New Downhole Gas Separating System for Dynamic Horizontal Wells

Rod pumping in horizontal wells in the Permian Basin is extremely challenging. So much so that other forms are often considered as alternatives just because of the difficulty. Some of the major difficulties include, gas interference leading to poor pump efficiencies, and greater sand problems leading to premature wear, failures and sticking. When converting from ESP to Rod Lift it is typical to accept a reduction in total production. This conversion typically happens around the 200/300bbls/day +/- range. The attempts to mitigate gas interference in rod pump applications include things such as poor boys, packer style gas separators, tail pipe and others. However as the conventional approaches did not perform in these unconventional dynamic wells, the evolution of new technologies was imminent. Creating the smallest OD gas separator to maximize the downward fluid velocities, coupled with a no risk cup style packer and shroud.