Study theory and practice of artificial lift design online

This software-free self-paced course covers the theory and practice of artificial lift design and diagnosis. The topics covered include an overview of artificial lift systems, selection criteria and detailed reviews of gas lift, ESP and PCP systems. Our courses are designed to give you all the expertise of the traditional classroom environment, but in your own time. Take control of your learning with Baobab. IChemE accredited course (21 CPD hours).

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Who’s it for?

. . . anyone who wishes to learn about or is involved in the selection, design, operation or troubleshooting of artificial lift systems.

Course Price

€ 275

Course length

3 days classroom equivalent.

Appraise the selection and operation of key artificial lift techniques
Describe the concepts of gas lift operation and performance curves. Identify and explain the key factors in gas lift design
Describe gas lift valve performance and how this is applied in the unloading process
Explain the shape of gas lift outflow (VLP) curves and the influence of key sensitivities
Discuss and apply the principles of gas lift diagnosis and performance optimisation
Describe the concepts of ESP operation and performance curves. Identify the key equipment components of an ESP system
Identify and explain the key factors, sensitivities and various methods of ESP design. Explain the shape of ESP outflow (VLP) curves and the influence of key sensitivities
Discuss and apply the principles of ESP diagnosis and runlife optimisation
Describe the concepts of PCP operation, performance curves and design

1. Introduction to Artificial Lift Systems

Introduction to artificial lift
Origins and classification of artificial lift methods
Sucker rod pump (SRP) overview
Progressive cavity pump (PCP) overview
Electric submersible pump (ESP) overview
Hydraulic submersible pump (HSP) overview
Jet pump overview
Gas lift system overview
Artificial lift summary and selection criteria
QUIZ - Principles of Artificial Lift

2. Gas lift key concepts

Gas lift key concepts
Gas lift well performance curves

3. Gas lift design and VLPs

Introduction to gas lift design
Gas lift unloading process (introduction)
Gas lift unloading process (detailed)
Gas-lift lift curves (VLPs)
QUIZ - Gas lift concepts

4. Gas lift equipment and valve calculations

Gas lift equipment overview
Gas lift valve operation and equations
Gas lift valve equations (summary and typical values)
Gas lift valve calculations (dome pressure and TRO)
Gas lift valve calculations (example)
Gas lift valve performance
Gas lift valve running and pulling procedure
QUIZ - Gas lift unloading, design and valve performance

5. Gas lift diagnosis

Gas lift well diagnosis

6. ESP key concepts and performance curves

Electric submersible pumps (ESPs) - background and key concepts
ESP performance fundamentals - head and dP pump (part 1)
ESP performance fundamentals - head and dP pump (part 2)
ESP pump performance curves (part 1)
ESP pump performance curves (part 2)
ESP pump performance curves (part 3)
ESP pump naming conventions
QUIZ - ESP concepts and operation
ESP pump curve calculations (metric units)
ESP pump curve calculations (oilfield units)

7. ESP equipment overview

ESP system components
ESP impeller types
ESP equipment overview (pump section)
ESP equipment overview (seal, motor and cables)
ESP electrical system overview
ESP motor performance curves and affinity laws

8. ESP design and sensitivities

ESP design overview
ESP design (alternative calculation method)
ESP design (equipment selection)
ESP design (limitations and effect of setting depth)
ESP design (well or system curve)
ESP lift curves (VLPs)
QUIZ - ESP equipment and design

9. ESP operations, control and optimisation

ESP operations (drawdown control on start up)
ESP operations (start up with high and low fluid levels)
ESP control (alarms and trips)
ESP runlife optimisation

10. ESP diagnosis

ESP diagnosis principles (introduction)
ESP diagnosis principles (monitored variables and key points)
ESP diagnosis (case history 1)
ESP diagnosis (case history 2)
ESP diagnosis (case history 3)
ESP diagnosis (case history 4)
ESP diagnosis (case history 5)
QUIZ - ESP operations and diagnosis

11. PCP key concepts and performance curves

Progressive cavity pumps (PCPs) - background and key concepts
PCP performance fundamentals
PCP pump performance curves
PCP pump naming conventions

12. PCP design and operation

PCP operation
PCP design overview
QUIZ - PCP concepts and operation

13. Course final examination

EXAM - Artificial lift systems design and diagnosis

- Courses:
  
  On completion of the final course exam you will receive a certificate of completion of your course. Recognised by major players in the industry across the world, these certificates will help to confirm your training record and your progress within the profession. Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) approved training course.
  
  Learn about certification
- Skills and competencies:
  
  Digital badges are awarded upon the successful completion of a set of skills (micro-credentials) that form a competency set for Production and Reservoir Engineers.
  
  Learn about badges
- Earn credits towards a Masters Degree in Petroleum Production Engineering.
  
  Upon successful completion of a module (set of courses), a certificate will be issued. This can be used as evidence for requesting module exemption under Robert Gordon University’s Recognition of Certified Prior Learning (RCPL) when applying for entry to the M.Sc. in Petroleum Production Engineering. Please note undertaking these Baobab courses does not guarantee RPCL.
  
  Learn about degree credits

We are proud to work with leading energy companies, universities, institutions and training providers to ensure the provision of quality, accurate and up-to-date content.

Ease of use

First of all it is fantastic! The setup is easy to understand and your introduction helps to clarify all open questions. The search function works well. I tested a key words and I always found what I wanted.

Asset Manager, OMV Petrom

Usefulness

I really think the bitesize videos are excellent. They are so easy to dip in and out. It allows me to go exactly to the part I am interested in. It is the perfect tool for on-the-job learning – the perfect virtual colleague who can answer all your quick questions.

Reservoir Engineer, Chevron

Knowledge

The videos are very didactic, short and with concise explanations. I have been using it to remind me of important concepts in the well performance theme and also to learn about some software applications. And definitely I can apply on my day-to-day job. I found it very useful and a fast way of learning, rather than being in a classroom.

Production Engineer, Total

Track your progress as you grow your skills, in your own time. Take interactive assessments to put your new knowledge to the test and prepare for that interview or evaluation, while refreshing your memory with our quick revision videos. Earn badges to demonstrate your new skills or those of your team – and watch your achievements mount up as you go. This is how to learn, in your time.