Bill Grubb, Weatherford Completion & Production Systems
The Coalbed Natural Gas Industry, or Coalbed Methane (CBM) continues to gain global popularity and momentum. However today, CBM operations are one of economic challenges. Varying coal seam depths, rapidly declining water production rates, uncharacteristic well completions, sand, coal fines, etc., prohibit using just one form artificial lift equipment. Successful CBM production operations demand multiple product lines. Weatherford determined that a new approach was needed that offered multiple product lines in addition to modifications of conventional artificial lift products. A presentation will be prepared that outlines the challenges CBM production presents to operators. This paper and presentation will discuss old artificial production techniques and new approaches. Because there is a never-ending focus on lowering lease operating expenses (LOE) operators continue to push manufacturers into modifying and or developing new production products. Weatherford has a dedicated CBM team determined to lead the industry in CBM equipment development. This paper will offer some of Weatherford's solutions to this ever-demanding industry.