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C H A P T E R 1 0

USE OF BEAM PUMPS TO

DELIQUIFY GAS WELLS

10.1 INTRODUCTION

Beam pumps are likely the most common method used to remove
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liquids from gas wells. They can be used to pump liquids up the tubing
and allow gas production to flow up the casing. Their ready avail-
ability and ease of operation have promoted their use in a variety of
applications.
Beam pump installations typically carry high costs relative to other
deliquifying methods. The initial cost of a beam pump unit can be high
if a surplus unit is not available. In addition, electric costs can be high
when electric motors are used to power the prime movers, and high
maintenance costs often are associated with beam pumping operations.
Due to the expense, alternative methods to deliquify gas wells should
be considered before installing beam pumps. In the event that these
costs are minimal for a particular application, beam pumps can provide
a good means of removing liquids from gas wells.
If beam pumps are to be used for gas well liquid production, the beam
system often will produce smaller volumes of liquids. Because of the
usually low volumes required to deliquify gas wells, and the fact that
beam pumps do not have a lower limit for production and efficiency as
do other pumping systems such as ESPs, they often are used for gas well
liquid production. Figure 10-1 shows an approximate depth-volume
range for the application of beam pump systems.
The presence of high gas volumes when deliquifying gas wells means
that measures often are required to keep gas from entering the down-
hole pump or to allow the pump to fill and function with some gas
present.

283
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284 Gas Well Deliquification

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Figure 10-1: An Approximate Depth-Rate Application Chart for Beam Pumping
Systems

Figure 10-2 shows a typical beam pumping system.

This chapter discusses the primary concerns associated with the use
of beam pumps to deliquify gas wells. Some concerns include:

• Pump-off control of the pumping system to avoid effects of

over-pumping
• Gas separation when necessary
• Special pumps to handle gas-induced problems
• The possible use of injection systems to inject water below a packer
in a water zone so gas can flow upward more easily

10.2 BASICS OF BEAM PUMP OPERATION

The beam pumping unit changes rotary motion from the prime mover
into reciprocating motion. If the prime mover is electric, it usually is a
motor with a synchronous speed of 1200 rpm. Under load, it might be
rotating at possibly 1140 average rpm. A beam pump is a high efficiency
device that makes good use of input electrical energy. A formula for the
efficiency of a beam pump unit is:
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Use of Beam Pumps to Deliquify Gas Wells 285

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Figure 10-2: Schematic of Beam Pumping System (courtesy, Harbison Fischer)

.00000736γ QH
η= (10-1)
kW/.736

where:

h=the overall electrical efficiency of the pumping unit.

g=specific gravity of the fluid
Q=the additional production from pumping the well, bpd
H=the vertical lift of the fluid from approximately the fluid level
in the casing to the surface, ft
KW = the electrical power input to the motor at the surface,
kilo-Watts

Equation 10-1 can be used for PCPs, ESPs, hydraulic pumping units,
and other pumping systems. However, this formula cannot directly be
 Chapter extract

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