Revitalizing Heavy Oil Production A Strategic Transition from Sucker Rod Pumps to Progressive Cavity Pumps

DOI: 10.14800/IOGR.1268

Abstract

This research highlights the critical importance of the oil industry as a vital cornerstone of the global economy. It emphasizes the need for continuous improvements and innovation in oil production techniques to meet the increasing global energy demands. Oil is a key resource that fuels various industries, and its extraction and production require continuous refinement of processes. Pumps play a crucial role in oil production processes, making it essential to explore recent developments in pump technology, with a specific focus on progressive cavity pumps. These pumps represent a highly advanced and forward-thinking innovation that is gaining prominence in the oil and gas sector. The study compares progressive cavity pumps with traditional sucker rod pumps used in the Tishreen field where harsh conditions exist, such as heavy oil of 14 API with unconsolidated sand formation, using PIPESIM. The research findings unequivocally demonstrate that progressive cavity pumps outperform traditional sucker rod pumps both in terms of performance and economic efficiency. Progressive cavity pumps stand out because of their remarkable ability to effectively address challenges such as managing high water-cut ratios and operating under low reservoir pressures while achieving greater efficiency at different production rates. However, the significance of progressive cavity pumps extends beyond superior performance. The study highlights the substantial economic benefits that arise from adopting these pumps. Replacing conventional sucker rod pumps with progressive cavity pumps has been shown to yield significant cost savings while also enhancing profitability within the oil production process.