Life-cycle cost analysis of wire rope string applications in artificial lift systems

Research output: ThesisMaster's Thesis

Abstract

This project presents an economic analysis for a wire rope which replaces the rod string of a conventional sucker rod pumping system. Since this concept is not field-proven yet, it is necessary to determine if wire ropes are more cost-effective during operation compared to the conventional rod-lifting system by creating a life-cycle cost analysis. Simulation results of previous projects on this topic are used to create a simulation well for three different life-cycle cost scenarios. The scenarios differ in the type of artificial lifting system used to produce hydrocarbons. A life-cycle cost analysis based on ISO standard 15663-1:2000 represents the main part of this work. A four-stage process which consists of data collection, analysis and modelling, definition of different cost groups as well as interpretation of results was executed to evaluate the profitability of wire ropes. The main decision criterion for the most beneficial scenario is a net-present value calculation. Calculation results were used to calculate costs per cubic metre of oil produced for each of the three different scenarios. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis is made to analyse the impact of wire ropes on individual cost groups especially on well intervention costs. Results clearly show that for the best scenario costs per cubic metre of oil produced are reduced by 19.97% over a lifecycle of 20 years. Personnel, system component and installation costs are reduced significantly by the implementation of wire rope strings and the number of well interventions is diminished because of the increased meantime between failures (MBTF) of the simulation well. This project helps to evaluate the advantages of wire ropes used for artificial lifting systems. Additionally ideas for new well intervention processes and surface pumping units are considered during calculations to compare the profitability with conventional systems.

Details

Translated title of the contributionAnalyse der Lebenszykluskosten einer Gestängetiefpumpe mit integriertem Drahtseilstrang
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDipl.-Ing.
Awarding Institution
Supervisors/Advisors
Award date23 Mar 2018
Publication statusPublished - 2018