(2024039) A Tubing Anchor Engineered to Maximize Production from Horizontal Wells

Sucker rod pumping commonly requires the tubing string to be secured to the casing downhole near the pump to prevent tubing movement. Tubing movement can undesirably reduce downhole pump efficiency and/or damage the tubing and casing. Downhole tubing anchors are used for this purpose, but they can bring about risks that can increase operating expense and limit production.
For example, production can be limited if the annular flowby cross sectional area of a tubing anchor is restricting. Placement of a tubing anchor immediately above or below a downhole separator can reduce the efficiency of a separator and therefore also limit production. Sluggy and inconsistent flows from a horizontal well can further compound production challenges if an annular flowby restrictive tubing anchor is used.
The ideal mechanical tubing anchor is comprised as follows:
1. a costly catcher feature is not required and therefore is not included,
2. not flow restricting with an annular flow-by cross sectional area more than 2-7/8” tubing EUE coupling,
3. has full drift internal diameter equivalent to 2-7/8” EUE tubing, allowing for placement away from the separator,
4. does not require rotation to set or unset, reducing operational risks, allowing placement at high inclinations and allowing use of capillary injection lines,
5. allows for adequate tubing hanger tension setting weights, and
6. It is cost effective.
A new ideal tubing anchor has been engineered and developed to address production challenges and associated with horizontal wells, so production can be maximized. This new mechanical design uses eccentric flow paths and does not require rotation to set or unset. Case histories demonstrate this new tubing anchor successfully lowers operational risks and maximizes sucker rod pumping production.