(23) A NEW ADVANCED MATERIAL SUCKER ROD COUPLING MATERIAL: ECONOMICAL SOLUTION FOR DOWNHOLE WEAR IN DEVIATED BAKKEN UNCONVENTIONAL WELLS
In 2014, Hess initiated a project to manufacture 1-inch slim hole sucker rod couplings with a Cu15Ni8Sn high strength spinodal alloy, which provides higher toughness and corrosion resistance compared to other bronze alloys.
The couplings significantly reduce wear in deviated sections of unconventional wells. Hess’s pilot program includes ten wells and will be extended to sixty wells.
Another pilot is underway wherein ¾-inch full size couplings and 1-inch slimhole couplings are installed at the bottom half of three wells. The purpose is to reduce friction in the lower portion of the string, thereby lowering the peak polished rod loads, lowering gear box loads, reducing power consumption, and increasing pump stroke length. Results will be presented in the paper.