Optimal artificial lift methods for small oil field production

Artificial lift methods are essential for maintaining productivity of oil wells that are depleted or lack sufficient natural energy for self-sustaining production. Properly selected artificial lift methods enable fluid production continuity, ensure stability and maintain long-term economic viability, especially when the reservoir can no longer support natural fluid lift to the surface. On the small oil field X, the initial production phase utilized natural flow methods, whereas declining reservoir energy prompted the implementation of sucker rod pumps (SRP), which were later replaced by electrical submersible pumps (ESP). Performance analysis revealed that ESP systems encountered challenges, including motor overheating due to reduced fluid inflow and insufficient cooling. In contrast, SRP systems exhibited more stable and reliable performance under the specific operating conditions of oil well at field X. This study investigates artificial lift methods, and through analyzing SRP and ESP system performance, concludes that SRP systems are more suitable for sustained and efficient production on small oil field X.