Oil Production

with BPZ SystemA NEW APPROACH!

The Invention

PETROBRAS – CENPES has developed and patented a new

method for artificial lifting in oil wells called:

BPZ – Pneumatic Pumping System.

The inventor of BPZ, Mr. Zadson Franco, is now the owner of ENGEPET Company

(Aracaju/Brazil), which, in association with APJEM Tecnologia (Rio de

Janeiro/Brazil) has the rights to commercialize this technology worldwide.

The BPZ System is patented by Petrobras (Brazilian State Owned Oil Company)

in the United States, Patent number US 6,298,918 B1 of October 9, 2001as well

as in Brazil and Europe, and it is licensed for ENGEPET / APJEM worldwide.

The Invention

PETROBRAS Research & Development Center

CENPES in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Center of Excellence, with more then 4,000 Doctors, Masters and

Researchers in Oil Technology

The Background

The various artificial lift methods which may be used for the production of oil

in non-flowing wells or for increasing the productivity of wells in general,

depending on local conditions, may present a number of drawbacks.

In non-flowing conventional wells with low productivity levels, mechanical

pumping systems or gas-lift-type systems are frequently used. Lifting the oil

contained underground up to the surface is possible only if there is a

minimum pressure over the oil in the bottom of the well.

One method used to assist lifting is known as “gas lift” which comprises the

injection of gas, under controlled conditions, into the annulus defined

between the production column and the well casing. By means of this

artificial lift method, gas is continuously injected, passing through one or

more valves from the surface to the production zone, where it mixes with the

oil, lowering the density and facilitating its lifting to the surface.

The Background

Artificial lifting by means of the gas-lift system is suitable only in wells which

are draining reservoirs in which there is still a reasonable amount of static

pressure such that, after injection of the propulsion gas, the pressure of the

fluid at the bottom is higher than a minimum value sufficient to lift the oil/gas

mixture to the surface.

BPZ – Pneumatic Pumping System offers an alternative to a conventional

gas-lift system as well as to any mechanical lifting system, because it uses

no moving parts, thereby reducing maintenance costs and the need for

shutting down production. In addition, when compared to gas-lift, BPZ will

produce a greater pressure differential when the storage chamber is

depressurized, allowing a better utilization of the reservoir.

System Overview

BPZ -Pneumatic Pumping System consists in the cyclic pressurization

and depressurization of a storage chamber located in the lower part of the

well, by means of the injection and release of gas, forcing the oil which has

accumulated there to be lifted via the production column. When the storage

chamber is depressurized, the gas may be routed to the upper part of the

production column where, by means of the provision of an auxiliary lift

columns, the fluid lift conditions are improved.

With a view to reduce the volume of gas required for system operation, a few

adaptations are made to the geometry of the columns, creating, for example,

an annular space of small volume, where said injection takes place. A fully

automatic control system is responsible for timing the operating cycle.

Depressurization of the bottom of the well improves the conditions of

recovery of oil from the reservoir.

The Technology

-BPZ System works in cycles of

compression and decompressionof gas, using compressed gas

available in the field or supplied .

- BPZ can be installed on the

existing Xmas tree of the oil

well, or on new oil wells.

- The compressed gas isrecycled after separation from oilrecovered.

The Technology

-The cycles of compression and

decompression of the gas are controlled

by an electronic board

which commands pneumatic valves.

-The electronic board is

powered by solar batteries, so

no electric power is required on

the field.

-The whole system can be

monitored on line, even through

internet, wherever you are…..

The Advantages

-There are no moving parts within the well, which means:

no brakes, no rod/piston maintenance, no holes on the string,

almost no rig intervention.

- BPZ can be used on wells with high inclination, with high

GOR and/or BSW as well as with heavy oil without losing

efficiency. No slipping effect compared to gas lift.

-BPZ adjustable cycle can be adapted for a production

range from 1 to 600 bbl/day.

-BPZ will leave a lower PWF (Bottom Hole Flow Pressure) if

compared to gas lift or mechanical pumping !

Some Results2x Production

Increase over

Conventional

Gas Lift

BPZ System

On shore installation on PAIP Field - Brazil

BPZ System

Off shore installation at Aracaju/Sergipe Field - Brazil

BPZ System – Required Data