Effect of fluid properties and boundary conditions on rod pump efficiency – Novel modeling

Among artificial lift systems, the most widely used method is sucker rod pumping. Since its inception in the oil industry, inefficiency in sucker rod pumping system due to gas interference is one of major concerns. The need for better understanding of gas interference during sucker rod pumping process is significantly required. Although, many models and techniques are available but there are many parameters, which need to be well studied and adequately addressed. This delineates the need to research all empirical parameters that could affect efficiency of conventional rod pump. The pump performance appears to be low in presence of gas which in extreme situation locks the pump and make the pump paralyzed completely. The models available in literature neglect mass transfer during suction process, which brings unreliable calculation of gas phase in pump. Models in literature on efficiency of pump and gas lock are studied to analyze the vital parameters and reasons for the inefficiency. The expedient analytical models to predict gas lock criteria and efficiency of conventional pump, based on liberation of gas during pumping, are established in this work. The models emphasize the importance of the fluids properties to be handled by pump, which affect the production rate while pumping with a gaseous phase. This new model considers free gas phase presence and mass transfer during working of pump. Sensitivity and comparative analysis of numerous parameters contributing to pump efficiency is established in this work. The study results provide some theoretical and analytical references for further advancements in system efficiency of conventional rod pump system and to improve economic benefits.