1. Problem Wells Break out Session Beam Pumping Workshop Houston, Texas
October 4 - 7, 2005
Problem Wells
Break out Session

2. Problem Well Definition?
More that 2 failures per “year”.
What is a Failure?
Same type of failure - two in a row.
No Fluid in the Tank.
There is noticeable Leak w/ fluid on the Ground.
Well’s Production has decreased.
Pumping Unit is not Running.
Fluid Level is not at the Pump.
System Efficiency is less than 35%, Surface Efficiency is too low?

3. Suggested Number 1 Problem
Maintaining high pump volumetric efficiency
How to fix:
Eliminate Gas interference.
Match pumping capacity to wellbore inflow.
Pump a Full Stroke of liquid by controlling run time with a POC or Timer

4. What is your worst Problem?
50% 0f participants said handling gas was their #1 problem
Rod on Tubing Wear w/ Spray Metal Couplings (Have tried both)
Sand and/or Foreign Material in Pump
Corrosion

5. People Problems?
People resist change brought on by new technology. Not willing to change. Not same goals. Need Education. Need Communication.
To Busy.
Upper management support. Don’t have it and project/best practice fails.
Justify expenses based on best practices and do not try to save money on line item expenses.
People need training, everyone is over 45 years or age, no new blood, everyone is going to retire.
7 year cycle – Everyone that knows moves on, after 7 years must re-learn solution to problem…

6. Problems?
Rule from on High results in bad practice. Pump set 2000’ above perfs. Don’t waste money tagging for fill.
Everyone’s practice – don’t use a perforated sub for poor boy gas separator.
Alternate pattern ball helps with foreign material in pump.
Identify problem and Fix it.
Once problem is fixed, be sure to go back and follow-up to see if fix worked.
Safety – slows down processes and increases cost of operation.

7. Examples of Problems?
High rate well keeps getting hole in bottom of tubing right above blast joint; recommendation open pump clearances & use weight bars.
Oops, too much clearance and you loose production (>50 BPD wells) must speed up SPM by 2 SPM| Nope, 0.010” clearance OK (>350 BPD) same speed, no loss in production, reduced failures, pump displacement exceeds inflow. Don’t forget that heat will expand plunger and reduce clearances.
Fluid pound, results in rod slap, loose connections, pin breaks, incorrectly blame failure on work over rig.
Avoid High Strength rods, overload KD & D to 120%, need to over-torque couplings. H Rods use should depend on application.

8. Identify Problems?
Trend & track data to identify if a change in operating practice results in increased problems.
Use field wide system for monitoring & to ID problem.
Need failure meeting every month & frequent well review.
Record every failure, look at failed component, decide to do something, set goals, have good relationship with pump shop – it should be OK if they tells you are doing something stupid.
Use integrated solution team, ID root cause, use best practice team, inspect failures, team needs rod/ pump/ chemical/ work-over/ company man.

9. Questions ?