Field Test Results from a Downhole Sucker Rod Sensor

In the past 10 years, drilling methods have drastically reduced the time it takes to drill wells. This is especially true in today’s unconventional shale market where 20,000 ft wells are being drilled in under 14 days. This increase in drilling rates along with increasing depths and deviations has presented many challenges for the conventional rod lift system, which was designed to last for ten years but are now having issues within the first twenty-four months resulting in substantial increases in workover costs. Below we will review the field test results from a downhole sensor that has been developed and is patent-pending which will measure the forces on the rod system and begin the process of optimizing the life of the rod string through analysis of the downhole forces. An additional benefit is that operators and service companies can now verify the effectiveness of new and existing technologies (rod guides, friction reducers…) in extending the life of the system The downhole sucker sensor can be positioned anywhere in the rodstring and collects measured data for pressure, temperature, torque, tension and compression, velocity and position. Using these measurements, a downhole (actual) Dynacard can be generated to remove the guesswork. These measurements are then used to calculate values for specific gravity, pump fillage and pump intake pressure in order to better understand what is actually happening in today’s unconventional shales. The main objectives are summarized as follows: o Comparing actual Downhole DYNACARD measurements to the Surface and the Predicted Cards o Maximizing reservoir drainage and production optimization o Identifying, isolating and optimizing mechanical issues in problem wells o Measuring the impact of new and existing technologies (such as guides, friction reducers, …) and their effectiveness in extending the service life of the SR system.  Can verify if guides. friction reducers… are adding value and not just cost!