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Pump Setting Depth and PFL Calculation

The document discusses the Pump Setting Depth (PSD) and Producing Fluid Level (PFL) in well operations, emphasizing the importance of proper pump installation to ensure motor cooling and prevent gas lock. It outlines methods for calculating PFL using acoustic equipment and Total Dynamic Head calculations, along with criteria for selecting an appropriate PSD. Additionally, it defines Static Fluid Level (SFL) and its significance in estimating Static Bottomhole Pressure and other production parameters.

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ma2529313
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68 views9 pages

Pump Setting Depth and PFL Calculation

The document discusses the Pump Setting Depth (PSD) and Producing Fluid Level (PFL) in well operations, emphasizing the importance of proper pump installation to ensure motor cooling and prevent gas lock. It outlines methods for calculating PFL using acoustic equipment and Total Dynamic Head calculations, along with criteria for selecting an appropriate PSD. Additionally, it defines Static Fluid Level (SFL) and its significance in estimating Static Bottomhole Pressure and other production parameters.

Uploaded by

ma2529313
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Pump Setting Depth

It is the depth at which the pump is installed inside the well. The pump must be submerged far enough below the level of the
produced fluid to ensure continuous cooling of the motor and prevent exposure (gas lock).

Criteria for Selecting Pump Setting Depth (PSD)


Producing Fluid Level (PFL)
It is the depth at which the fluid settles in a well during production. It varies depending on the withdrawal rate,
pressure, and stratigraphic characteristics.

How to calculate it:


A) Using Acoustic (Echometer) Equipment
• A sound wave is sent down the well from the surface.
• The time it takes for the wave to return (echo) is measured.
• This time is converted into depth based on the velocity of sound in the medium (gas or fluid).
B) Using Total Dynamic Head (TDH) Calculation
In some cases, PFL can be estimated indirectly using pressure measurements and fluid properties:
Applied Example
Well Data:
Well depth: 8500 ft
Fluid level from surface (measured): 6200 ft
Perforation interval: 8600 – 8700 ft
Production rate: 4000 BPD
Fluid density: 0.85 g/cm³ = 53 lb/ft³
steps:
1. Determine PFL (Producing Fluid Level):Measured using acoustic tools → 6200 ft
2. Choose PSD (Pump Setting Depth):
• The pump should be installed 150–300 ft below the PFL
• So, a setting depth of 6400–6500 ft is ideal
This keeps the pump:
• Fully submerged under the dynamic fluid level
• Positioned above the perforation interval by 1000+ ft, which helps:
❖ Prevent direct sand entry
❖ Minimize the risk of free gas intake
❖ Avoid premature gas coning or water coning
Applied Example (Using Equations):
Given:
• Bottomhole Pressure (Pbh): 1800 psi
• Wellhead Pressure (Pwh): 200 psi
• Fluid Density: 53 lb/ft³
• Gravity (g): 32.17 ft/s²
The Relationship Between PFL (Producing Fluid Level) and PIP (Pump Intake Pressure)

You can estimate the Producing Fluid Level (PFL) based on the Pump Intake Pressure (PIP) using the following
equation:
Static Fluid Level (SFL) - Definition, Calculation & Application
What is Static Fluid Level?
The Static Fluid Level (SFL) is the level of fluid in the well when the well is shut-in (i.e., no pumping or production activity). It
reflects the natural reservoir pressure without any drawdown or influence from surface operations.

Why is it Important?
- It's used to estimate Static Bottomhole Pressure (SBHP).
- It helps in calculating:
• Drawdown
• Productivity Index (PI)
• Artificial Lift design parameters (ESP, PCP, etc.)

How to Measure or Estimate Static Fluid Level


1: Direct Measurement using Acoustic (Echometer) Tools
2: Indirect Calculation Using SBHP (Static Bottomhole Pressure)

If acoustic tools are not available, you can estimate the SFL using pressure and fluid properties.

Example: Estimating Static Fluid Level


Given:
•Well Depth: 8500 ft
•Static Bottomhole Pressure (SBHP): 1800 psi
•Fluid Density (ρ): 52 lb/ft³
•Gravity (g): 32.17 ft/s²

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