Boron-Carbide Treated Rod Pump Parts Increase Run Times In Challenging Conditions

This paper explores the application of boron-carbide (B4C) treated rod pump parts in sucker rod pump (SRP) wells, as a solution to the challenges posed by modern-day drilling and completions practices. These practices often result in sandy, corrosive, and highly deviated wellbores, leading to increased wear, frequent interventions, and downtime in rod lift systems. The paper highlights the improved run times a large producer in the Permian Basin was able to achieve by utilizing boron-carbide treated components in their sucker rod pumped wells. The evaluation aimed to assess the run time performance of a sample of 30 wells, focusing on wells with prior run-time and failure mode history established. The results showed improved run times in many of the wells evaluated and highlights the components and configurations used. The paper further discusses the B4C treatment technology the potential in enhancing the performance and longevity of various artificial lift equipment.