Earlier this week the team from TechTAC® presented “Mitigating Gas Locking in Rod Pumps: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Two Types of Tubing Anchors” to more than 150 petroleum engineers, operators and vendors at the Permian Basin Artificial Lift Forum.
The annual, two-day event provides a forum for operators to share and discuss best practices and artificial lift-related technology. The 2024 event – held Nov. 5-6 in Midland, Texas, at the Bush Convention Center – marked the forum’s 29th year. TechTAC’s research was part of more than two dozen presentations on topics ranging from new applications for gas separators to enhanced techniques for removing paraffin.
Research Sponsored by TechTAC
The TechTAC presentation featured the results of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study that examined fluid flow around two types of 5.5-inch tubing anchor catchers. Bruce Friesen, former global artificial lift advisor for BP; Luke Reary, TechTAC’s director of product management; and the company’s marketing director, Shawn Dickerson, delivered the 30-minute presentation. The study highlighted the propensity of the TechTAC Slimline® TAC to create less pressure drop and less turbulence, as fluid flows around the anchor, than a standard B2 TAC. Those flow parameters can have a significant impact on the amount and frequency of gas interference a well encounters.
An engaging Q&A session followed the presentation. Questions ranged from Slimline pricing to the tool’s setting and releasing instructions. One attendee acknowledged the study results but argued that the greater value of the Slimline is its ability to allow sediment to fall past the anchor rather than upward gas flow. Obviously, both are significant.
For further details on the Permian Basin Artificial Lift Forum, visit the event’s website. The slides used in the TechTAC presentation are included below. To learn more about the CFD study or the Slimline anchor, contact the TechTAC team today!
