Competitive Analysis

Cable Heating Systems These Systems Clamp a Resistance Cable to the Production Tubing. When Power is Supplied to the Cable, Heat is Generated and Transferred through the Tubing to the Fluid Stream

Since Only One Side of the Cable is in Partial Contact with the Tubing (It is Very Difficult to Avoid Gaps), a Significant Part of the Heat Generated is Lost to the Well Annulus. Less than 30% of the Electrical Energy Delivered to Most Heating Cable Systems is Converted to Heat in the Fluid Stream. As a Result, the Operating Expenses for These Systems Can Make Them Difficult to Justify Economically.

Since Heat is Generated Over the Length of the Tubing String Above the Pump, Pump Efficiency and Fill Rates are not Improved with Heating Cable Systems in High Viscosity Situations.

 

Solid Resistance Heaters These Systems Place a Solid Rod Type Resistance Heating Element Below the Pump Intake. The Small Heated Surface Area and Low Thermal Mass Result in Poor Heat Transfer Capability which Requires High Surface Temperatures.

High Surface Temperatures May Lead to Coke Build-Up Which Restricts Operational Effectiveness.

With this Type of Design, a Significant Amount of Heat Energy is Lost to the Well Annulus. (One Manufacturer States More than 50%). Since Fluid is Flowing into the Well from the Reservoir, this Heat Can Do Very Little to Remove Skin Damage and Improve Well In-Flow and is Mainly Wasted.