PCP systems for coalbed methane dewatering

Progressive cavity pumps (PCPs) have become one of the most common types of lift methods for dewatering coalbed-methane wells. Water rates are typically high during initial production and may exceed 400 m³/d [2,500 B/D] in some cases but normally decline to ≈ 25% of their original level after a few months. The produced water often contains high concentrations of suspended sand from hydraulic fracturing, coal particles, and dissolved solids. To facilitate maximum gas production, the wells are usually maintained in close to a pumped-off condition. This tends to exacerbate the problems associated with the handling of produced gas. Because coalbed-methane wells typically have quite modest gas flow rates, capital outlays and operating expenses must consequently be minimized for these operations to be economically viable.

Pump design

Stator elastomer selection and pump sizing are critical in coalbed-methane applications. The many substances contained in the produced water, either naturally or as additives, can have a very detrimental effect on the performance of certain elastomers. Elastomer erosion characteristics are also important, given the typical presence of significant quantities of frac sand and coal particles in the produced water. In general, the best choice of elastomer for such abrasive pumping conditions is a medium Nitrile (NBR) because it generally has the best mechanical properties and, with the inherently low acrylonitrile (ACN) content (i.e., most nonpolar), can be expected to swell the least amount when producing water that is polar. However, one must use caution because some NBR compounds are prone to high water swell. This is not the result of the polymer itself but rather the presence of certain fillers or additives that have a tendency to draw in water. Since there is no oil in the fluid to provide lubrication in these applications, it is very important to ensure minimal elastomer swell because the tightening of the rotor/stator fit leads to high levels of friction, which in turn can cause operational problems and dramatically reduce pump life. As a result, some vendors offer elastomer products specifically formulated for water-production applications.

Issues and remedies

Solid and fines production

Solids production is usually most severe the first few weeks after a coalbed-methane well is brought on production. PC pumping systems usually can effectively handle the sand and coal particles contained in the produced water. However, some coal particles can reach diameters of up to 20 mm [0.8 in.]. Difficulties arise when these larger coal particles become lodged in the pump, resulting in a sharp escalation in operating torque, severe tearing of the stator, or complete pump seizure. To prevent these problems, slotted pump intake or tailpipe assemblies should be installed that are sized to prevent the entry of large coal particles but to allow passage of coal fines, sand, and water. Buildup of sand and coal particles around the pump intake can decrease production rates and may cause pump failure as a result of complete blockage of the pump intake. To minimize solids accumulation around the intake, it is common for the wells to have sumps that extend up to 50 m [160 ft] below the pump. When the tubing is pulled for a workover, the well must be flushed out to ensure that the maximum volume is available for solids deposition. To prevent solids from settling out in the tubing above the pump, the transport velocity of the water must exceed the settling velocity of the solids. Because the flow losses associated with water production are normally insignificant, relatively small-diameter tubing can be used to create high flow velocities and thus enhanced solids transport capability.

Large gas production

By nature, coalbed methane operations produce substantial quantities of gas. Ideally, the produced gas flows up the casing/tubing annulus to the gathering facilities. In practice, however, some gas usually enters the pump, causing a corresponding reduction in efficiency (see PCP Gassy-Well Applications page). Maintaining reasonably high pump efficiencies is especially important in coalbed-dewatering and water-source well applications because more heat is generated by pump friction than in an oil well where the produced fluids provide more lubrication. This is reflected by the fact that burnt pumps are a most common mode of pump failure in dewatering applications. As a result, it is important to keep gas away from the pump intake and to carefully monitor for pumped-off conditions. The pump intake should always be located below the perforations or near the bottom of openhole well completions to encourage natural gas separation. It is not uncommon for pumps to be seated up to 100 m [325 ft] below the perforations in coalbed-methane wells. In some coalbed-methane operations, the produced gas may contain a fairly high percentage of CO₂, which, as noted, can cause elastomer swelling and rapid decompression problems. In such cases, it becomes even more important to limit gas flow through the pump, although the elastomer selection and pump sizing should take potential swelling into consideration.

Pressure maintenance

To achieve economic gas rates in most coalbed operations, the pressure (i.e., fluid level) at the coal seam must be maintained at a very low level. It is not uncommon for pressures to be as low as 140 kPa [20 psi], which equates to a fluid column above the perforations of only 14 m [45 ft]. The low fluid level requirements, combined with the natural fluctuations in water flow rates from the coalbed, make it critical to use some form of pumpoff control to prevent premature pump failures. The sophistication of these systems depends on the application and can vary from basic manual to fully automated control. Typically, more elaborate systems are required for wells that either have low water flow rates or need the fluid level to be maintained near the pump intake. The most basic pumpoff control systems use some form of apparatus that senses whether water is flowing at surface. Commonly used devices include differential pressure switches and hot-wire anemometers mounted in the flowline near the wellhead. Once a low-flow condition is detected, the control system will usually shut down the pumping system. Some systems will subsequently have to be manually restarted; other more sophisticated systems will automatically restart the well after a certain time delay.

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See also

Progressing cavity pump (PCP) systems

PEH:Progressing_Cavity_Pumping_Systems