Oil Production with BPZ System A NEW APPROACH!
The Invention PETROBRAS CENPES has developed and patented a new method for artificial lifting in oil wells called: BPZ Pneumatic Pumping System. The inventor of BPZ, Mr. Zadson Franco, is now the owner of ENGEPET Company (Aracaju/Brazil), which, in association with APJEM Tecnologia (Rio de Janeiro/Brazil) has the rights to commercialize this technology worldwide. The BPZ System is patented by Petrobras (Brazilian State Owned Oil Company) in the United States, Patent number US 6,298,918 B1 of October 9, 2001as well as in Brazil and Europe, and it is licensed for ENGEPET / APJEM worldwide.
The Invention PETROBRAS Research & Development Center CENPES in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Center of Excellence, with more then 4,000 Doctors, Masters and Researchers in Oil Technology
The Background The various artificial lift methods which may be used for the production of oil in non-flowing wells or for increasing the productivity of wells in general, depending on local conditions, may present a number of drawbacks. In non-flowing conventional wells with low productivity levels, mechanical pumping systems or gas-lift-type systems are frequently used. Lifting the oil contained underground up to the surface is possible only if there is a minimum pressure over the oil in the bottom of the well. One method used to assist lifting is known as gas lift which comprises the injection of gas, under controlled conditions, into the annulus defined between the production column and the well casing. By means of this artificial lift method, gas is continuously injected, passing through one or more valves from the surface to the production zone, where it mixes with the oil, lowering the density and facilitating its lifting to the surface.
The Background Artificial lifting by means of the gas-lift system is suitable only in wells which are draining reservoirs in which there is still a reasonable amount of static pressure such that, after injection of the propulsion gas, the pressure of the fluid at the bottom is higher than a minimum value sufficient to lift the oil/gas mixture to the surface. BPZ Pneumatic Pumping System offers an alternative to a conventional gas-lift system as well as to any mechanical lifting system, because it uses no moving parts, thereby reducing maintenance costs and the need for shutting down production. In addition, when compared to gas-lift, BPZ will produce a greater pressure differential when the storage chamber is depressurized, allowing a better utilization of the reservoir.
System Overview BPZ -Pneumatic Pumping System consists in the cyclic pressurization and depressurization of a storage chamber located in the lower part of the well, by means of the injection and release of gas, forcing the oil which has accumulated there to be lifted via the production column. When the storage chamber is depressurized, the gas may be routed to the upper part of the production column where, by means of the provision of an auxiliary lift columns, the fluid lift conditions are improved. With a view to reduce the volume of gas required for system operation, a few adaptations are made to the geometry of the columns, creating, for example, an annular space of small volume, where said injection takes place. A fully automatic control system is responsible for timing the operating cycle. Depressurization of the bottom of the well improves the conditions of recovery of oil from the reservoir.
The Technology -BPZ System works in cycles of compression and decompression of gas, using compressed gas available in the field or supplied. - BPZ can be installed on the existing Xmas tree of the oil well, or on new oil wells. - The compressed gas is recycled after separation from oil recovered.
The Technology -The cycles of compression and decompression of the gas are controlled by an electronic board which commands pneumatic valves. -The electronic board is powered by solar batteries, so no electric power is required on the field. -The whole system can be monitored on line, even through internet, wherever you are..
The Advantages -There are no moving parts within the well, which means: no brakes, no rod/piston maintenance, no holes on the string, almost no rig intervention. - BPZ can be used on wells with high inclination, with high GOR and/or BSW as well as with heavy oil without losing efficiency. No slipping effect compared to gas lift. -BPZ adjustable cycle can be adapted for a production range from 1 to 600 bbl/day. -BPZ will leave a lower PWF (Bottom Hole Flow Pressure) if compared to gas lift or mechanical pumping!
Some Results 2x Production Increase over Conventional Gas Lift
BPZ System On shore installation on PAIP Field - Brazil
BPZ System Off shore installation at Aracaju/Sergipe Field - Brazil
BPZ System Required Data