Wednesday, February 7, 2007

What is Hydraulic Lift?



Hydraulic Lift Systems consist of a surface power fluid system,power fluid cleaning unit, a prime mover, a surface pump, and a downhole jet or reciprocating/piston pump. These systems are renowned for their versatility and ability to operate in high volume, high depth environments. One major advantage to either system is the ability to hydraulically circulate the pumps to the surface for maintenance, dramatically reducing well downtime and eliminating pulling unit expenses.

In the operation of a hydraulic lift system, crude oil or water is taken from the storage tank and fed to the surface pump. The power fluid, now under pressure built up by the surface pump, is controlled by valves at a control station and distributed to one or more wellheads. The power fluid passes through the wellhead valve and is directed to the downhole pump. In a piston pump installation, power fluid actuates the engine, which in turn drives the pump, and power fluid returns to the surface with the produced oil and is piped to the storage tank. A jet pump has no moving parts and employs the Venturi principle to use fluid under pressure to bring oil to the surface.


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