ECONOMIC ARTIFICIAL LIFT INSTALLATION IN FLOOD PRONE AREAS

Abstract

The development and exploration program in ATP 259P has evolved such that more discoveries are remote from the existing infrastructure of the Jackson Oil Field and Tickalara to Cooroo pipeline. To increase the likelihood for a commercial well completion, new ideas are being implemented, including use of a portable beam pump to test new completions, and placement of beam pumps on piles.

A trailer-mounted portable beam pumping unit provides timely and cost effective data on the production characteristics of a new well, enabling more accurate designs for permanent artificial lift installations.

An investigation into beam pump foundation systems was performed to establish the economics of pile mounted beam pumps for flood prone regions.

The factors leading to the investigation were:

flood waters had affected operations during the previous three years;floods weakened the existing shale pad foundations;pad integrity remained in doubt until access to them had been re-established;pump units had to be shut down and isolated for several months resulting in large volumes of deferred oil.

The study revealed that a piled foundation could be installed at less expense than any shale system regardless of location.

Erection of beam pumps on piles involved considerable investment to determine soil conditions at a range of remote locations. The soil surveys provided the required information to design suitable pile support for beam pumps. Consideration of water height at times of flooding, effect of ground water on the support-mechanism and future operations were paramount. Mounting a beam pump on piles is a method which provides rapid, inexpensive and permanent foundations suitable for flooded or dry operating conditions.

A balance is struck between the commercial success of a new exploration venture versus the technical success of an expedient and permanent well completion and artificial lift installation.