CHAPTER 1

Introduction

Artificial lift refers to a method that are used in hydrocarbon wells to increase the production rate
which is more that the rate that could be obtained by natural flow through the utilization of the
reservoir pressure alone. Besides that, artificial lift is also can be used when the natural drive is
not strong enough to push the hydrocarbon to the surface and are not considered economic. This
systems are designed to provide the energy to move the fluids from the bottom of the well to the
surface at a desired rate and delivery pressure. This energy support the flowing pressure available
at the bottom of the well that depends on the productivity of the reservoir.

Basically, artificial lift can be categorize into two main group which are pumping systems
and gas lifts. Both has its own purpose and advantages. Most oil fields require some type of
artificial lift at some point in time. When the gas in reservoir is depleting, gas lift may be a viable
lift method because it can be relatively low-cost well interventions. However, when a gas lift
system in inadequate, too expensive, or impossible to use, the artificial lift using pumping method
can be its alternative way. Before shows type of artificial lift and its system efficiency.

Type System Efficiency

Gas Lift 10% -30%
Foam Lift N/A
Plunger N/A
Rod Lift 45% – 60%
Progressive Cavity Pump (PCP) 50% – 75%
Electric Submersible Pumping (ESP) 35% – 60%
Hydraulic Jet 10% – 30%
Hydraulic Piston 45% – 55%
Source: Weatherford - Introduction to Artificial lift System. Refer to appendix for more detail.

For this report, we will focus more on progressive cavity pump. According to Weatherford
(2013), rotating-rod-driven Progressive cavity pumps (PCP) were developed in 1980s for oilfield

1
application. PCPs commonly used for viscous oil, horizontal wells and also for sand production
condition. PCPs usually been used for cold heavy-oil production because of their adaptability to
viscous and abrasive fluids. However, for thermal recovery, a standard PCP is not compatible
because the elastomer of the stator, which is the major components of the pump cannot withstand
fluid temperatures higher than 160°C. Figure 1.1 below, shows the components of Progressive
cavity pump.

Figure 1.1 Progressive Cavity Pump [Source: Netzsch -

NEMO® Pump Components]

The main components of this pump are stators, rotors and drive shaft. The pump consists
of a single helical which rotates inside a double helical elastomeric gear of the same minor diameter
and twice the pitch length which known as stator. The rotor rotates eccentrically inside the stator,
as it rotate it form a series of sealed cavity 180 degrees apart which progress from the suction to
the discharge ends of the pump. As one cavity diminishes another is created at the same rate due
to a constant non-pulsating flow. The total cross-sectional area of cavities remains the same
regardless of the position of the rotor in the stator.

Compared to other methods of artifical lift in similar applications, the PCPs is normally
the more efficient means of aritifical lift. It has low initial investment, easy to install and minimal
maintenance. PCP kinematics has provide major advantages for downhole pumping because its
provides continuous high-volume axial, can tolerates with very low inlet pressure as a vacuum
pump, has ability to compress gas as long as the seal between stator and rotor is maintained and
rotating with low-torque.

2
 Chapter 2

Operational Principle of PCPs

2.1 Operational principle of Progressive Cavity Pump (PCP)

Progressive cavity pump is a type of positive displacement pump which transfer fluid by trapping
a fluid and discharging it a fairly constant volume. In general a progressive cavity pump (PCP)
works by transferring fluid that is trapped tight inside its cavity trough movement of the rotor, the
movement of the rotor force the fluid to move in a positive direction. Since the fluid that was
pumped does not changes its size and shape because of the tightly sealed cavities between the
stator and the rotor, this cause the oil to be transferred at a constant and predictable volume. Due
to this operational characteristic is why Progressive cavity pump (PCP) are suitable for a high
viscous oil.

In detail the operation of progressive cavity pump (PCP) depends on the rotor movement.
As the rotor started to rotate it will seals securely against the rubber stator which will result to a
set of fixed volume of cavities in between the rotor and the stator to form. As the rotor started to

Figure 2.1 Show a cross sectional look

of a rotor and a stator

3
rotate again, the cavities moved which in turn will forces to the fluid to progressively being
displace.

According to moineaus’s rule, a contact between the stator and rotor must occur to ensure
the pump operation successfulness. Traditional progressive cavity pump (PCP) usually operates
with zero clearance (when the stator and elastomer are in contact without any space). A zero
clearance between the rotor and stator ensure no internal slips and leakage. But since there is
contact between the stator and rotor, this means that there is friction, and since there is friction it
can limit the life of the pump. According to Gamboa et al (as cited in Vector and Wirth, 1995), a
contact between the stator and the rotor are not necessary to ensure fluid movement. This means
that better material such as steel and alloy can be used as the rotor without damaging the stator.

2.2 Factors affecting the operation of progressive cavity pump

When discussing the operation principle of progressive cavity pump (PCP), it is important to know
factors that can affect the operation of the pump. The operation of the progressive cavity pump can
be disrupted due to some problems caused by the rotor and stator.

2.2.1 Rotor Operation Failure

2.2.1.1 Abrasive wear

This problem occur because the chrome plating on the rotor are worn. The worn on the
chrome plating can cause the original profile of the rotor to change. This changes can
greatly affect the performance of the pump since the interference fit between the stator and
the rotor have been changed which in turn will change the cavity profile hence affecting
the flow. For cases for some serious abrasive wear where the chrome plating has worn
down revealing the base metal underneath it, a permanent damage to the elastomer might
occur.

4
 2.2.1.2 Acid attack

This type of problem occurs when the crude oil pH dropped down below six (6). In
definition acidic crude oil are crude oil that possessed a considerable amount of naphthenic
acids or other acid. These acidic crude oil can strip down the plating element on the rotor.
The rough surface rotor can damaged the elastomer which in turn affect the flow and
pressure.

2.2.1.3 Fatigue Failure

When the material undergoes cyclic stress it can cause the fatigue failure to the rotor. A
fatigue failure is like a rolling snowball, it started with a small crack which will grow due
to exposure of cyclic stress. Since the movement of the rotor is in an eccentric motion any
inappropriate Installation of the rotor can cause an extra load at some part of the rotor when
turning which in turn will increase the cyclic stress. Fatigue failure may also be caused by
any reduction in the cross-sectional area of the rotor due to damage to the rotor surface.
The reduction in surface area may increase the load at that specific point and cause an extra
load.

2.2.1.4 Pitting Corrosion

Pitting corrosion occurs when the acidic fluid starting to attack the base metal of the rotor.
This only happened when the chrome plating of the rotor have been worn out

2.2.2 Stator Operation Failure

2.2.2.1 Run Dry

When there is less fluid that is pumped through the pump, it will cause the elastomer to run
dry which will cause the elastomer to be hard and brittle

5
2.2.2.2 Hysteresis

Hysteresis is caused when the elastomer are facing overpressure. When the elastomer is
facing overpressure it can affect the flow of the fluid. When less fluid flow it can cause the
elastomer to run dry and cause overheat issues which will damaged the elastomer and in
time will cause pump failure

2.2.2.3 Gas Permeation

Gas permeation occurs when the gas enters the elastomer matrix and expands due to drop
in pressure. As the gas expand it will cause blister or bubbles to form inside the elastomer.
In some serious case the gas can expand to a point where the elastomer ruptures. This is
called explosive decompression. The pressure drop that cause the gas to enter the elastomer
can be caused by events such as when the fluid level equalizing in the wellbore right after
the wellbore are shut down or it might cause by the pulling of the pump

6
 Chapter 3

Major Components of PCPs

3.1 Major Components

Like any other positive displacement pumps, progressive cavity pumps (PCP) are
engineered to displace liquid with rotary motion such as gears, screws vanes or lobes. The major
system components that make up the PCP are the downhole progressive cavity pump, sucker rods
and production tubing strings and the surface driver equipment. This section will focus more on

the major components of the downhole PC pump.

Figure 2.1 Conventional Progressing Pump (PCP) cross-section device

3.2 Downhole PC pump

In progressive cavity pumps, the component that produces this rotary motion is the screw.
Core components that make up or define the progressive cavity pumps are the rotor and the stator
followed by other essential components that make up the downhole PC pump.

7
3.2.1 Rotor

The rotor is a single threaded helical screw in shape (thus the name screw pump).
It is the moving or rotating component of the progressive cavity pump made possible by
the connected universal joint and drive shaft. Some optional designs of the rotor also
include hollow rotors which provide higher operating speeds, longer service life and silent
low-vibration option. Normally it is made out of steel (ie. Chromed plated alloy steel)
which provides resistance to abrasion and wear depending on the type of manufacturer.

3.2.2 Stator

The stator on the other hand has an internal shape of a double helix. It serves as the
stationary major component of progressive cavity pump. The stator houses the rotor and
produces the cavities needed for the displacement of fluid. The pitch length of the stator is
manufactured twice that of the rotor (ie. 1:2 profile elements, one lobe on the rotor and two
lobes in the stator). According to the inventor’s original theory, René Moineau, any
combination is possible so long as the stator has one or more lobe than the rotor. Normally
it is formed from an elastomeric material of which fits the rotor with an interference fit (ie.
Natural rubber, Buna nitrile, Viton etc.) this is also dependent on the type of manufacturer.

3.2.3 Universal joint (U-joint)

Figure 3.1 Universal Joint/ Cardan Joint

8
 A universal joint is a pair of hinges connected to each other with an orientation of
90O. It is a joint or a coupling that connects 2 rigid rods together while at the same time
allowing it to “bend” in any direction (permitting some degree of misalignment) while
rotating thus introducing mechanical flexibility to the equipment. It is a connection made
between the rotor (output shaft) and the drive shaft (input shaft) of a pump. The rods are
connected by a cross shaft that transfers the power delivered by the power source to the
rotor. U-joint plays an important role in progressive cavity pumps as the rotor rotates in a
hypocloid form of motion or off-center motion (thus the alternative name eccentric screw
pump). Apart from off-center motion, the U-joint also introduces easier disconnection for
repairs or alterations thus reducing cost when damages occur.

3.2.4 Suction Casing

Suction casing houses the stator and rotor. Its main purpose is to protect the
external layer of the stator and prevents external water absorption or abrasion. The
housing is usually made from stainless steel, iron, bronze, titanium or other forms of
alloy.

3.2.5 Drive Shaft

PCPs requires torque to rotate the rotor thus a drive shaft is installed. Drive shafts
are a mechanical component used for transferring torque by connection of different
components in a drive train that cannot be connected directly due to distance or the need
for relative movement between them. At the same time, due to torque, drive shafts are
also subject to torsion and shear stress that is equivalent to the input torque and the load.
As a result, drive shafts are manufactured to be strong enough to bear heavy stress at the
same time avoiding excess additional weight as it would in turn increase inertia. Usually
drive shafts would usually incorporate one or more joints and couplings to allow
variations in the driving and driven components.

9
3.3 Sucker Rods and production tubing

Sucker rods are steel rods usually between 25 and 30 feet in length and threaded at both
ends. They are usually applied in the wellbore to join together surface and downhole components.
Usually fitted for piston type pumps in an oil well, PCP pumps also rely on sucker rods to transfer
torsional an axial loads from the surface drive system down to the bottomhole PCP. Production
tubing on the other hand are mostly the typical ones used in other oil and gas production operations.

3.4 Surface Drive Equipment

Surface drive system is essential as it delivers torque required at the rods and aids in safely
rotating the polished at the desired speed. Apart from that it prevents produced fluid from escaping
the system. The system is located safely at the surface where it is easily manageable and contained.

All surface equipment systems include a wellhead drive unit (drive head), a stuffing box,
power transmission equipment and a prime mover. Wellhead drive units facilitate proper alignment
of the drive on the wellhead which aids in preventing the stuffing box from leakages at the same
time gives enough strength to carry heavier drive heads and motors. Its main importance is to
support the axial rod-string load. Power transmission equipment on the other hand is used to
transmit power (power and speed) from a prime mover to the rod. This equipment usually consists
of a speed reduction or torque transfer system that allows a prime mover to operate at an increased
speed but at the same time lower torque than that of the rod. Lastly is the prime mover which
serves as the energy provider to driver the surface equipment and ultimately the rod string and
downhole pump.

10
Figure 3.2 Progressing Cavity Pump (PCP) system components

11
 CHAPTER 4

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF PCPs

4.1 Advantages

The progressive cavity pumps have some unique characteristics compared to other artificial lifts
that are used for oil field. One of the unique characteristics of this pump is their higher efficiencies
compared to other artificial lifts which is 55 to 70% efficiency. This pump is an extremely versatile
pump the can be used in many different pumping applications. Thus it can achieve higher
efficiency.

These pumps are the most beneficial pump. This pump is beneficial compared to other is
because the cost for this pump is lower compared to others. This pump is having lower capital
cost. The construction of this pump is simple. The start-up cost of this is reduced due to the
compact surface drive units of this pump. Due to lower cost and simple construction, thus more
pumps can be installed and more oil can be recovered. This makes the oil recovery percentage
become higher. Besides that, this pumps running at low cost. This is because the overall efficiency
of 70% which is significantly higher than alternative lift methods. This will reduces the cost per
barrel of the recovered fluid. If the efficiency is very low, the cost per barrel of recovered fluid
will be higher.

The simple construction consists of only one moving part downhole and has no standing
or traveling valves to block. The pump handles gas and solids without blocking and is more
resistant to abrasive wear. This progressive cavity pump is also low and unobtrusive profile of the
quiet running surface drive head makes this pump ideal for the environmentally sensitive areas.
Besides that, this pump also avoids the spills of the fluid to happen. This is done by using the art
Leak Detection Stuffing Boxes. This help to protect the environment from spills.

12
 The reading of the progressive cavity pump is very accurate compared to the other types
of pumps. This is because the low pulsation the progressive cavity pump offers very exact
metering. Thus, no additional valve will be required in order to obtain the exact reading.
By using this pump, there will be no backflow into the pump. When the application stopped, the
progressive cavity pump closes like a slider. Thus, there will no backflow returns to the pump.
Since there is no backflow into the pump, the flow rate is increasing always proportional to the
speed. Thus, the optimal efficiency of this pump extends over a very wide range.

The progressive cavity pump is suitable for high pressure. This pump can achieve a
pressure increase of up to 80 bars. The higher pressures are desirable for moving product greater
distances and for applications involving extrusions.
This pump is used when the pumping application is not suited to a centrifugal pump. This is applied
especially when the liquid has a higher viscosity or higher thickness than water. This progressive
cavity pump is different with the centrifugal pumps. Centrifugal pumps become very mechanical
and volumetrically inefficient when the viscosity of liquid goes up, thus make the flow goes down
and the power consumption goes up, but this goes opposite with the progressive cavity pump. If
using the progressive cavity pump, the mechanical efficiency and volumetric efficiency goes up
when the viscosity increase, lower power and higher flow.

Therefore, this pump is ideal for liquids with higher viscosities. This pump will maintain
the same flow no matter what the viscosity of the liquid is. If there is a pumping application where
the flow of liquid need to be constant but the liquid viscosity is variable and will change, then this
pump should be used.
This pump is an ideal pump to be used when the application requires a varied flow. This pump has
a precise flow per revolution of the pump. Thus, it is easy to regulate the pump flow by just
regulating the pump speed. Nowadays, the modern pump speed controllers are well suited with
this progressive cavity pumps.

The progressive cavity pump is also suitable to be used when the suction conditions of the
pumping applications are not ideal. This pump requires much lower Net Positive Suction Head
(NPSH) as compared to a centrifugal pump. This is because the internal pump velocity is lower.

13
A progressive cavity pump can pump when the pressure as low as 28” of mercury (Hg) but the
centrifugal pump cannot. This pump is very suitable to be used with the difficult applications which
the centrifugal pump cannot be used. This pump also is easily to be filled.

This pump is also ideal for the applications where the liquid is sheer sensitive again due to
the lower internal velocity. This pump is very good to be used when pumping oil and water
mixtures to separation devices. This pump will not change the oil droplets compared to the
centrifugal pump which will emulsify the oil and make oil droplets very small. The separation
devices work much better when the oil droplets are larger. Thus, the progressive cavity pump is
very suitable for this application in order to increase or maintain the performance of the separator
devices.

Moreover, the progressive cavity pump is best applied when the liquid contains abrasive
solids. This progressive cavity pump can pump solids very well compared to other types of positive
displacement pumps which cannot pump solids very well. The other types than progressive cavity
pump cannot pump solids very well or for long is because their close tolerances and all metal
designs. Most of the centrifugal pump will simply wear out when solids are present in the liquid.
This could make them clog. This progressive cavity pump is designed to last longer than all other
pumps on abrasive applications. For the abrasive application, the pump is designed with the rotor
and stator is the heart of the pump. The internal velocity of the liquids travels through the pump is
much lower than other types of pumps

This is because the flow travels in the progressive cavity pump is different than other types
of the pumps. The flow travels axially through the progressive cavity pump and it is not travelling
around the outside of casing in a high speed circle like the flow that travel in other pumps. The
abrasive particles are flow in a parallel to the pumping surfaces at low speeds, thus not abrading
the pump. Besides that, in the progressive cavity pump consists of a rubber stator. If a particle
contact with this rubber stator, the stator has some flexibility to move and not abrade. This makes
the pump last longer than metal parts in other types of pumps on abrasive applications.

14
4.2 Disadvantages

Disadvantages Explanations

Elastomers swell in Elastomer swell happens when the stator is affected by the
stator production fluids or chemical reactions and temperature. When the
stator is in contact with high API gravity oil and incompatible
chemicals, the stator is said to be in chemical swell. Thermal swell
happens when the temperature increases, causing the elastomer to
expand.

Figure 1: Chemical and thermal swells

Pump stator may When the pump is pumped dry, the elastomer will become hard and
undergo damage if brittle, eventually cracked. This usually happens when lack of fluids
pumped dry entering the pump; causing temperature build-up and eventually
expanding the elastomer.
Pump off control is Pump off can be defined as the lack of fluids entering the pump. This
difficult occurs mainly because of plugged pump intake, poor inflow or
production rates exceed the inflow.
Low pump speed Generally, the pump speed is set at most 500 RPM because speed
exceeds the maximum will cause problems to the sucker rod and
surface equipment. Such problems as fatigue failures and vibration.
Gas permeation occurs when gas enters the elastomer matrix and
Gas permeation expands due to a pressure drop. This usually happens during pulling

15
 of pump or shut down. The expanding of elastomer matrix
sometimes called as explosive decompression.

Figure 2: Explosive decompression

Short life span of Abrasive wear occurs between the stator and rotor. This usually
stator and rotor caused by rubbing velocity, which in time will reduce the life span
of rotor and stator. Besides that, frequent change of the stator and
rotor will increase the operating cost of the pump. Thus

Figure 3: Abrasive wear of the rotor

Limited to relative The pump is limited to the shallow depth well (approximately 5000
shallw wells ft. – 6000ft.) due to its limitations. Torsional or fatigue failures
placed on the rod strings and temperature limitations are some
limitations why it is not used in deeper wells.
Limited to viscous When gas enters the pump, it will decrease the efficiency of the
fluids pump. This is because the gas occupies the pump cavity, thereby
further compression must be done to discharge the gas from the
cavity.

16
Limited temperature The pump is limited to a well temperature of about 100oC to 180oC
capability with the use of special elastomers. If the temperature goes beyond
the range, thermal swell will happens.
Limited production Due to the operating principle of the pump, the maximum production
rates rate is about 800 m3/d (approximately 5.040 bbls/d) in a large
diameter pumps while lower rate for a small diameter pump.

17
 Chapter 5

Conclusion

For the past several decades, artificial lift has referred to the traditional method of downhole
pumping. The revolution of technology has broaden the uses of artificial lift. Today, artificial lift
is no longer limited referred as a methods applied in the wellbore only, but instead also used
throughout the production system to lift the production fluid to their final destination. There two
types of artificial lift that has been used quite some time which are gas lift and pumping system.

The progressing cavity pump (PCP) has been used as fluid transfer pump for many years.
It represents a widely used type of pump predominantly used for the transport of highly viscous
and non-lubricating fluid in petroleum industry. The use of progressing cavity pumps as a means
of artificial lift has numerous advantages over other artificial lift methods.

Through years of research and development in PCPs design, the production and lift
capabilities are expanding to cover a wide range of applications. With various elastomeric
materials available, a wide range of well fluids can be handled efficiently using the progressing
cavity pump. The ability to pump abrasive fluids lends itself well to many of the viscous sand
laden crudes found throughout the world. With present lift capabilities from 4000 feet and
capacities to 1000 BPD, the progressing cavity pump is ever expanding and becoming a viable
alternative for wells utilizing artificial lift. The most common PCPs design is one of a single helical
rotor rotating eccentrically inside a double threaded helical elastomeric stator of twice the pitch
length. The number of seal lines determines the pressure capabilities of the pump is one of the
determining factors of the slip experienced within the pump.

18
Reference

API Spec. 11B, Specification for Sucker Rods. 1990. Washington, DC: API.

API Spec. 5CT, Specification for Casing and Tubing. 1990. Washington, DC: API.

Cholet, H. (1997). Progressing Cavity Pumps retrieved from http://books.google.com /books?id

=e2v2YYqe4gwC&printsec=frontcover&dq=progressive+cavity+pump&hl=en&sa=X&ei=3n2
DUpGWHOeCyAGenIGwCw&ved=0CEoQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=progressive%20cavity%2
0pump&f=false

Colfax Corporation. (n.d.). Progressing Cavity Pumps. Monroe, Wisconsin, USA.

Gamboa, J. Gonzalez, P. Iglesias, J. & Olivet, A. (2003). Understanding the Performance of

Progressive Cavity Pump With A Metallic Stator. Symposium conducted at the Proceeding Of The
20th Pump User Symposium.

General Guidelines for Failure Analysis of Downhole Progressing Cavity Pumps. Retrieved on
November 5, 2013 from: www.oilproduction.net/cms/files/KenSaveth_Failure_analysis.pdf

Lange, J. and Strawn, J. 2006. Prime Movers. In Petroleum Engineering Handbook, Ch. 8.
Richardson, Texas: SPE.

Nelik, D., & Champlin, S. (2008, July). Focus on Fundementals (Part Four): Progressive Cavity
Pumps. Retrieved from Pumps&Systems: http://www.pump-zone.com/topics/pumps/progressing-
cavity/focus-fundamentals-part-four-progressive-cavity-pumps

PEH: Progressing Cavity Pumping System. Retrieved on November 5, 2013 from:

http://petrowiki.org/PEH%3AProgressing_Cavity_Pumping_Systems

Progressing Cavity Pump from KNOLL. Retrieved on November 5, 2013 from: http://blog.mx-
pumps.com/

Progressing Cavity Pump (PCP) System. Retrieved on November 5, 2013 from:

http://petrowiki.org/Progressing_cavity_pump_%28PCP%29_systems?rel=1

19
Stuart L. S. (May, 2006). Artificial Lift: Development Status of a Metal Progressing Cavity Pump
for Heavy-Oil and Hot-Production Wells.

Vetter, G., & Wirth, W. (n.d.). Understand Progressing Cavity Pumps Characteristics and Avoid
Abrasive Wear. Erlangen.

Weatherford (March, 2012). Weatherford: Introduction to Artificial lift System.

Wild, A. G. (n.d.). Progressing Cavity Pumps Proper Selection and Application. Robbins & Myers
Inc. Springfield. Ohio.

When To Use Progressive Cavity Pumps. Liberty Process. Retrieved on November 5, 2013 from:
http://www.libertyprocess.com/when_to_use_progressive_cavity_pumps.html

Woolsey, K. A (2010). Improving Progressing Cavity Pump Performance through Automation and
Surveillance. KUDU Industries Inc. Society of Petroleum Engineers

20
Appendices

Figure 4: Abrasive wear of the rotor

Figure 5: Elastomer swell

Figure 6: Torsional or fatigue failure

21
 Hyd
Gas Lift Foam Lift Plunger Rod Lift PCP ESP Hyd Jet
Piston
Max Depth 18,000 ft 22,000 ft 19,000 ft 16,000 ft 8,600 ft 15,000 ft 20,000 ft 17,000 ft
Max Volume 75,000 bpd 500 bpd 200 bpd 6,000 bpd 5,000 bpd 60,000 bpd 35,000 bpd 8,000 bpd
Max Temp 450°F 400°F 550°F 550°F 250°F 482°F 550°F 550°F
Corrosion Good to Good to
Excellent Excellent Fair Good Excellent Good
Handling Excellent Excellent
Gas
Excellent Excellent Excellent Fair to good Good Fair Good Fair
Handling
Solids Sand
Good Good Fair Fair to good Excellent Good Fair
Handling <40ppm
Fluid
Viscosity
Gravity >15° >8° >15° >8° 8°<API<40° ≥6° >8°
<400cp
(°API)
Wellhead
Wireline or Capillary Workever or
Servicing Catcher or Wireline or workover rig Hydraulic or wireline
workover rig Unit pulling rig
Wireline
Prime Mover Compressor Well natural energy Gas or electric Electric Gas or Electric
Offshore Excellent Good N/A Limited Limited Excellent Excellent Good
System 45% –
10% -30% N/A N/A 45% – 60% 50% – 75% 35% – 60% 10% – 30%
Efficiency 55%
Source: Weatherford - Introduction to Artificial lift System

22