Artificial Lift Systems

Overview

Most oil wells eventually need help to reach the surface, and in many fields artificial lift decides both production rate and operating cost. Choosing the wrong method, or running the right one badly, leads to short run lives, high power consumption and frequent interventions. This course gives a complete, practical overview of the main lift systems: sucker rod pumping, electrical submersible pumps, gas lift, progressive cavity pumps, hydraulic pumping and plunger lift. For each method participants learn the operating principles, the equipment, the design steps, the typical operating envelope and the most common failure modes. The course then compares methods for different well and reservoir conditions, explains how to monitor and optimise lifted wells, and shows how to build a lift selection that balances production, reliability and lifetime cost.

Objectives

• Explain when and why wells need artificial lift
• Describe the principles and equipment of each major lift method
• Design basic rod pump, ESP and gas lift installations
• Compare lift methods against well, fluid and reservoir conditions
• Diagnose common lift problems using surveillance data
• Optimise lifted wells to improve production and run life
• Select a lift method using lifetime cost and risk

Who should attend

Training methodology

Each lift method is taught in the same sequence: principle, equipment, design, operation and troubleshooting, so participants can compare methods easily. Worked design examples use spreadsheet tools and manufacturer data, and diagnostic exercises use real dynamometer cards, ESP amp charts and gas lift pressure surveys. Videos and photographs of failed equipment illustrate typical problems. A lift selection workshop on a sample field brings everything together before the final assessment. Screening tables are provided for later reference.

Programme outline

Dates and fees

Fees are in GBP. per delegate.

Certificate

Frequently asked questions