Taylor Krenek and Reed Vogt, Lifting Solutions
Anthony Allison, Oxy
Continuous sucker rod had been used for many years in sucker rod pump applications. However, several challenges have limited its acceptance in the past. The availability of service equipment, welding methodology, and selection of metallurgy all contributed to premature failures and operator frustration with the timeliness of installation and repairs.
A new approach to implementing continuous rod started with establishing a robust service infrastructure to install and repair the rod. Improved welding procedures and personnel training addressed a frequent point of past failures. Changes in the design approach and sizes used enabled new opportunities that may have previously not been addressed with continuous rod. A shift to metallurgy more similar to the predominant grade used for conventional sucker rods aims to improve fatigue resistance of continuous rod in corrosive environments.
The changes in material and service capability are enabling longer run times, reduced workover time, and extending the capabilities of rod pump wells to produce greater volumes at deeper depths. Multiple installations in the Permian Basin will be discussed to demonstrate the recent successes seen with continuous rod.