Tubing pump oilfield

Types of tubing pumps oilfield

Tubing pumps oilfield are high-performance mechanical devices that extract oil from wells. Several kinds of oilfield tubing pumps exist to cater to different oil extraction needs.

• Progressing Cavity Pumps (PCP)

  Progressing cavity pumps (PCP) are artificial lift systems used to extract crude oil from petroleum reservoirs. They consist of a rotor, stator, and downhole motor, which work together to move liquids through the wellbore. The rotor, which has a helical screw, operates within the stator, which has a double-helix bore. This geometric arrangement creates sealed chambers that progress from the bottom to the top, effectively moving fluids. PCP is the preferred method when handling heavy crude with high sand content. Furthermore, they excel at maintaining a consistent flow rate, reducing expenses. PCPs are also efficient in gas well production.

• Plunger Lift

  A plunger lift is an artificial gas lift system that produces crude oil. The plunger, made of robust plastic, travels up and down the production tubing with assistance from natural gas pressure. It retrieves crude oil and any associated water and gas to the surface, where a separator identifies and separates each product. Plunger lifts are efficient, reliable, and cost-effective. They can also increase production, lower operating costs, and reduce gas consumption.

• Rod Pumps

  Rod pumps, also known as sucker rod pumps, are widely used artificial lift devices in the oil industry for oil extraction. The device consists of a sub-surface pump, surface driving unit, sucker rods, and attached motor downhole. A motor turns the driving unit, which causes the rods to move up and down. This water movement prompts the sucker rod pump to extract oil from the well. Rod pumps are preferred due to their simplicity, efficiency, and familiarity to operators. They are suitable for various oil well conditions.

• Gas Lift Pumps

  A gas lift pump operates by compressing gas into the production tubing through a gas lift valve. The compressed gas decreases the fluid's density, increasing production to the surface. Gas lift pumps are ideal for wells with high gas-to-liquid ratios. They are efficient and can handle various production rates. Gas lift pumps allow for continuous production and are suitable for offshore and high-performance gas fields.

Specifications and maintenance of tubing pump oilfields

Some specifications of the oil pump tubing are as follows.

• Sizes of tubing pumps

  The sizes of the tubing pumps are normally measured using the outside diameters. The common outside diameters are 2 3/8 inches, 2 7/8 inches, 3 1/2 inches, 4 inches, and so on. The sizes of the pumps will have a direct influence on the amounts of the produced liquids, the power used by the driving systems, and the expenditures.

• Materials of tubing pumps

  Typically, the tubing pumps are made of steel. Steel has good qualities. For instance, steel has a sufficiently high intensity so that it can stand up to the pressures and impacts caused by the produced liquids. Steel also has good resistance to high temperatures and chemical corrosion, which can protect the longevity of the tubing pumps in various oilfield environments.

• Rod connection of tubing pumps

  The rod connections of tubing pumps are commonly standard connections. The standard connections ensure effective transmission and matching. There are also some special connections that can be customized according to particular needs.

• Working pressures of tubing pumps

  Working pressures refer to the maximum operating pressures that the tubing pumps can endure. The working pressures of tubing pumps in oilfields are usually high because the oil extraction processes are conducted at great depths. According to the different working depths, the working pressures are chosen to match accordingly.

• Working temperatures of tubing pumps

  Working temperatures of tubing pumps refer to the temperature ranges in which the pumps can function normally. The working temperatures of some oilfield tubing pumps can reach as high as 150 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, there are also some pumps that can resist low temperatures down to minus 20 degrees Celsius.

Maintenance of tubing pumps

Regular maintenance is required for tubing pumps to ensure their good performance and long service life. Here are some pump maintenance methods and tips.

• Regular inspections

  Operators should develop a regular inspection schedule according to the usage and working conditions of the pumps. During the inspections, they need to check the overall condition of the pumps, including looking whether there is any liquid leak, whether the connecting parts are loose, and whether there is any abnormal noise or vibration. Operators should pay special attention to the wear and tear of the pump tubes and seals and find problems in a timely manner to do repairs.

• Lubrication management

  Keep pumps and their ancillary devices clean and tidy to avoid pollution and environmental damage. Regularly replace and top up the lubricating oil of the pumps so that the equipment can function as it should. When replacing or adding the oil, operators should select the proper lubricating oil according to the equipment working circumstances and requirements, and they also need to ensure the oil is of good quality. In addition, the pumps should be kept lubricated. The operators need to make sure that there is no dry friction or seizing between the moving parts.

• Replacement and maintenance of consumables

  Operators should regularly check the working conditions of the consumable parts of tubing pumps, such as seals and pump tubes, and replace them if they are worn or damaged. Operators can also set up a consumable parts replacement plan based on the frequency of use and the working conditions to ensure the stable operation of the equipment. Along with that, they need to pay particular attention to the alignment and connection of the consumable parts during the replacement process so as to avoid leakage and a decline in efficiency.

• Equipment and environmental cleaning

  Operators should clean the outside surfaces of the pumps and the areas nearby, removing dirt and deposits, such as oil stains and dust. They should also keep the working environment around the pumps clean so as to lessen the impact of environmental factors on equipment. Furthermore, operators should properly dispose of the waste and pollutants generated during equipment cleaning to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and safety requirements.

Application scenarios of tubing pump oilfields

Research shows that oil production using tubing pumps will continue to rise in the coming years, characterized by stable demand, increased use in mature oil fields, and greater technological integration.

• Mature Oilfields: Tubing pump oilfield usage is high in mature oilfields. Many previously productive areas still have oil but face extraction difficulties. Tubing pumps are a cost-effective solution for these oilfields.
• Centralized Extraction Facilities: Large companies often set up centralized extraction facilities in oil-rich regions to boost output. Multiple tubing pumps can be connected to a single extraction point for easier management and increased efficiency.
• Overseas Oilfields: Companies are looking at oilfields outside their home countries for new oil sources as local oil production stays the same. Research shows the overseas oilfield market has a value of 30 billion dollars. This offers a big market for tubing pump suppliers.

Using tubing pumps in these areas presents businesses with good investment chances, particularly in mature oilfields and overseas markets.

Some key developing regions for tubing pump use in oilfields are:

• Mature Oilfields

  Mature oilfields face many extraction issues, like reservoirs becoming harder to access, costly production expenses, and diminishing oil output. However, tubing pumps can still efficiently extract the remaining oil, making them vital for production in these fields.

• Overseas Oilfields

  In overseas oilfields, challenges like rough weather, remote locations, and complicated transportation systems make it hard to bring in new equipment. Existing gear must work well and last a long time. Tubing pumps, which have been tried and tested, are well-known and dependable for extracting oil from tubing effectively in overseas fields.

Businesses looking to invest in tubing pumps should consider these areas carefully. They link directly to where pumps are needed the most, so there's a good chance of getting good returns by meeting customer demands.

How to choose tubing pump oilfields

• Assess the production requirements:

  Gather the oilfield's production requirements to determine the factors influencing the suitable tubing pump selection, such as intended applications, fluids handled, production rates, pressure, and temperature.

• Evaluate the oilfield conditions:

  Consider factors like ambient temperature, presence of aggressive chemicals, potential for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) exposure, and the need for explosion-proof equipment in hazardous locations. These factors will influence the material, construction, and certifications of the tubing pump.

• Determine the pump type:

  Based on the production and oilfield conditions, choose the appropriate pump type. For high-viscosity crude oil or oil with sand, paraffin, or wax issues, consider progressing cavity pumps or PCP tube pumps. For harsh conditions with aggressive chemicals or high H2S content, opt for double-barrel pumps with proper corrosion-resistant materials and seals. For lower maintenance costs, consider pumps with reliable sealing systems that minimize leakage and ensure effective containment.

• Assess the reliability and sealing systems:

  Choose tubing pumps with durable construction and efficient sealing systems to avoid frequent replacements and minimize operational downtime. Look for pumps designed to handle specific oilfield challenges, such as those prone to waxing or sand accumulation.

• Consider the maintenance and servicing options:

  Opt for pumps that are easy to maintain and service, reducing the overall cost of ownership. Consider the availability of spare parts and the expertise of service providers in the area.

FAQ

Q1: How does a tubing pump work?

A1: The tubing pump downhole operates by following the motion of the rod string that is acted upon by the polish rod at the surface. This reciprocating motion leads to the formation of a regular high/low pressure within the pump. In consequence, the formation fluid or crude oil will be drawn into the pump from the reservoir or formation by means of a suction effect that is produced through the high/low pressure variations within the pump. Following this, the fluid will be expelled out of the pump into the tubing by way of the located outlet in the pump.

Q2: What are the advantages of tubing pumps?

A2: The tubing pump for oilfield has some advantages worth noting. They are usually easy to maintain and service, as the pumps and their components can be pulled out of the tubing through routine tubing maintenance. Additionally, they have good tolerance to fluids with high viscosity, which means that even if the crude oil of the reservoir is quite thick, the pump will still be able to function properly and extract the oil. Finally, another advantage of the tubing pump is that it can be used in wells with a high sand content. This means that even in reservoirs where there is a lot of sand along with the crude oil, the pump can still extract the oil and sand mixture without getting clogged or damaged.

Q3: What are the common materials used in tubing pumps for oilfields?

A3: The durability and resistance to harsh environments of the materials employed in oilfield tubing pumps are essential. Common materials include stainless steel, nitrile rubber, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), carbon steel, and alloys.