When a high fluid level exists in a well, a tubing anchor can cause free gas to collect below the tubing anchor and restrict production from the formation and liquid entrance to the pump. The operator may think that a gaseous liquid column exists from the top of the fluid level down to the pump, when actually, the gaseous liquid column exists from the top of the fluid level down to the tubing anchor, and free gas exists from the tubing anchor down to the pump. The gas that is collected below the tubing anchor causes back pressure against the formation and restricts production from the well. The operator may think that liquid is surrounding the pump and gas separator, when in actuality, very little liquid is in the wellbore below the tubing anchor. Liquid is not available to the pump and gas separator. The paper has field data that shows very little liquid exists around the pump and gas separator in some wells with high fluid levels having tubing anchors.
Presenters
Jim McCoy and Lynn Rowlan, Echometer Company
Tony Podio, University of Texas