Joe Dunn Clegg, Pecten International Co.
The selection and design of the artificial lift equipment will continue to be a significant event in the life of most oil wells. The resulting profitability will either be increased or diminished by the artificial lift equipment choices, and the credibility of the designer will be enhanced or lowered. The designer should be aware that the system efficiency is becoming increasingly more important, since energy costs continue to rise. The best artificial lift selection and design will make the greatest amount of money (highest present value cash flow) over the life of the project. In the planning stage the following three factors must be evaluated (1). the oil and gas production and revenue over well life, (2). the operating cost over well life, and (3). the capital cost of the equipment. Of these