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Hydraulic Jet Pump

Hydraulic Jet Pump
Hydraulic Jet Pump

 

Hydraulic Pumping Systems transmit power downhole using pressurized power fluid flowing through wellbore tubulars. A Jet Pump converts this pressurized fluid into a high-velocity jet that mixes directly with well fluids. Hydraulic piston pumps can lift large liquid volumes from great depths at relatively low pressures and handle crooked wells with ease. They can be powered by natural gas or electricity and are suitable for multiple completions and offshore operations. However, they have major drawbacks, including being fire hazards, costly power and water treatment, and issues with high solids production.

Applications for Hydraulic Pumping

Hydraulic systems are typically used where other artificial lift methods fail or are unsuitable due to well conditions. Despite being labeled expensive, they are ideal in scenarios where alternatives are not feasible:

  1. Remote Areas: Hydraulic free pumps are ideal where rig costs are high or workover rigs are scarce.
  2. Crooked or Deviated Wells: Efficiently handle non-vertical well paths.
  3. Deep, Hot, High-Volume Wells: Suitable for wells with up to a 24° buildup per 100 ft.
  4. Sandy Corrosive Wells: Jet pumps perform well in abrasive environments.
  5. Deep Wells with Low Bottomhole Pressure: Reciprocating pumps manage low-pressure scenarios effectively.
  6. Wells with Rapidly Changing Production Volumes: Adaptable to fluctuating output.
  7. Gas/Liquid Production Below 750:1 Ratio: Effective in wells producing under a packer where free gas must be pumped.
  8. High-Paraffin Content Wells: Hydraulic free pumps handle paraffin buildup efficiently.
  9. Low-API-Gravity Wells: Hydraulic open power fluid systems are suitable for these conditions.

Advantages of Hydraulic Jet Pumping

  • High Volume Capability: Capable of handling large liquid volumes.
  • Flexibility: Adaptable to various well conditions and production rates.
  • Deviated Wells: Efficiently operates in crooked or deviated wells.
  • Multi-Well Production: Single surface package can service multiple wells.
  • Low Maintenance: Minimal pump maintenance requirements.
  • Rate Variation: Simple to adjust production rates.
  • Wireline Retrievable: Can be retrieved without pulling tubing.
  • Urban Suitability: Unobtrusive in urban locations.
  • Versatile Power Sources: Can utilize water as a power source.
  • Corrosion and Scale Management: Effective emulsion treatment.
  • Ease of Performance: Simple operational procedures.

Limitations of Hydraulic Jet Pumping

  • Bottomhole Pressure Dependency: Producing rate is relative to bottomhole pressure.
  • Specific Assemblies Required: Some systems need particular bottomhole components.
  • Efficiency Issues: Lower horsepower efficiency compared to other methods.
  • High-Pressure Requirements: Demands high-pressure surface lines.
  • Complex Design: More intricate system design.
  • Potential Cavitation: Can cavitate under certain conditions.
  • Fire Hazards: Power oil systems pose fire risks.
  • Sensitivity to Back Pressure: Highly sensitive to changes in back pressure.
  • Gas Handling Limitations: Free gas production can reduce liquid handling ability.
  • Inefficient Lift Method: Generally less efficient compared to alternative lift methods.