Rig-Less Surface Jet Pump Deployment: A Sustainable and Cost-Effective Solution for Well Revitalization: A Case study from UAE

Abstract

Once a Well's reservoir pressure depletes, it loses its natural production and requires a workover operation which is time-consuming, costly and does not guarantee production revival. Exploration and Production companies seek a compatible, sustainable, and cost-effective artificial lift solution to restores the Wells' production to increase the upstream activities. This paper highlights the quantifiable impacts, implementation strategies, and lessons learned, demonstrating how the Surface Jet Pump system overcomes flowline back pressures.

The Surface Jet Pump (SJP) works on the Venturi principle, where drop in pressure increases the velocity of the fluid, creating a drawdown that allows the Well fluid to enter the Jet Pump. It is connected to the Well, a power fluid line, and a discharge line and is positioned near the Wellhead. SJP requires a high-pressure power fluid to create the required drawdown and overcome the back pressure from the flowlines to offload the Well. Typically, this high-pressure power fluid is produced by a surface pumping unit, which requires an emissive energy source, especially in remote operations.

This study presents a trial application of SJP on Well A which was out of production due to high back pressure from the flowlines and required frequent interventions (Nitrogen kick offs). Based on the data, simulations were completed for the optimized nozzle and throat combination, ensuring the required draw down and discharge pressure to revive the production from the well. In this application instead of using the surface pumping unit, a high-pressure water source was identified from the operator's water injection system and was used as power fluid. By utilizing this fluid, the need for an emissive source to run the surface pumping unit was eliminated, reducing CO₂ equivalent emissions by 28.42 metric tons per month. This rig-less SJP system restored continuous production, achieving a production rate of over 1,200 BOPD. This increased revenue, reduced OPEX cost over $ 50000 per month for the operator. This innovative approach introduced low-noise, low-carbon footprint technology, improving well performance and operational efficiency without requiring major infrastructure modifications. In 2024, this project resulted in nearly 300 metric tons of CO₂e reductions for the operator. It delivers low-cost, high-efficiency production enhancement with minimal environmental footprint.

The rig-less installation of the compact SJP skid saved valuable downtime, allowing for quicker deployment making the system both cost-effective by reducing interventions and environmentally sustainable, while eliminating the need for traditional surface pumps. Additionally, the SJP, with no moving parts, contributed to safer equipment and low maintenance requirements. This deployment aligned with the "Net-Zero Emissions by 2050 Sustainability Strategy", aimed at reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change.