Abstract
ALRDC Sucker Rod Workshop, Oklahoma City,
September 14 – 15, 2017
Abstract due: 25 August
Presenter
Jeff Saponja, CEO, HEAL Systems
Category
Case Histories, Field Experiences, Recommended Practices
Title
Mitigate slug flow to increase the maximum rod pumping rate and allow earlier transition to rod pumping
Abstract
It is challenging to economically and efficiently produce deep high-rate horizontal wells. Horizontal wells are known to have production challenges resulting from inconsistent multiphase slug flow, damaging solids, and excessive gas interference. The optimum strategy must address how to implement the lowest cost lifting system as soon as possible to maximize drawdown at the lowest operating and capital costs. Rod pumping is the preferred choice for low per barrel costs.However, placing the pump shallower to reduce workover frequency and solids damage risks can limit production potential. Placing the pump deeper to capture drawdown increases the likelihood of gas interference and reduced pump/rod reliability.
Longer term research and field results support the key to maximize rod pump performance is to mitigate slug flows from the horizontal wellbore and place pumps in the vertical section of a wellbore. This presentation analyzes slug flow mitigation installations coupled with the industry’s largest pump jacks to demonstrate reliable and low OPEX production performance at 500 – 600 bbls/day below 6000 feet depths. Case studies validate how slug flow mitigation achieves high pump efficiency reduced peak polish rod loading, while avoiding foam generation, ultimately benefiting an earlier transition to rod pumping.
Biography
Jeff Saponja, CEO, HEAL Systems
As Chief Executive Officer of HEAL Systems., Jeff Saponja is an entrepreneurial leader in the oil and gas industry. It was during Jeff’s tenure at TriAxon Oil Corp. that he and his team at TriAxon were able to identify the root cause of horizontal artificial lift challenges. Their drive for innovation resulted in the design and development of the HEAL System™ and the subsequent creation of Production Plus Energy Services Inc., now a joint venture with Schlumberger as HEAL Systems. Today, the HEAL System has over 250 installs across North America in over 35 formations.
Jeff’s executive career was prefaced by an accomplished work history including positions with Weatherford Canada, Shell (UK) in the North Sea, and Husky Energy (Canada). In senior engineering positions Jeff acquired extensive technical experience in horizontal underbalanced drilling, multi-stage fracture stimulation, and artificial lift.
Jeff holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Calgary and completed an MBA at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom.