First metal-PCP SAGD field test shows promise for heavy-oil hot production

Finding a reliable artificial-lift (AL) pumping system for heavy-oil thermal recovery has been a challenge, mainly because of the high operating temperatures (greater than 150°C). Available options such as rod pumps and electrical submersible pumps (ESPs), which are well proved in the industry, are not well suited for thermal production. While rod pumps offer high-temperature service, they are limited in the flow rate they can deliver. ESPs can handle high volumes of low-viscosity fluids but are still limited in terms of maximum operating temperature. Metal progressing-cavity-pump (PCP) technology has been developed to meet the high-temperature requirement of steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) and other thermal-recovery processes.