Progressing cavity pumping (PCP) systems derive their name from the unique, positive displacement pump that evolved from the helical gear pump concept first developed by Rene Moineau in the late 1920s.[1] [2] [3] Although these pumps are now most commonly referred to as progressing cavity (PC) pumps, they also are called screw pumps or Moineau pumps. They are increasingly used for artificial lift, and have been adapted to a range of challenging lift situations (e.g., heavy oil, high sand production, gassy wells, directional or horizontal wells). This page provides an introduction to PCP systems.
History
Progressing cavity (PC) pumps initially were used extensively as fluid transfer pumps in a wide range of industrial and manufacturing applications, with some attempts made to use them for the surface transfer of oilfield fluids. However, it was not until after the development of synthetic elastomers and adhesives in the late 1940s that PC pumps could be applied effectively in applications involving petroleum-based fluids. Except for several limited field trials, it was not until the late 1970s that a concerted effort was made to use PC pumps as a method of artificial lift for the petroleum industry. Over the past two decades, with the technical contributions and persistence of many individuals and companies, PCP systems have experienced a gradual emergence as a common form of artificial lift.[4] [5] [6] [7] Although precise numbers are difficult to obtain, it is estimated that more than 50,000 wells worldwide currently are being produced with these systems.
PCP configuration overview
The two key features that differentiate PCP systems from other forms of artificial lift are the downhole PC pumps and the associated surface drive systems. Although other major components, such as the production tubing and sucker rod strings, are found in other downhole lift systems, the design and operational requirements typically differ for PCP applications. Also, many additional equipment components may be used in conjunction with PCP systems to contend with specific application conditions.
The basic surface-driven PCP system configuration illustrated in Fig 1 is the most common, although electric and hydraulic downhole drive systems and various other hybrid PCP systems are also available (see Alternative PCP system configurations). The downhole PC pump is a positive displacement pump that consists of two parts:
Fig. 1—Configuration of a typical progressing cavity pumping (PCP) system.
The stator is typically run into the well on the bottom of the production tubing, while the rotor is connected to the bottom of the sucker rod string. Rotation of the rod string by means of a surface drive system causes the rotor to spin within the fixed stator, creating the pumping action necessary to produce fluids to surface.
PCP systems have several unique design features and operating characteristics that favor their selection for many applications [8] [9] [10]:
PCP systems, however, also have some limitations and special considerations:
Many of these limitations continue to change or be alleviated over time with the development of new products and improvements in materials and equipment design. If configured and operated properly in appropriate applications, PCP systems currently provide a highly efficient and economical means of artificial lift.
Applications
Use of a PCP system should be evaluated for situations that are:
While PCP systems can operate at greater depths and temperatures than indicated above, those listed are potentially good applications where a PCP should be evaluated.
References
Moineau, R.J.L. 1932. Gear Mechanism. US Patent No. 1,892,217.
Moineau, R.J.L. 1937. Gear Mechanism. US Patent No. 2,085,115.
Cholet, H. 1997. Progressing Cavity Pumps. Paris, France: Inst. Francais du Petrole.
Lea, J.F., Anderson, P.O., and Anderson, D.G. 1988. Optimization Of Progressive Cavity Pump Systems In The Development Of The Clearwater Heavy Oil Reservoir. J Can Pet Technol 27 (1). PETSOC-88-01-05. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/88-01-05
Gaymard, B., Chanton, E., and Puyo, P. 1988. The Progressing Cavity Pump in Europe: Results and New Developments. Presented at the Offshore South East Asia Show, Singapore, 2-5 February 1988. SPE-17676-MS. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/17676-MS
Matthews, C.M. and Dunn, L.J. 1993. Drilling and Production Practices To Mitigate Sucker-Rod/Tubing-Wear-Related Failures in Directional Wells. SPE Prod & Oper 8 (4): 251-259. SPE-22852-PA. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/22852-PA
Wright, D. and Adair, R. 1993. Progressive Cavity Pumps Prove More Efficient in Mature Waterflood Tests. Oil & Gas J. 91 (32): 43.
Clegg, J.D., Bucaram, S.M., and Hein, N.W.J. 1993. Recommendations and Comparisons for Selecting Artificial-Lift Methods. J Pet Technol 45 (12): 1128–1167. SPE-24834-PA. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/24834-PA
Saveth, K.J., Klein, S.T., and Fisher, K.B. 1987. A Comparative Analysis of Efficiency and Horsepower Between Progressing Cavity Pumps and Plunger Pumps. Presented at the SPE Production Operations Symposium, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 8-10 March 1987. SPE-16194-MS. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/16194-MS
Eson, R. 1997. Optimizing Mature Oil Fields Through the Utilization of Alternative Artificial Lift Systems. Presented at the SPE Western Regional Meeting, Long Beach, California, 25-27 June 1997. SPE-38336-MS. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/38336-MS
Noteworthy papers in OnePetro
Use this section to list papers in OnePetro that a reader who wants to learn more should definitely read
Use this section to provide links to relevant material on websites other than PetroWiki and OnePetro
See also
Fluid flow in PCP systems
Downhole PC pumps
Elastomers for PCP systems
PCP system components
Alternate PCP system configurations
PCP system design
PCP system operations
PEH:Progressing_Cavity_Pumping_Systems
Page champions
Category
Want more information on pcp stirrup pump? Click the link below to contact us.