Applying O&G ALS Technology to Enable Worldwide Food Security and a Greener Future by Improving Boron Production Efficiency in a Mining Application Project Developed in California

Abstract

A common mindset considers mining sector as one of the dirtiest economic activitiescurrently killing the planet. In similar way, the Oil and Gas (O&G) industry has been by far persecuted ascontaminant and sustainably irresponsible. Contradictory to such bias, this paper aims to summarize theresults of utilizing Artificial Lift Systems (ALS) technology from O&G in mining applications to improve theefficiency of boron production in a project developed in Newberry Springs, California. USA.

This multiyear project was focused on understanding the miningapplication from ALS perspective, screening lift options, and finally select the most suitable solutions toimprove boron production efficiency. Boron is produced from acid injection in a well and then soaked forcertain hours; Significant amount of non-pressurized boric-acid, borates and water are generated at pay-zone; with an important concentration of chlorides, generating a highly corrosive bottomhole conditionwith no static-pressure to lift these fluids to surface. ALS becomes a reliable solution for flow assurance inmining. Based on well condition, Progressing Cavity Pump (PCP) system was selected for this project.

A wide variety of test were conducted to select the proper materialsfor the PCP system, including elastomer compatibility test, tube corrosion test, elastomer/tube bondingtest, immersion elastomer/tube test, sucker rod / tubing wear test, torque anchor gripping test, etc. Inaddition, alternative materials and coatings were explored on components like PCP rotor, sucker rod stringand surface equipment. The tests were conducted at downhole temperature criteria to simulate operational conditions.

O&G industry know-how helped to enable food security through the deployment of a custom-madeinsert-PCP system that allows effective boron extraction in a mining application in California. For thisspecific case, the insert-PCP increased production efficiency due to the combination of an abrasion-resistant rotor and a soft elastomer in the stator. PCP system equipped with a conventional sucker rodstring made of hastelloy C276 and paired with an energy-efficient permanent magnet motor drive headand is part of a proof of concept to apply traditional O&G artificial lift technology to effectively mineboron, a material deemed critical for the global energy transition.