A full-scale experimental study was conducted to evaluate the ability of a modified jet pump to produce heavy oil under primary production conditions. One of C-FER's Special Environments Chambers was equipped with a flow loop and caisson to simulate the bottomhole pressure and temperature conditions typical of the target field. The test arrangement facilitated the monitoring and control of the various test parameters enabling performance characteristics to be established for several different nozzel/throat combinations under a range of operating conditions. Subsequent work encompassed a detailed assessment of the results from unsuccessful field tests to confirm the cause of failure and to assess the influence of both the physical characteristics of the jet pump and operational parameters on the pump failures. Numerical analysis techniques were used to develop a better appreciation for the physics of the jet pump in heavy oil applications.

Contact: Kelly Piers, Manager, Production Operations

Tel: 780.450.8989 x246