Overview of Artificial Lift Systems

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Kermit E. Brown, SPE, U. ofTulsa

Summary
This paper gives guidelines to assist in the selection of One serious limitation to artificial lift installations has
artificial lift methods. The most important guideline is been the installation of small casing sizes, which limits
determination of the flow rates possible by each method. the installation to specific tubing sizes to obtain the ob-
This requires preparation of pressurelflow rate diagrams jective flow rate and, in particular, limits the size of
combining well-inflow performance relationships with retrievable gas lift equipment and/or pumping equip-
tubing intake curves. The tubing intake curve includes ment. The installation of gas-lift mandrels that accept
pressure loss in the complete piping system and/or only I-in. (2.5-cm) OD gas-lift valves is common in the
pressure gains by the pumping method. Many other fac- U.S., and serious limitations on gas passage volumes are
tors other than rate, such as location, retrievability by imposed on the system with this small valve. Also, the
wireline, corrosion, paraffin, scale deposition, cost, better performance characteristics of the IIh-in.
operating life, and others, influence the final selection of (3.8I-cm) OD valve are lost. For the pumping systems,
lift equipment. the smaller capacity pumps must be used in the smaller
Introduction casing sizes, and sometimes the advantage of retrievable
pumps is lost.
This paper provides an overview of artificial lift systems Surface-space limitations become an important factor.
and gives guidelines indicating when one system is better For example, if large compressors for gas lift or large
to use than another. Advantages and disadvantages are generators for electrical pumping are anticipated for off-
given with examples in the selection oflift methods. shore platforms, provisions must be made in the original
This list represents the relative standing of lift systems design to allow for both weight and space on the plat-
based on the number of installations throughout the forms. Some engineers are invariably optimistic about
world: (1) sucker rod pumping (beam pumping), (2) gas natural flow in the planning stage, and in many instances
lift, (3) electric submersible pumping, (4) hydraulic they still maintain that artificial lift will not be required
piston pumping, (5) hydraulic jet pumping, (6) plunger during the life of a field. This leads to very poor plan-
(free-piston) lift, and (7) other methods. This differs ac- ning, especially on offshore facilities.
cording to field, state, and country. In the design of artificial lift systems for a well, it is
New lift systems are being developed and tested con- recommended that it initially be treated as if it were a
tinually. The lifting of heavy viscous crude oils requires flowing well-i.e., a production systems graph should
special attention, and methods designed specifically for be prepared to see if the well is capable of flowing and, if
this purpose are being tested. Wells located offshore and it is, at what rate. The artificial lift analysis can be placed
in deep water present specific problems, and surface- on the same plot. Numerous flowing wells will show in-
space limitations become important. The artificial lift creased flow rates when placed on artificial lift.
method should be considered before the well is drilled. The purpose of any artificial lift system is to create a
Obviously this cannot be done on wildcat wells, but it predetermined tubing intake pressure such that the reser-
must be done on all subsequent development wells. The voir may respond and produce the objective flow rate.
drilling program must be set out to ensure hole sizes that The design and analysis of any lifting system can be
permit adequate casing and tubing sizes. divided into two main components. The first is the reser-
0149-213618210010-9979$00.25
voir component (inflow performance relationship),
Copyright 1982 Society of Petroleum Engineers of AIME which represents the well's ability to produce fluids. The
2384 JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY
 TABLE 1-RELATIVE ADVANTAGES OF ARTIFICIAL LIFT SYSTEMS·

Hydraulic Electric Submersible Hydraulic

Rod Pumping Piston Pumping Pumping Gas Lift Jet Pump Plunger Lift
Relatively simple Not so depth limited- Can lift extremely Can handle large Retrievable without Retrievable without
system design. can lift large volumes high volumes, volume of solids with pulling tubing. pulling tubing.
from great depths, 20,000 BID minor problems.
Units easily changed 500 BID (79.49 m 3 /d), (19078 m 3 /d), in Has no moving parts. Very inexpensive
to other wells with from 15,000 ft shallow wells with Handles large volume installation.
minimum cost. (4572 m). Have been large casing. Currently in high-PI wells No problems in
installed to 18,000 ft lifting ± 120,000 BID (continuous lift), deviated or crooked Automatically keeps
Efficient, simple (5486.4 m). (19068 m 3 /d) from 50,000 BID holes. tubing clean of
and easy for field water supply wells in (7949.37 m 3 /d). paraffin, scale.
people to operate. Crooked holes present Middle East with Unobtrusive in urban
minimal problems. 600-hp (448-kW) units; Fairly flexible- locations. Applicable for high
Applicable to slim 720-hp (537-kW) convertible from gas oil ratio wells.
holes and multiple Unobtrusive in urban available, 1,OOO-hp continuous to Applicable offshore.
completions. locations. (746-kW) under intermittent to Can be used in

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development. chamber or plunger Can use water as a conjunction with
Can pump a well down Power source can be lift as well power source. intermittent gas lift.
to very low pressure remotely located. Unobtrusive in urban declines.
(depth and rate locations. Power fluid does not Can be used to unload
dependent). Analyzable. Unobtrusive in urban have to be so clean liquid from gas wells.
Simple to operate. locations. as for hydraulic
System usually is Flexible-can usually piston pumping.
naturally vented for match displacement Easy to install Power source can be
gas separation and to well's capability downhole pressure remotely located. Corrosion scale
fluid level soundings. as well declines. sensor for telemetering emulsion treatment
pressure to surface via Easy to obtain easy to perform.
Flexible-can match Can use gas or cable. downhole pressures
displacement rate to electricity as and gradients. Power source can be
well capability as well power source. Crooked holes present remotely located and
declines. no problem. Lifting gassy wells can handle high
Downhole pumps can is no problem. volumes to 30,000 BID
Analyzable. be circulated out in Applicable offshore. (4769.62 m 3 /d).
free systems. Sometimes serviceable
Can lift high- Corrosion and scale with wireline unit.
temperature and Can pump a well treatment easy to
viscous oils. down to fairly low perform. Crooked holes present
pressure. no problem.
Can use gas or Availability in
electricity as power Applicable to different size. Corrosion is not
source. multiple completions. usually as adverse.
Lifting cost for high
Corrosion and $cale Applicable offshore. volumes generally Applicable offshore.
treatments easy to very low.
perform. Closed system will
combat corrosion.
Applicable to pump
off control if Easy to pump in
electrified. cycles by time clock.

Availability of Adjustable gear box

different sizes. for Triplex offers
more flexibility.
Hollow sucker rods
are available for Mixing power fluid
slim hole completions with waxy or viscous
and ease of inhibitor crudes can reduce
treatment. viscosity.

Have pumps with

double valving that
pump on both
upstroke and
downstroke.

*Reprinted with permission from S. Gibbs. Nabla Corp., Midland, TX, with modifications by K. Brown. 1

second component represents the entire piping and ar- plan, surface facilities, location, available power
tificial lift system. This includes separator, flowline, sources, operating problems, completion type, automa-
flowline restrictions such as chokes, tubing string, tub- tion, operating personnel, service availability, and
ing string restrictions such as safety valves, and the ar- economics. Tables I and 2 I summarize the advantages
tificial lift mechanism itself. Tubing intake pressures and the disadvantages of the principal methods that are
then can be determined for varying flow rates, and when commonly used.
this intake curve is placed on the same plot as the IPR
curve, the rate for a particular lift method can be deter- Factors To Consider in Design
mined.
These factors should be considered in the selection of Liquid Productive Capacity of the Well
artificial lift equipment: producing characteristics, fluid The desired rate from a particular well is the most
properties, hole characteristics, long-range recovery significant factor in selecting the lift method. It is impor-
OCTOBER 1982 2385
 TABLE 2-RELATIVE DISADVANTAGES OF ARTIFICIAL LIFT SYSTEMS'

Electric Submersible Hydraulic Jet

Rod Pumping Hydraulic Pumping Pumping Gas Lift Pumping Plunger Lift
Crooked holes present Power oil systems are Not applicable to Lift gas is not Relatively inefficient May not take well to
a friction problem. a fire hazard. multiple completions. always available. lift method. depletion; hence,
eventually requiring
High solids Large oil inventory Only applicable with Not efficient in Requires at least 20o,-t, another lift method.

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production is required in power oil electric power. lifting small fields submergence to
troublesome. system which detracts or one well leases. approach best lift Good for low-rate
from profitability. High voltages efficiency. wells only normally
Gassy wells usually (1,000 V) are Difficult to lift less than 200 BID
lower volumetric High solids necessary. emulsions and Design of system is (31.8 mid).
efficiency. production is viscous crudes. more complex.
troublesome. Impractical in Requires more
Is depth limited, shallow, low-volume Not efficient for Pump may cavitate engineering
primarily due to rod Operating costs are wells. small fields or under certain supervision to adjust
capability. sometimes higher. one-well leases if conditions. properly.
Expensive to change compression
Obtrusive in urban Usually susceptible equipment to match eqUipment is Very sensitive Danger exists in
locations. to gas interference- declining well required. to any change in plunger reaching too
usually not vented. capability. backpressure. high a velocity and
Heavy and bulky in Gas freezing and causing surface
offshore operations. Vented installations Cable causes hydrate problems. The producing of free damage.
are more expensive problems in handling gas through the pump
Suseptible to because of extra tubulars. Problems with dirty causes reduction in Communication
paraffin problems. tubing required. surface lines. ability to handle between tubing
Cables deteriorate liquids. and casing required
Tubing cannot be Treating for scale in high Some difficulty in for good operation
internally coated below packer is temperatures. analyzing properly Power oil systems unless used in
for corrosion. difficult. without engineering are fire hazard. conjunction with gas
System is depth supervision. lift.
H 2 S limits depth at Not easy for field limited, 10,000 ft High surface power
which a large volume personnel to (3048.0 m). due to Cannot effectively fluid pressures are
pump can be set. troubleshoot. cable cost and produce deep wells required.
inability to install to abandonment.
Limitation of Difficult to obtain enough power
downhole pump design valid well tests in downhole (depends Requires makeup gas
in small diameter low volume wells. on casing size). in rotative systems.
casing.
Requires two strings Gas and solids Casing must
of tubing for some production are withstand lift
installations. troublesome. pressure.

Problems in treating Not easily analyzable Safety problem with

power water where unless good high pressure gas.
used. engineering
knowhow.
Safety problem for
high surface pressure Lack of production
power oil. rate flexibility.

Loss of power oil in Casing size

surface equipment limitation.
failure.
Cannot be set below
fluid entry without
a shroud to route
fluid by the motor.
Shroud also allows
corrosion inhibitor
to protect outside
of motor.

More downtime when

problems are
encountered due to
entire unitbeing
downhole .

• Reprinted with permission from S. Gibbs, Nabla Corp., Midland, TXt with modifications by K. Brown. 1

2386 JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY

tant to have sufficient data to construct pressurelflow
rate diagrams, such as inflow performance curves shown
in Fig. 1. This determination also is critical, depending
on whether the objective flow rate is less that the max-
imum. An economic limit is reached when profits de-
rived from increased oil production are offset by addi-
t
PRESSURE
tional costs. '-----I INFLOW
To compare rates of different lift methods properly, it PERFORMANCE
is necessary to establish tubing intake curves for each lift CURVE)
system (Fig. 2). The solution position for rate determina-
tion in Fig. 2 is taken at the bottom of the well, opposite
the completion interval. The intersection of each intake
curve with the well inflow performance (IPR) curve
shows the flow rate for a particular lift method. The rates

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°O~~----~--------------
possible by each method will change depending on well RATE.
conditions. Each well must be evaluated separately, and
many factors control the flow rate. For example, the rate
Fig. 1-Typical inflow performance curves.
by gas lift may exceed all other methods if relatively
high volumes of free gas must be handled by the pump-
ing mechanism, whereas electrical pumping may show
higher rates for high productivity water wells and low
GOR oil wells. NATURAL FLOW (NF)
The procedures for preparation of these intake curves BEAM PUMP (BP)
has been presented by Agena. 2 A short summary of the HYDRAULIC
PISTON - PUMPING (HP)
method of preparation is presented here. It is suggested JET PUMPING (JP)
that the first intake curve for any well will be prepared GAS LIFT (GL)
__~-ELECTRICAL
assuming that the well will flow naturally. Fig. 3 shows PUMPING (EP)
that this well does flow naturally. If the tubing intake
curve falls above the IPR curve as noted in Fig. 3, the
well is dead. •
PRESSURE

Procedure for Preparation of Tubing Intake Curves.

The tubing intake curve is prepared independently of the
IPR curve (see Figs. 4a, 4b, and 4c). To prepare these
curves, all pressure losses must be accounted for starting
from the separator and summing up all losses and gains
(in case of pumps) to the bottom of the well. All restric-
Fig. 2-Tubing intake curves for artificial lift systems.
tions such as surface chokes, safety valves, and
downhole restrictions must be accounted for.
A brief description of the preparation of these curves is
given in the following discussions and starts with the
flowing well.

The Flowing Well. Fig. 5 shows the various losses in

pressures and corresponding pressure traverses for a
flowing well. For clarification, this is divided into sur-
face and downhole segments.
For the simple system, the various restrictions such as
surface chokes, etc. may be eliminated. Note that all
losses are additive, beginning with the separator (con-
stant pressure vs. rate for most applications). To con- t
PRESSURE
struct tubing intake curves for a pressure vs. flow rate
diagram, it is necessary to assume flow rates and to
determine the corresponding tubing intake pressures.
Typical results are shown in Fig. 4.
The solution node or position can be taken anywhere
in the system. Often it is taken at the wellhead or the
separator to emphasize the effect of certain segments of
the system. Fig. 6 shows a wellhead pressure solution,
which isolates the effect of the flowline. Fig. 7 shows
RATE +
the solution taken at the separator to emphasize the effect
Fig. 3-Dead well.
of separator pressure.
The separator pressure becomes increasingly impor-
tant in rotative compressor gas-lift installations because
OCTOBER 1982 2387
 •
.
PRESSURE
PRESSURE

RATE ~

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c

RATE~

•
PRESSURE STABLE
RATE

.
PRESSURE
RATE~

RATE
b
~ •
PRESSURE

RATE~
e
Fig. 4-(a) dead well, (b) dead well, (c) dead or severe heading well, (d) well flowing at Position 2, (3) stable flow.

the separator pressure controls the suction pressure to the a logical solution point. The tubing intake pressure curve
compressor and, hence, controls horsepower re- represents the entire piping system, including separator
quirements. pressure, flowline, any restrictions, and the tubing.
By taking the solution at the surface (Fig. 9), the pip-
Gas-Lift Well. The preparation of tubing intake curves ing system has been separated. One curve represents the
is more complex for gas-lift wells. This is because the in- separator pressure and flowline; the other curve incor-
jection gas/liquid ratio becomes an additional unknown porates the tubing string and IPR of the well. Both solu-
quantity. Figs. 8 and 9 show typical continuous flow tions may be advisable.
gas-lift system plots, including a horizontal flowline. A final gas-lift well performance curve of oil flow rate
For gas-lift wells, the solution point to determine rate vs. gas injection rate can be obtained from either plot.
usually is taken at one of two nodes, at the bottom of the This final plot is essential for optimization (Fig. 10). For
well or at the top of the well. Figs. 8 and 9 show the optimal allocation of gas to one well of a group, this type
solution to the same problem taken at both nodes. If the of curve is necessary.
solution point is taken at the bottom of the well, the well
capability can be isolated. For IPR's at different average Pumping Systems. The preparation of tubing intake
reservoir pressures, the node at the bottom of the well is curves for pumping systems can be relatively simple, for
2388 JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY
 SURFACE
CHOKE

SAFETY
VALVE

TUBING INTAKE PRESSURE.

t
WELLHEAD
SEPARATOR PRESSURE + PRESSURE ---FLOWLINE
t
VERTICAL
6PFLOWLINE + 6PCHOKE+ ISOLATED
6PTUaiNG +6P SAFETy YALY£+
DOWN HOLE•
RESTRICTION
6PIt£STltICTION

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P, RATE.

Fig. 6-Solution at wellhead.

a
SEPARATOR
o PRESSURE
ISOLATED
SEPARATOR PRESSURE

SEPARATOR
t
PRESSURE SEPARATOR
LENGTH PRESSURE
I
+ PRESSURE
6P
CHOKE 2
DOWNSTREA",M~__~~____~ 3
OF CHOKE - WELLHEAD
PRESSURE

o
PRESSURE +
b
Fig. 7-Effect of separator pressure.
o

BETWEEN SAFETY VALVE AND

DOWNHOLE RESTRICTION ~ TU8tNG SIZ£' 2.441 •. I.D.
e. FLOWLINE 1IZi!' 2.Il00 II.'.D.
DEPTH 112 CASIWII PRES_' .00 'I'

+ r
2000

400
o TUBING INTAKE
PRESSURE + PRESSURE
o 400 800 I
c PIIODUCTION ..ATE leLPD'

Fig. 5-(a) total piping system, (b) flowline pressure traverse, Fig. 8-Gas-lift solution node at bottom of well.
(c) tubing pressure traverse.

a well pumping no gas, to rather complex, for a well that system is shown in Fig. 11 along with the corresponding
must pump gas. The solution is easily understood by tubing intake curve. Note that the appearance of the tub-
thinking of the pump as a downhole compressor that per- ing intake curve is the same as for gas lift or for the flow-
mits fluids to enter at one pressure and discharges them ing well. A change in the pump size will shift the tubing
at another pressure. However, a pump is a very poor intake curve.
compressor when gas is present, and with liquids there is For pumping systems handling gas, it is important to
little or no compression, although a high ilp is prepare IPR curves for total fluid intakes (Fig. 12).
developed. The problem becomes more complex when
the pump is set up the hole compared with being set on Gas Production Expected From the Well
bottom. A typical pressure traverse for a pumping The amount of gas produced and, hence, the gaslliquid
OCTOBER 1982 2389
 GCR ratio is a significant factor in selecting the artificial lift
2000
method. If high volumes of gas must pass through the lift
1200
mechanism (Fig. 12), a reduction in liquid capacity can
be expected for all pumping systems, and gas lift is one
1200
1000
of the most logical choices. Complete gas-lock may oc-
900
000 cur in some pumping systems, but in any event the gas
700
600 occupies volume that must be displaced. The ability of
000
400
300 TUBING SIZE: 2.441".I.D.
some pumping systems to handle gas is suspect. Elec-
FCOWI.INE SIZE' 2.5OO".I.D.
CASING PMSSURE' 900 PSI
trical pumps start losing efficiency when the in-situ gas
PI' 5.000 8/D/PSI
volume to be handled exceeds 10% of the total fluid
pumped. Sucker rod pumps may gas-lock completely
with high gas production. Hydraulic piston pumps
o 1100 should not gas-lock, but they must displace the gas and,

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hence, liquid capacity is reduced. Therefore, hydraulic
Fig. 9-Gas-lift solution node at top of we". piston pumps are affected less seriously by gas than are
rod pumps. The difficulty of venting gas in offshore
locations (beneath the safety valve) can reduce the
pump's effectiveness. Free gas also reduces the ability of
jet pumps to handle liquids. Gas lift and plunger lift are
suitable for high GOR wells.
... The physical limitations of gas venting must be
~
II: reviewed thoroughly. Current practices do not encourage
g... wasting any energy, and, therefore, the gas must be
/ placed back in the same system as the well production,
~400
I
...
c
I or provision must be made for a separate system. In
e<>" / some fields a low-pressure gas pickup system may be in-
I stalled, and the venting of gas into a lower-pressure
'" system may be much more attractive.
°0L---~~~--~--~~--~~~--~--~800b.1--~
~. 200 400 600
GAS INJECTION RATE (MSCF/D)
A few artificial lift systems are ideally suited for
handling gas, such as continuous flow gas lift, intermit-
Fig. 10-Gas-lift performance curve for Figs. 8 and 9. tent gas lift, and plunger lift. Continuous flow gas lift
can be benefited if the formation produced gas is not
already excessive-i.e., if the injection of additional gas
still can lighten the flowing pressure gradient. Intermit-
tent gas lift can lift wells making gas but does not utilize
o p..
the formation gas in doing so. A plunger may be ideally
suited for wells making gas, but provision must be made
for communication between the tubing and annular space
PUMP DEPTH
PUMP
DISCHARGE in most cases. The volume and pressure buildup on the
+ ~----
PRESSURE
casing provides the necessary energy to push the plunger
PUMP INTAKE
PRESSURE to the surface periodically.

o Depth Limitations and Effective Lift

PRESSURE"
An often misunderstood term is "effective lift." For ex-
a b ample, a purrip may be set at 12,000 ft (3657.6 m) but
only lifts from 8,000 ft (2438.4 m). Therefore, if we
PUMP X-G 200

TUBING INTAKE
CURVE
t
PRESSURE

t
PRESSURE

RATE"
c RATE +
Fig. 11-(a) typical pump installation, (b) pressure traverse for
pumping system, (c) pumping-system-rate solution at Fig. 12-IPR curves for total fluid production including gas.
bottom of we".

2390 JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY

 SEPARATOR

4500
FEET

EFFECTIVE 12000 PD' 4000 psi

4--+--+-+--+-~LIFT POSITION FEET
12000 6Pp • PD - 2000 • 2000 psi

1
FEET
7500

11
FEET PUMP ON BOTTOM
PI· 2.0
Pr ·3000 psi

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Pr • 3000 psi
PI • 2.0
PUMP INTAKE' 2000 psi

Pwf • 2000 psi c

a

Pwh·160 psi

PUMP AT 4500 FEET

Po .1200psi
1~t>fP
-..4--+---+*+--+- 6P p ' Po -Opsi • 1200-0
PUMP AT EFFECTIVE L PUMP AT 10000 FEET

L-
12000
FEET Po' 3200 psi
12000 LIFT POINT
FEET
PUMP INTAKE PRESSURE· 0 6PpuMP ' 2000 psi

~
,,?--+--P1NTAKE' 1200 psi
PI • 2.0

Pr • 3000 psi Pr • 3000 psi

PI • 2.0
Pwf ·2000 psi
b d

Fig. 13-(a) effective lift piston, (b) pump set at effective lift, (c) pump set at bottom, (d) pump set at 10,000 ft.

assume that the pump must lift from its setting depth, the 4,500 ft (1371.6 m), such as tubing loss, flowline loss,
unit may be designed for greater horsepower than re- and separator pressure.
quired. For example, if a well is 12,000 ft (3657.6 m) If we assume that the pumping system is at 10,000 ft
deep, has a static pressure of 3,000 psi (20.68 MPa), PI (3048 m), or even on bottom at 12,000 ft (3657.6 m), the
is 2 (assumed constant), gas liquid ratio = 300 scflbbl pump must lift only from the effective lift point of 4,500
(53.5 std m3/m3)' wellhead pressure is 160 psi (1.10 ft (1371. 6 m). Another way to visualize this concept is to
MPa), and is completed with 2 V2-in. (6.35-cm) tubing, note that the pump must create a certain discharge
what is the depth of effective lift for a rate of 2,000 BID pressure to overcome all pressure losses and head above
(317.97 m 3 Id)? The flowing bottomhole pressure (BHP) the effective lift point, which is also the /1p that the
required for the well to yield this rate is pump must create if it is set at the effective lift point. In
3,000-(2,000/2)= 2,000 psi (13.79 MPa). The effec- the previous example, this /1p is 1,200 psi (8.27 MPa)
tive lift point is that depth to which the flowing BHP is and is approximately the same regardless of the pump
capable of supporting the fluids in the tubing string. The position, neglecting any effect of changes caused by
appropriate illultiphase flow correlation shows this to be multiphase flow calculations. Fig. 13 clarifies this with
7,500 ft (2.:86 m) from bottom or at a depth of 4,500 ft the pump set at different positions. Note that discharge
(1371.6 m) (Fig. 13). Theoretically, a pumping system pressure is the same if the pump is on the bottom or at
could be set at 4,500 ft (1371.6 m) and, by creating a 10,000 ft (3048 m), but less at 4,500 ft (1371.6 m)
zero intake pressure at this point, the objective flow rate because of free gas lightening the pressure traverse.
could be obtained. The discharge head above the pump However, the total fluid volume (oil plus free gas) is
then would consist of all head and pressure losses above much higher at 4,500 ft (1371.6 m).
OCTOBER 1982 2391
 There are many reasons for setting a pump either periodically on a scheduled basis. The ability to replace
below or near the effective lift point. Obviously, the this pump with very little downtime makes it attractive
pump should be submerged enough to allow sufficiently for these conditions. Care should be exercised and deep
high entry pressure to prevent cavitation and to over- well installations should be limited to low PI and low
come any entry loss restrictions that might exist across a BHP.
downhole gas separator. Submergence in feet (meters) is
defined as the fluid level in the annulus above the pump Beam Pumping. Some beam pumping systems are
under operating conditions. The desirability of creating operating below 12,000 ft (3657.6 m); however, the ad-
low pump intake pressures may restrict some pumping ditional horsepower to lift the sucker rods may become
systems, and a general rule of thumb of 300-psi excessive, and work to lift the rods must occur from the
(2.07-MPa) pump intake pressure for oil wells pumping pump depth and not from the effective lift depth. Very
gas will restrict some pumps. The handling of free gas low flow rates are expected.
volumes through the pump makes the deeper setting The beam pump is the most widely used system for

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position more attractive. shallow and medium-depth wells. The large number of
wells on beam pump shows its attractiveness, and most
Depth Limitations. Electrical Pump. The principal operators feel quite comfortable with the beam unit and it
depth limitation for electrical pumps in past years has is an important factor in selection of lift equipment.
been excessive temperatures. This limitation has been Special units can pump more successively from depths
improved upon, with some units now operating at 350°F below 10,000 ft (3048 m).
(l76.6°C). However, shorter motor and cable life can be
expected as the temperature increases. Deeper setting Plunger Lift. The plunger has no real depth limitation,
depths may be desirable to eliminate pumping free gas, but sufficient pressure must be obtained in the casing to
but longer life is expected for temperatures less than remove the plunger. The installation may be sup-
225°F (107.2°C). plemented with injection gas. Several are installed below
11,000 ft (3352.8 m).
Gas Lift. Gas lift is limited in depth principally by the
availability of gas injection pressure, with wells now Flexibility. Flexibility of lift methods to change their
operating with surface injection pressures of from 300 to rate as well producing characteristics change is an impor-
3,000 psi (2.07 to 20.68 MPa). However, most gas-lift tant factor. The original objective rate for which the ar-
valves begin to show shortened life expectancy at tificial lift system was designed may change because of
pressures above 1,500 psi (10.34 MPa), and operational (l) decreased well productivity caused by lowering the
characteristics of the valve may be less than optimum static BHP and/or inflow ability; (2) increased well pro-
because of very high dome charges or very strong and ductivity resulting from secondary or tertiary recovery
heavy springs. However, some gas-lift valves are being methods, causing increased static pressure and/or well
operated successfully at surface pressures of 2,500 psi inflow ability; (3) errors that exist in original well data or
(17.24 MPa) or greater. For continuous flow, injection in multi phase flow correlations; and (4) a change in the
depths of below 12,000 ft (3647.6 m) have been objective flow rate from sand production, coning, com-
achieved. However, most of the very high-pressure petitive well, or conservation practices.
operations are utilizing orifices at the operating point.
Intermittent slug flow has been used to 12,000 ft Gas Lift. Gas lift offers a wide range of flexibility within
(3657.6 m), but the fallback of liquids can consume most the rate ranges it is capable of producing. It can handle
of the original starting slug. When used in conjunction thousands of barrels down to a few barrels per day. To
with a plunger, much of the slippage can be eliminated. account for this in the original design, more gas-lift
Intermittent chamber lift becomes more effective from valves than necessary may need to be installed to pro-
greater depths. duce the original objective rate. Also, gas-lift valve
changes are necessary if a change is to be made from
Jet Pump. The jet pump is not very efficient for lifting continuous to intermittent flow.
from great depths. It also requires a higher percentage of
submergence than do the other lift systems. A minimum Beam Pump and Hydraulic Pump. For those pumping
of 20 % submergence is needed for most applications and systems where a change in strokes per minute or stroke
even greater for better efficiencies. However, some jet length is accomplished easily, flexibility in rate is ob-
pumps are set at 11,000 ft (3352.8 m) and are producing tained easily within the specified rate limitations.
200 to 300 BID (31.8 to 47.7 m 3 /d).
Electrical Pump. Until the recent development of the
Hydraulic Piston Pumping. The most successful method variable-frequency controller, the electrical pump was
of artificial lift for wells below 10,000 to 12,000 ft the least flexible of the lift systems operating within a
(3048.0 to 3657.6 m) has been hydraulic piston pump- specified speed and power frequency, such as 3,500 rpm
ing. In south Louisiana, several pumps have been set (366 rad/s) at 60-cycle power and 2,915 rpm (305 rad/s)
below 12,000 ft (3657.6 m) with a few at 15,000 ft at 50-cycle power. The variable-power frequency unit
(4572 m) and 18,000 ft (5486.4 m). They are handling has increased the flexibility of this pump over a much
300 to 500 BID (47.7 to 79.5 m 3 /d), although the exact wider range. The frequency controller is effective only in
depth of effective lift was not specified. Additional reducing the rate downward. It does not develop addi-
details can be found in Ref. 2. Because of abnormal sand tional horsepower in the motor. Therefore, the motor
production in these areas, the free pumps are replaced must be overdesigned or designed for the maximum
2392 JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY
possible condition so it can be slowed down to bring the
pump into a more efficient range.
The jet pump is quite sensitive to change in rates, and
care should be exercised to size it reasonably close to the
desired rates. It is also very sensitive to backpressure and
requires more submergence than other systems.
The plunger lift and intermittent gas lift both are
limited as to the number of cycles possible per day.
Plungers are now in service that travel from 11,000 ft
(3352.8 m) in 12 to 15 minutes. Intermittent gas lift and
plunger lift are flexible in setting rates lower than the up-
per limit of about 200 BID (31.8 m 3 /d). Some excep-
tions have occurred in chamber gas lift, with rates of 500
to 600 BID (79.49 to 95.39 m 3 /d). These rates were

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achieved in low static pressure, high productivity wells.
Adjustments downward from the maximum offer no
problem.

Surface Location. Location becomes critical with some

systems. The beam pump normally is not considered for
offshore platforms, although there are many units in
shallow inland waters, such as Lake Maracaibo of
Venezuela.
. .~

A new innovation of the sucker rod pump (Fig. 14) has ". ., •• u . • • I,,)

been considered in a few areas offshore Africa. This <> • '.1 I·. ~.
U .'.~
system utilizes a winch-type principle, a means of pull- U " ...... ~: 0'

ing its own sucker rods, and occupies very little space.
Gas lift, electrical pumping, and hydraulic piston Fig. 14-Long stroke pumping unit.
pumping are the systems generally considered for off-
shore operations. The ability to retrieve gas lift valves
and hydraulic pumping units is a distinct advantage, with corrosion, emulsions, downhole temperature, and sur-
the hydraulic pump having the lowest upper volume face climate.
limitation. The use of power water eliminates the fire
hazard of the hydraulic system. The electrical pump cur- Sand. Production of sand causes erosion problems for all
rently is not considered developed sufficiently for types of artificial lift. Gas lift is the only method that
retrievable operations, although a few are installed. If does not require that the sand-laden fluid pass through
and when the retrievable problems are removed, the the lifting mechanism. Sand fillup on top of a bot-
electrical pump will be one of the most attractive lift tomhole pump may cause retrieval problems.
methods for offshore.
The location of the system in urban areas requires Paraffin. Accumulation of paraffin in the upper portions
proper environmental considerations. Sometimes the dis- of the tubing string, wellhead, or flowline will cause
tant location of the power system, such as a compressor backpressure that reduces efficiency. Removal or
for gas lift or surface facilities for a hydraulic pump, prevention is required. Sucker rod pumping has an ad-
becomes attractive. Special considerations also are need- vantage over other lift methods since the rods provide
ed for extremely cold and hot climates. continuous scraping action. Scrapers or guides may aid
paraffin removal. High-temperature fluids and inhibitors
Heavy Crude Oils. The lifting of more and more heavy can be circulated immediately in a hydraulic system.
crude oils is becoming necessary. Currently most are Plungers serve as automatic paraffin scrapers.
handled with the beam pump. The hydraulic pump offers
a ready means of mixing a light power oil with a heavy Scale. Deposition of scale will reduce the ID of tubing
producing crude to reduce the viscosity. The economics and therefore will decrease efficiency. Gas lift may ag-
and practicability of this solution are questionable. A gravate scale deposition. Prevention by chemical ad-
light crude must be available, and there is a reduction in ditives may provide longer pump life and may maintain
quality and price in the mixing. fullbore tubing. Plungers will keep the tubing clean.
Special types of lift have been devised to lift heavy
crudes, such as the Efflar unit. 2 The efficiency of the Corrosion. Downhole corrosion may be caused by elec-
electrical pump is reduced considerably and gas lift does trolysis between different metal types, H 2 S, or CO 2
not appear very attractive. The beam pump, therefore, is content in the produced fluid, highly saline or saturated
used more extensively than are other methods. brine water, or oxygenation of metals. H 2 S embrittle-
Lifting heavy crudes in fields by use of steam floods ment is a major problem and will accelerate sucker rod
requires special attention to very hot fluids. failure if the rods are excessively loaded. Gas lifting with
corrosive gas may prove uneconomical. However, cur-
Operating Problems. Operating problems are difficult rent thinking in the industry seems to indicate that in
for some lift methods and include sand, paraffin, scale, most cases gas lift with corrosive gas creates no
OCTOBER 1982 2393
 TABLE 3-GIVEN DATA, EXAMPLE 1 ' Relative Economics. Six economic factors represent the
most important parameters in selection of artificial lift
Depth, ft (m) 8,000 (2438.4)
GOR, sct (std m 31m 3)
equipment: (1) initial capital investment, (2) monthly
400(71.3)
Water production, % 50 operating expense/income cost indicators, (3) equipment
Rate, BID (m 3 /d) 800 (127.19) life, (4) number of wells to be lifted, (5) surplus equip-
°API 42 ment availability, and (6) well life.
Tubing size, in. (cm) 00 2~8(7.31)
Each of the artificial lift systems has economic and
All power sources available
PR' psia(MPa) 2,300 (15.86)
operating limitations that eliminate it from consideration
PI until reaching P b = 1,600 psi (11.03 MPa) 3 under certain operating conditions.
P wh, psia (MPa) 100 (0.69) Economic and operating guidelines are fairly well
Casing size, in. (cm) 7(17.79) defined by experience, especially within a given set of
'Reprinted with permission from S. Gibbs, Nabla Corp., Midland, TX, with modifications
well-defined operating conditions. Space does not permit
by K. Brown. 1 a complete economic comparison in this paper.

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Example Problems
particular problem if the injection gas IS dehydrated
properly. The problem in Table 3 was given by Brown et al. I to il-
lustrate several choices for artificial lift system. For
Emulsions. Anticipating emulsion problems when plan- these problems, the best type of lift is to be selected. The
ning and selecting artificial lift methods is difficult. information in the general problem is used, and changes
Emulsions cause abnormally high pressure losses in the are made in each example to alter the possible lift choice
tUbing. with all else remaining constant.
Example 1
BHT. Very high BHT's will reduce the operating life of
some types of lift equipment. The electrical submersible 1. Gas/liquid ratio=3,000 scf/bbl (540 std m 3 /m 3 ),
pump motor and cable are affected. Precautions must be PI=O.Ol, and liquid flow rate=20 BID (3.10 m 3 /d).
taken when the temperature exceeds 200°F (93°C). The first choice should be intermittent gas lift or plunger
High-cost metallurgy and seals are required in all equip- lift. Beam pumping or hydraulic pumping may be con-
ment, including packers, tubing, wellhead equipment, sidered if proper gas venting can be accomplished. Suffi-
and downhole lift equipment. cient gas is available to run a plunger.
2. Depth = 12,000 ft (3657.6 m), PI=O.I, and liquid
flow rate =200 BID (31.80 m 3 /d). The hydraulic piston
Surface Climate. Extremes in surface climatic conditions
with venting should be considered because of the great
may influence the selection of lift equiment. Very hot
depth.
climates cause overheating problems with surface equip-
3. Rate=6,000 BID (953.92 m 3 /d), PI=IO, and the
ment, and special cooling facilities must be provided,
tubing is 4 in. (10.16 cm). The choice would be con-
Very cold climates cause freezing problems for fuels and
tinuous flow gas lift or electrical pump. Since 6,000 BID
embrittlement of electrical connections; insulation and
(953.92 m 3 /d) with a PI of 10 requires a flowing
heating must be provided. Also, many areas experience
pressure of only 1,700 psi (11.72 MPa), it is still above
high winds that cause surface damage, and dust or snow
the bubble point, and no free gas is pumped if the pump
may cause operational problems,
is set on bottom. Setting the pump higher up in the hole
would induce gas liberation, and a means of venting
Operating Personnel. Technical ability of the operating would be required. Jet pumping also may be considered.
field personnel may influence artificial lift selections. 4. Severe H 2 S problem. If the lift gas can be kept free
Sucker rod pumping may offer less troublesome opera- of H 2 S, continuous-flow 'gas lift would be a good
tion for field personnel than will other types of lift. choice. However, Monel or some other noncorrosive
Engineering supervision may be required for gas lift, material shoud be used. Gas lift is the only lift method
with special operating instructions required for where the well fluids do not pass through the lift
hydraulic, electric submersible pumping, jet pumping, mechanism. Electrical submersible and hydraulic may be
and plunger lift. considered.
5. Depth=3,000 ft (914.4 m), rate=400 BID (63.59
Services Available. One of the important factors in selec- m 3 /d),PR=1,200psia (8.27 MPa), and PI=1.0. This
tion of an artificial lift method is the availability of com- is a good choice for beam pumping because of the
petent service personnel, replacement parts, and service shallow depth and the rate of 400 BID (63.59 m 3 /d).
rigs or equipment. In some areas, the choice of a less 6. No engineering supervision is available. Beam
desirable type of lift has been made solely on the pumping is the method best understood by most field
availability of service personnel. Replacement parts operators, with continuous-flow gas lift also a good
availability is equally as important as service personnel. choice.
If lift equipment cannot be serviced and repaired readily, 7. Well produces sand. With great sand production,
an alternate lift method may be chosen. the choice would be continuous-flow gas lift.
Some types of lift require pulling tubing (or rods) and 8. Bad paraffin problems. All methods can be con-
pump for service and replacement, while others can be sidered, but paraffin removal must be kept in mind. Rod
serviced by wireline. Hydraulic pumps may be circulated pumping is probably the best choice. Some operators
to the surface without requiring a rig or a wireline unit. have found that in higher rate wells the flowing well
2394 JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY
temperatures can be kept high enough to eliminate paraf- when pulling is required). This means that to produce an
fin forming downhole. This can be an important factor in average annual rate of 10,000 BID (1589.87 m 3 Id) from
tubing selection for gas lift. Some people actually ac- a given well, gas-lift equipment should be designed to
celerate paraffin formation by making allowances for ID produce about 11,000 BID (1748.85 m 3 /d) and
reductions in the tubing as a result of paraffin formation. submergible electric pumping should be designed for
Some operators have found that paraffin scrapers in- about 13,000 BID (2065.7 m 3 /d). This sometimes
crease friction and load in a pumping well and that treat- means that more wells will be required to produce a field
ment with a chemical or hot oil will be required. Rod by pump than by gas lift.
pump should not be chosen on the basis of ease of paraf-
fin removal alone. It might be easier to design around the Same Offshore Well. However, for this problem, con-
paraffin by increasing the velocity in a gas lift or sider a GOR of 800 scf/bbl (144 std m 31m 3), with a
submergible electric pump well. bubble point of 1,500 psi (10.34 MPa).
9. Depth=6,000 ft (1828.8 m), rate=1O,ooO BID
(1589.87 m 3 /d), 21's- x7-in. (7.30- XI7.78-cm) an- Selection Choice. Continuous-flow gas lift is a better

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nular flow, and PI=15. Continuous-flow gas lift is a choice since free gas exists at the required flowing BHP.
good choice, with electrical submersible and jet pump as Because it is an offshore well, the retrievable equipment
alternatives. is again very attractive, and because the electrical pump
10. Rate =25,000 BID (3974.68 m 3 /d), choice of an- will need to handle some gas, the pump's liquid handling
nular or tubing flow, 9Ys-in. (24.45-cm) casing, 4-in. capability is reduced.
(10. 16-cm) tubing, and PI=25. Continuous-flow gas lift
or electrical submersible pump should be chosen. Example 3
11. PR drops to 300 psi (2.07 MPa), PI=0.02, and Land Well. Depth=8,000 ft (2438.4 m), static
rate is the maximum possible. Beam pumping or pressure = 1,920 psi (13.24 MPa), PI = 5, bubble-point
hydraulic pumping are the best choices. pressure=l,ooO psi (10.34 MPa), GOR=200 scf/bbl
12. PR drops to 100 psi (0.69 MPa), PI=O.OI, and (36 std m 3 1m 3 ), well produces 50 % water, tubing is
rate is the maximum possible. Beam pumping or 27's-in. ODx2.441-in. ID (7.30-cm ODx6.20-cm ID)
hydraulic pumping again are the best choices. and casing is 7 in. (17.78 cm). This well was analyzed
13. One-hundred percent oil, GOR=4,000 scf/bbl for rates possible, and was found to produce as follows.
(720 std m 3 /m 3 ), PR =500 psia (3.45 MPa), PI=0.02, 1. Electrical submersible pump, 4,500 BID (715.44
and rate is the maximum possible. Plunger lift, because m 3 Id). (Handles no free gas at this rate.)
of the high GOR, or beam pumping with adequate vent- 2. Continuous-flow gas lift with a surface injection
ing are the two best methods. pressure of 1,500 psi (10.34 MPa), 1,750 BID (278.23
14. Long 3oo-ft (91.44-m) pcrforated interval, m 3 /d). [Tubing 0(4Yz in. (11.4 cm) would handle 4,000
PR=500 psia (3.45 MPa), PI=2, and rate is the max- BID (635 m 3 Id).J
imum possible. This is a good candidate for chamber in- 3. Beam pumping with a 640 unit, 1,750 BID (278.23
termittent gas lift. m 3 /d).
15. Openhole completion [400 ft (121.92 m)], 4. Hydraulic pumping with a large pump, 1,750 BID
PR=7oo psia (4.83 MPa), PI=1.0, and rate is the max- (278.23 m 3 /d).
imum possible. This is a good candidate for an insert- 5. Jet pumping (handling no free gas), 2,750 BID
type chamber intermittent gas lift. (437.22 m 3 Id).
It also was noted that approximately 4,000 BID
Example 2 (635.95 m 3 /d) could be made by continuous-flow gas
Offshore Well. Depth is 8,000 ft (2438.4 m). There is lift if a change was made to 4Vz-in. (11.43-cm) OD tub-
high productivity, high static Rressure, low solution ing. Lower increases were noted for all pumping
GOR [100 scf/bbl (18 std m 3 1m )], with bubble point at systems, although less horsepower is required for the
250 psi (1.7 MPa). Desired rate of 10,000 BID (1589.87 larger tubing size. Final selection would depend on the
m 3 /d) can be obtained with a flowing pressure of 1,500 objective flow rate (whether maximum or less) and
psi (10.34 MPa). economics.

Selection Choice. Electrical submersible pump is the Example 4

best method because no free gas will be pumped and a 1. PR=I,500 psi (10.34 MPa) , depth=7,600 ft
rate of 10,000 BID (1589.87 m 3 Id) can be obtained only (2316.48 m), bubble-point pressure=I,500 psi (10.34
with continuous-flow gas lift or electrical pump. The MPa), maximum flow rate for zero flowing BHP is 215
very low GOR· makes the electrical pump more attrac- BID (34.18 m 3 /d), and GOR=400 scf/bbl (71.3 std
tive. Gas lift runs a close first choice because of better m 3 /m 3 ).
retrieving reliability. More realistic selections should be This well was analyzed forrate, with these results: (1)
made by changing flow conduit sizes for each system. beam pumping, 200 BID (31.80 m 3 /d), (2) hydraulic
Most operators still would prefer gas lift offshore if suffi- pumping, 200 BID (31.80 m 3 /d), (3) jet pumping, 165
cient gas is present in the crude because of the lower BID (26.23 m 3 /d), (4) continuous-flow gas lift, 165 BID
operating and maintenance cost and much greater (26.23 m 3 /d), (5) intermittent-flow gas lift with a
operating reliability. Note that gas lift well availability chamber installation, 190 BID (30.21 m 3 /d), and (6)
(days on production) historically runs between 90 and electrical submersible pumping, 200 BID (31.80 m 3 Id).
95 %, whereas submergible electric pumping may run as The logical choice for this well is beam pumping, or
low as 75 % (depending on rig and equipment availability hydraulic pumping if adequate venting can be ac-
OCTOBER 1982 2395
complished. The electrical pump requires too many naturally. The horsepower limit is set by the shaft size
stages to handle the gas, and it loses efficiency. that can be installed in small-aD housings. A submersi-
If gas venting cannot be handled properly, a chamber ble pump should never be set below fluid entry unless a
intermittent gas-lift installation would be a good selec- jacket is used to direct fluid by the motor.
tion. The option of running a plunger in conjunction with 5. Jet pumping offers downhole equipment with no
a chamber would be another choice and should increase working parts. The full limitations are not yet known,
efficiency. but some are installed below 11,000 ft (3352.8 m) mak-
ing 200 BID (31. 80 m 3 / d), with others producing
Conclusions 25,000 BID (3974.68 m 3 /d) from shallow depths. High-
The selection of an artificial lift method should be con- pressure equipment, power fluid lines, and wellheads are
sidered very carefully. Tables 1 and 2 list the respective required. Facilities must be provided to filter, to clean,
advantages and disadvantages, and each should be and to treat the fluid.
evaluated. The main criterion is rate, and this should be 6. A plunger may be used to maintain flowing status of

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foremost in selection. Other factors, such as handling a well but is normally temporary and usually is replaced
gas, location, and economics, are very important. when a method of lift is chosen. High-GaR and low-
1. Sucker rod pumping is the most widely used type of volume wells can be ideal for a plunger.
lift system. Historically, the main advantage has been 7. Numerous other methods of lift are available and
the familiarity of this type of lift to operating personnel. may fulfill the needs for a particular well. They should
One of the main disadvantages has been depth limitation. be considered where applicable.
However, larger load capacity units and high-strength 8. Special attention must be paid to service and repair,
rods allow greater depths [12,000 ft (3657.6 m)]. and availability of parts and exchange equipment. A
2. Gas lift compares favorably with hydraulic pumping good artificial lift method can be selected by carefully
in providing the most flexible depth and rate range of all considering all aspects of installation, design, availabili-
lift types. Gas lift also may be used to kick off wells that ty, and service.
flow naturally, to backflow water injection wells, and to
unload liquids from gas wells. The retrievability of References
valves by wireline makes it very attractive anywhere ex- l. Brown, K.E .• et at.: The Technology of Artificial Lift Methods,
pensive tubing jobs can be expected. PennWell Books, Tulsa (1979) II-B.
3. Hydraulic pumping may not be limited to depth, 2. Agena, B .• "Preparation of Tubing Intake Curves for Artificial
Lift Systems," MS thesis, U. of Tulsa (1982).
with production from 18,000 ft (5486.4 m) as an exam-
ple. Hydraulic pumps can be run with vent strings and
gas anchors to handle GaR's up to about 4,000 scf/bbl SI Metric Conversion Factors
(720 std m 3 /m 3 ), depending on productivity. Sufficient
casing size must be available for tubing and vent, plus bbl x 1.589 873 E-OI = m3
annular space for return fluids. In deeper wells this can ft x 3.048* E-OI =m
lead to higher surface pressures which, in tum, can limit in. X 2.54* E+OO = cm
production to high-BHP wells. psi X 6.894 757 E-03 = MPa
4. The electrical submersible pump historically has
been associated with high-volume fluid production, but
variable-frequency controllers have changed this. * Conversion factor is exact. JPT
Another unique use of this pump has been in increasing
the volume of dumped water from formations above to a
waterflood formation below. The pump can be run on a Original manuscript received in Society of Petroleum Engineers office July 20,1981.
Paper accepted for publication May 11, 1982. Revised manuscript received July 30,
cable and landed in a nipple in a standard well to induce 1982. Paper (SPE 9979) first presented at the 1982 SPE International Petroleum Ex-
flow, and then can be removed later when the well flows hibition and Technical Symposium held in Beijing, March 18-26.

2396 JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY