Even a 20 degree F Change in Fluid Temperature Can Have a Huge Impact on Viscosity

High Fluid Viscosity Lowers Lift System Efficiency and Pump Fill Rate, Reducing Production Rates and Increasing Operating Costs

The Net Result is Lower Producing Rates and Higher Operating Costs in High Viscosity Wells

At the Same Time, Tubing Friction Losses are a Direct Function of Viscosity (m f ) in Centipoise:

∆P_f = 1.19 E-5 x (1 / ((D + d) x (D – d) 3) x Q x m_f x L

Any Lift System Must Provide a Pressure Differential That Increases Directly With Viscosity to Produce Flow.

Although Friction Losses Represent a Minor Part of the Pressure Required from a Lift System in Low Viscosity, They Can Quickly Become a Major Factor in Heavy Oil.

Well Conditions with No Heating

9 API Oil, No Water, Bottom Hole Temp 110 F,

Bottom Hole Viscosity 4,176 cP, 2,500 ft 3.5” Tubing

Producing Rate 700 BPD, Dynamic Fluid Level 1,182 ft Pump Power Use = 234 KW/h

Well Conditions After 120 KW System Installed

(Below PC Pump Intake)

Temp at Pump Intake 180 F, Viscosity 559 cP

Producing Rate 900 BPD, Dynamic Fluid Level 2,271 ft

Pump Power Use = 51 KW/h

Heating System Power Use = 109 KW/h

Total Power Use = 160 KW/h