Abstract
Daleel Petroleum is operating an oil field in the northern region of Oman. Sucker rod pumps drive most of its production. While, most of wells have smooth commissioning time, considerable number of them experience premature failures in less than 90 days. This paper offers Daleel Petroleum experience and methodology in failure's root cause analysis and the integrated solutions that enhanced the run life and reduced the failure rate.
A comprehensive analysis was conducted to understand the failure root causes and the best recommended practical solutions that integrate the surface unit and downhole pump completion. The analysis focused on three main areas which are prior the pump installation level, which include the well cleanout program, sucker rod installation level and post failure analysis area. Thus, the pump mineralogy, installation and running in hole procedures optimized along with aligning the compatibility of the used materials with the well's downhole conditions. Accordingly, the pump's material and grade tested to ensure it is compatible with the different reservoir fluids and the surface unit installation checked to get the right alignment with minimum vibration. The pump design, running hole and installation procedures optimized to have the best efficiency with lowest cost. On the other side, the failed pumps dismantled and the pump's running data analysed to identify the failure leading causes and enhance the pumps overall performance.
The collaborative enhancements across various levels have significantly extended pump run life and markedly reduced failure rates. Key modifications included upgrading downhole pump materials to endure challenging well conditions, such as high water cut, solids production, and corrosive environments. Additionally, the optimization of installation and RIH procedures was aligned with the manufacturer's guidelines and API standards. The wellbore cleanout program was also enhanced to ensure a clean bottom hole before pump installation. These integrated modifications have resulted in a more than 30% reduction in failure rates and a 20% increase in average well run life over a three-year period. Furthermore, deferment and workover costs have been reduced by minimizing intervention times.
This paper offers comprehensive root cause analysis of premature failures at Daleel petroleum at different levels (pre- pump installation, during and post installation stage). The paper presents integrated and effective solutions implemented in North Oman to enhance the run life, reduce the failures and the deferment and optimize the workover cost.
