(20) MITIGATING SLUG FLOW AND TRANSITIONING FROM GAS LIFTING TO ROD PUMPING RESULTS IN SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN MULTIPLE WELL NPVs

Production challenges in horizontal wells are caused by slug flow behaviour from the horizontal. In response, Production Plus developed the flow conditioning HEAL System to mitigate slug flow before fluids enter the downhole separator and pump. Slug flow mitigation allows rod pumping to be more effective and efficient, offering a solution for low-cost OPEX to reliably maximize drawdown.

This paper analyzes multiple HEAL System installations in the Permian Basin that transition from gas lifting to HEAL System rod pumping. It explores requirements for intermediate artificial lift systems, challenges achieving production forecasts, slug flow and solids production mechanisms, and impact from horizontal trajectories.  The discussion compares recent long-term, multiple case studies that statistically demonstrate the impact of flow conditioning on well production economics. It offers insights into long-term NPV benefits achieved by transitioning from gas lifting to the HEAL System with rod pumping.