SPE - Society of Petroleum Engineers Artificial Lift Systems Questions and Answers

Question 1

An engineer is selecting an artificial lift system for an offshore well characterized by a high production rate (>10,000 BPD), moderate depth, and a low gas-oil ratio (GOR).
The wellbore is deviated.
Which artificial lift system is most suitable for these conditions?

Accepted Answer

Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP)

Answer

Sucker Rod Pump

Answer

Gas Lift

Answer

Plunger Lift

Question 2

In a continuous-flow gas lift design, what is the primary function of the deepest valve, also known as the operating valve?

Accepted Answer

To provide the primary and deepest point for continuous gas injection into the production tubing.

Answer

To automatically open and close to create an intermittent flow regime.

Answer

To unload the well of completion fluids during the initial startup phase.

Answer

To act as a safety valve to prevent casing over-pressurization.

Question 3

Which of the following conditions represents a significant operational limitation for Progressing Cavity Pumps (PCPs) due to the material properties of their standard components?

Accepted Answer

High bottom-hole temperature.

Answer

High fluid viscosity.

Answer

High gas-oil ratio (GOR).

Answer

Presence of abrasive solids.

Question 4

An operator analyzes a downhole dynamometer card from a sucker rod pump and observes a sharp drop on the downstroke that occurs before the plunger reaches the bottom of its stroke, followed by a sharp impact line. What is the most likely cause of this 'fluid pound' signature?

Accepted Answer

The pump's displacement capacity is greater than the well's inflow, causing incomplete pump fillage.

Answer

The tubing anchor has failed, allowing the tubing to move with the rod string.

Answer

The traveling valve is leaking, allowing fluid to slip past during the upstroke.

Answer

The standing valve is completely plugged with scale or debris.

Question 5

Plunger lift is an artificial lift method that is most effective and economically advantageous under which specific set of reservoir and well conditions?

Accepted Answer

High gas-liquid ratio, sufficient bottom-hole pressure to lift the plunger, and a tendency for liquid loading.

Answer

Low bottom-hole pressure, low productivity index, and high water cut.

Answer

High bottom-hole pressure, high productivity index, and low gas-liquid ratio.

Answer

Deep wells with highly viscous crude oil and significant sand production.

Question 6

An engineer is selecting an artificial lift system for an offshore well characterized by a high production rate (>10,000 BPD), moderate depth, and a low gas-oil ratio (GOR).
The wellbore is deviated.
Which artificial lift system is most suitable for these conditions?

Accepted Answer

Sucker Rod Pump

Answer

Gas Lift

Answer

Progressing Cavity Pump (PCP)

Answer

Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP)