BEAM VSD ECONOMICS

Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) are a well-known method of pumping beam wells. By running the well continuously and adjusting pumping speed based on pump fillage, they provide unique benefits to reduce failures in difficult environments as compared to operating in pump-off control (POC); these environments might include solids, buckling tendencies at pump-off, and CO2 WAG environments. Although the industry recognizes the VFD benefits, many candidates remain on POC due to the capital investment required for a VFD purchase. This paper discusses two assets within Oxy Permian EOR and analyzes the economics of VFDs in order to assess if expanded usage is justified.