the advantages and limitations of each
method, including the expected production rate, operating costs,
equipment requirements, and the reservoir and fluid characteristics
that each method can handle effectively.
Analyze past performance: Review the production history of the well,
including production rates and any past artificial lift methods used. This
will help identify any issues and successes with previous methods and
provide insight into the best options going forward.
Conduct nodal analysis: Nodal analysis is a technique used to evaluate
the performance of the well and the selected artificial lift method. It
considers the production rate, reservoir pressure, wellbore pressure,
and fluid properties to identify the most efficient and cost-effective
artificial lift method.
9
Conduct cost analysis: Evaluate the cost of installation, maintenance,
and operating costs of each method. The selected method should be
the most cost-effective and efficient method.
Select the appropriate artificial lift method: Based on the above
analysis select the most appropriate artificial lift method for the well.
Consider factors such as performance, cost-effectiveness, reliability,
and environmental impact.
10
Factor Effect the artificial Lift selection
Selecting the correct artificial lift method for a well involves a
comprehensive analysis of various factors. Here are the general steps
involved in selecting the right artificial lift method for a well: Evaluate
well and reservoir parameters: Start by analyzing well and reservoir
parameters such as well depth, formation characteristics, fluid
properties, and production rates. This will help determine the
requirements and limitations of the artificial lift method options. Assess
the available artificial lift methods: The most common artificial lift
methods include rod pumps, gas lift, electric submersible pumps (ESP),
progressive cavity pumps (PCP), plunger lifts, hydraulic pumps, and jet
pumps. Evaluate the advantages and limitations of each method,
including the expected production rate, operating costs, equipment
requirements, and the reservoir and fluid characteristics that each
method can handle effectively. Analyze past performance: Review the
production history of the well, including production rates and any past
artificial lift methods used. This will help identify any issues and
successes with previous methods and provide insight into the best
options going forward. Conduct nodal analysis: Nodal analysis is a
technique used to evaluate the performance of the well and the
selected artificial lift method. It considers the production rate, reservoir
pressure, wellbore pressure, and fluid properties to identify the most
efficient and cost-effective artificial lift method. Conduct cost analysis:
Evaluate the cost of installation, maintenance, and operating costs of
each method. The selected method should be the most cost-effective
and efficient method. Select the appropriate artificial lift method: Based
on the above analysis, select the most appropriate artificial lift method
for the well. Consider factors such as performance, cost-effectiveness,
reliability, and environmental impact.
11
Conclusion
Artificial lift is a critical method for optimizing oil and gas production in
a variety of reservoir types and well conditions. The advantages of using
artificial lift include increased production rates, cost-effectiveness, and
flexibility. With the application of artificial lift methods, operators can
optimize the productivity of their wells and increase the overall
recovery of hydrocarbons from the reservoir. However, the use of
artificial lift also has several disadvantages, such as high initial
investment, ongoing operational costs, and system complexity. These
factors need to be considered when selecting the appropriate method
of artificial lift for a particular well or field. It is important to evaluate
the reservoir properties, well characteristics, production requirements,
operational considerations, and economic factors to select the most
efficient and cost-effective artificial lift method. Selecting the correct
artificial lift method requires a comprehensive evaluation of several
factors. Reservoir properties, including depth, pressure, temperature,
fluid properties, and production rate, can impact the selection of the
artificial lift method. Well characteristics, such as wellbore size,
deviation, and completion type, can also impact the selection.
Production requirements, such as the desired production rate and
target production levels, are important to consider. Operational
considerations, such as power supply, equipment availability, and
maintenance requirements, also need to be evaluated.
12
Reference
1-Artificial Lift Methods" by Schlumberger Oilfield Glossary
2-Artificial Lift Systems: A Guide to Enhanced Oil Recovery" by Lev Nelik
3-Introduction to Artificial Lift Systems" by PetroSkills
4-Artificial Lift Selection and Optimization: An Overview" by Society of
Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
5-Artificial Lift Engineering Handbook" by ESP, Inc.
13
