Optimizing Operations and Overcoming Sand Challenges: The Saber as Advance Tubing Pump Accessories

Abstract Rantau Field, situated across two provinces in Indonesia, Aceh and North Sumatra, boasts a rich history of production dating back to 1928. Leveraging artificial lift mechanisms, the field has sustained oil extraction operations over the years. However, despite its longevity, the field grapples with a series of significant challenges, notably sand accumulation problem, scale buildup, tubing leaks, and downhole issues. Among these challenges, sand accumulation emerges as the most pervasive, constituting a more than 50% of the recorded well service problems in 2022. This predominance can be attributed to the widespread use of sucker rod artificial lift systems, chosen for their cost-effectiveness, low production rates, and ease of installation. Addressing these challenges comprehensively is imperative for optimizing productivity and ensuring the sustained success of Rantau Field's operations. Through root cause analysis using fish-bone diagram, it has been determined that the sand accumulation issue at Rantau Field arises due to inadequate equipment to manage sand particles prior to fluid entry into the pump. The proposed solutions include stimulation, the installation of screens before the production zone, and the use of advanced accessories attached to the tubing pump. Among these options, the preferred solution is the use of cost-effective, easily installable advanced accessories, referred to as "Saber." This alternative was selected through the SMART method, highlighting the need for practical and efficient solutions to optimize operational performance and address sand-related issues in the field. Saber consists of two primary components designed for a two-step sand handling process: a sand barrier in the first step and a sand cyclone in the second. Simulation results show that Saber efficiently separates sand before it reaches the tubing pump. To validate its effectiveness, in 2023 the Saber was installed in two wells, A-001 and A-002, leading to a doubling of the production lifespan for A-001 and more than quadrupling for A-002 compared to previous operations. With these improvements, the associated well-servicing costs can be significantly reduced. Moreover, mitigating sand-related issues not only decreases downtime but also boosts production output, underscoring Saber's pivotal role in enhancing operational performance and cost-effectiveness. This success story widely used in Rantau Field.