Starting and stopping a pump is never a productive option. Before the introduction of the Smart Pumper, companies had to continuously evaluate output potential and then redefine how to operate because of the dynamic nature of reservoirs. Fluid entry simply changes over time for a multitude of reasons.

Automating artificial lift systems with the Smart Pumper to pump based on real-time fluid level to the desired target will deliver a continuous pumping operation that matches inflow perfectly with pump output automatically changing over time. This enables those who manage wells to manage a larger number of wells more effectively. Field tested by national oil companies and water authorities, the method of pumping is proven to connect, protect and optimize from as far as Suriname and Trinidad to West Texas.

The scalability and flexibility resulting from merging multiple technologies into a universal platform, the Smart Pumper enables asset managers to control and monitor assets worldwide. This is accomplished through six forms of communication that are built in to manage all forms of artificial lift and facility control from anywhere in the world.

Through the application software provided, users can define screens, define and change operational parameters and set up Google-sourced field mapping. Authorized users can view the current status of their facilities, wells and inventories at a glance. The Smart Pumper processor provides real-time decision processing at the site to control several aspects of an operation, and data logs a comprehensive and extensive sensor array for analytical work and reporting. The single-box platform provides an end-to-end solution replacing the ad hoc approach of the past.

The use of chemicals can be a significant operating expense for both the water and oil producers and is one of the largest uncontrolled expense. The cost to supply chemicals and refill tanks can quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars each month. Factor in the common practice of adding chemical using the traditional timer method is an added waste of chemical and cost. The Smart Pumper, while controlling the artificial lift pumps, can control multiple chemical injection pumps in sync and in harmony with the artificial lift device to maintain precise injection required based on real-time output. Users will never waste a gallon again, and they will be able to monitor tank inventory, receive alerts for low-level restocking and confirm delivery quantity. Simultaneously, the Smart Pumper monitors and reacts to 38 different definable inputs to reduce HSE risk and operational expenses.

Case study

Smart Pumper Automation’s latest project in West Texas involves water resource management for a major water service provider. In August 2017 the company posted a request for qualifications for an advanced water automation system to help improve its accounting of water production, detailed inventory from multiple locations, gather meter data from all sources and delivery point, which was critical for the company and its stakeholders.

At the close of the bid round, the company chose the Smart Pumper and the integration team. After a month of testing the first installation, the scope of work has expanded to 90 different royalty and royalty-free water sources pumping across miles of pipeline as the platform has proven to be an advanced tool, meeting and exceeding the company’s needs and requirements.

The customized view asset page helps the company visualize the status of all its assets and save its operators a tremendous amount of time through remote control. In addition, the company’s accounting department now relies on the monthly reports on metered production and sales. Its operators appreciate having parameters set to protect their pipelines through monitoring intake and discharge pressures and seeing their reservoirs and tanks levels in real time. As one of the largest water producers in the Delaware sub-basin of the Permian Basin, the company understood these requirements well. The company is responsible for supplying clean water to more than 10% of the customers in that area.

The system installs quickly and within minutes through its six forms of communication that are built in with selectable options. It provides users with a secure interface to manage any asset and control any variable frequency drive from anywhere. Data are stored on a server and/or in the cloud in a structured query language format to provide authorized personnel access and use through a single portal.

Results

In the water application, the Smart Pumper gathered and provided the company with current, daily, weekly and monthly fl ow rates and cumulative start dates, and it separates all of the data by and from sources. If demand peaks, the user can remotely activate water wells and transfer pumps located at reservoir points where they have established inventory. Reports that would take the better part of a week to create and several more days to validate can now be produced in a few minutes. The increased level of insight helps the operations managers incorporate production metrics into business plans to give feedback to system technicians based on real-time data to more quickly resolve issues to improve operations and thereby become a more reliable source for supply to users.

References available.

Contact Ariana Hurtado at ahurtado@hartenergy.com for more information.

Have a story idea for Operator Solutions? This feature highlights technologies and techniques that are helping
upstream operators overcome their challenges. Submit your story ideas to Group Managing Editor Jo Ann Davy at
jdavy@hartenergy.com.