Production optimization of sucker rod pumping wells producing viscous oil in Boscán Field, Venezuela

Boscan field is located in the western coast of Maracaibo lake and is operated by MARAVEN S. A., affiliate of Petroleos de Venezuela S. A. It has 315 active wells, 252 of which are produced with sucker rod pumping. Other artificial lift methods currently applied in this field are hydraulic (piston) pumping (39 wells) and ESP (24 wells). The history of this field reveals the existence of several operational problems which preclude the optimum production of the sucker rod pumping wells. The main problems, however, are related to the hish frictional forces that arise between the rod string and the crude oil being produced since average crude gravity is 10 degrees API. This paper presents the results of the production optimization of two sucker rod pumping wells of Boscan field producing viscous oil. This optimization has been possible due to the development of a new production scheme and the application of system analysis in completion design. The new production scheme involves the utilization of a subsurface stuffing box assembly and a slotted housing, both designed and patented by INTEVEP S. A., affiliate of Petroleos de Venezuela S. A. The completion design method and software used in the optimization study were also developed by INTEVEP S. A. The new production scheme and design method proved to be effective in preventing the causes of the above mentioned problems, allowing the increase of oil production under better operating conditions.