(2023013) Utilizing Algorithms to Determine Production Increases on Wells Operating with a Fluid Level Above the Pump

One of the benefits of utilizing a Sucker Rod Pump for artificially lifted oil and gas wells is that they can achieve total drawdown the casing fluid above the downhole pump. This allows for the artificial lift method to maximize the production of the well by minimizing the back pressure on the reservoir caused by the fluid level in the casing anulus. However, in some cases the original design of the sucker rod pump system may not be able to achieve the capacity required to drawdown the entire fluid level in the casing anulus. In order to increase production operators are tasked with identifying these wells and prioritizing them based on their opportunity for increased production and then perform the necessary operational changes to ensure the wells are producing more optimally. Previously this process was done entirely manually and could take several hours per well. 
To combat this, algorithms were developed to apply rules across several thousand wells to determine if they are good candidates for increase production. Using a host software solution tied into wells running on pump off control, algorithms were developed to determine if a well was pumped off. If this criterion was met well test information was used to infer the well’s maximum production. Then leveraging software with predictive wave equation capabilities, several outcomes where the speed was modulated in the rod pumping system were generated. After analyzing all the possible scenarios, the algorithms then determine the optimal solution based on equipment loading, well performance, and production information. Operators are able to leverage this automated process to determine real opportunities for increased production on the rod lift artificially lifted wells. By automated the process of discovery, prioritization, and speed changes required, the software eliminated unnecessary man hours in the process of optimizing wells for maximum production and allows the end users to quickly identify wells with actionable changes that will lead to production increases.