Paper: Closed Power WaterOil Hydraulic Pumping

A study of Denver Unit, Wasson (San Andres) Field, waterflood lift requirements for both current and future lift requirements, was completed in December 1966. This study indicated that for lift capacities exceeding 400 BPD a capital cost saving of $1000 to $2000 per well over bean; pumping could be realized by utilizing a closed hydraulic free-pump system. Available data also indicated that $100 per month per well savings in operating costs could be expected with hydraulic pumping. A closed system is more economical due to the expense required to expand treating facilities to handle the power fluid in an open system. In view of the possible economic advantages of hydraulic pumping, a 2-well Closed Power Water (CPW) and a 4-well Closed Power Oil (CPO) pilot project were installed and put into operation in June 1967. The CPW system was justified from the fire safety standpoint since many unit wells are located in inhabited areas. Major points covered in this paper are installation and operation of equipment, operating problems, and costs for both systems.