Progressing Cavity Pump (PCP) Hydraulic Driveheads Implementation in Non-electrified Mature Oil Field - Reliability and Production Enhances
Authors: Iguaran Marco , Suarez Leonardo , Vidal Henrry , Nicoletti Ariel , Munoz Alberto , Nercesian Francisco , Dapino Marcos , Martini Luis 
Published: March 2023

Objectives/Scope

This study is addressed to evaluate the field implementation of the Progressing Cavity Pump (PCP) Hydraulic Driveheads, in remote locations with a lack of energy supply in the YPF Santa Cruz and in the South of Argentina. Santa Cruz area represents 20% of the total PCP population for YPF, being 5% of them operating in remote locations. The traditional PCP applications used for remote areas without electricity consider the use of PCP Driveheads angular type with engine motors as prime mover, but this kind of drivehead is old technology that carries on several limitations on safety, control, optimization, reliability, etc. Despite the poor utilization and no massification of Hydraulic Driveheads in Argentina, this technology has been considered as an alternative to probe in the field looking for improvements with the main variables that are the weakness for angular driveheads showing successful results.

Methods, Procedures, Process

The project scope cover the full deployment of the drivehead technology in a field trial evaluation considering the operational features and benefits combined with a positive impact on production increase and cost saving, follow up by the technology field implementation. The trial stage was addressed by installing two (2) hydraulic drivehead replacing direct-drive gas engine power transmissions during a 6-month of period evaluation. Combining a telemetry system with a closed field visit, key operational parameters were monitoring and comparing performance against the previous traditional surface systems. All data collected were analyzed to determine the feasibility of this technology in the mature, non-electrified field.

Results, Observations, Conclusions

During the trial period, a close comparison with the traditional system was performed, finding important enhancements with the implementation of Hydraulic Driveheads application addressed to torque control and its benefits that angular drivehead systems can't offer. The introduction of torque control through Hydraulic Driveheads creates a safe operational window in terms of HSE (health safety environment) as no moving parts and external brakes are in place, aim is to overcome the troubles related to parted rods because of no torque control, improving the PCP System uptime due to no sheave and belts, schedule maintenance with a direct impact on the production.

The torque control, no moving parts, and reliable system with uptime combined with steady speed results in production increase due to constant operation and less maintenance.

Based on the technical and economical results of the trial, the Hydraulic Driveheads represent a reliable, safe technology that justifies the technology deployment in order to replace obsolete angular driveheads in almost 78 PCP wells in a remote location without an electrical supply.

Novel/Additive Information

The novelty of this Project is the adoption of a technology not implemented before in this field as the solution to maximize value creation from existing matures non-electrified fields.