Artificial Lift Basics
Why producing wells stop flowing naturally and how they are kept alive — beam pumping, ESP, gas lift and PCP, how each is selected, surveyed and optimised — for operations personnel and self-directed learners.
58m
Total time
4
Competency levels
12
Lessons
What you'll learn
- Explain why wells stop flowing naturally, including reservoir pressure decline, rising water cut and increased back-pressure
- Describe how beam pumping, electrical submersible pumps, gas lift and progressing cavity pumps each add energy to a well
- Compare the four main lift methods on depth, rate, gas and solids handling, and power supply
- Apply the main selection factors — well conditions, fluid properties, infrastructure and intervention cost — to a lift choice
- Interpret basic surveillance indicators: dynamometer cards, ESP amps and temperatures, and gas-lift injection behaviour
- Recognise common failure indicators for each method and explain why lift optimisation protects production and lifting cost
Curriculum
Progress through each competency level in order.
1
Awareness
- 3mWhy Wells Stop Flowing NaturallyKnowledge
- 3mThe Four Main Lift FamiliesKnowledge
- 7mAwareness Check: Why Lift Is NeededAssessment
2
Knowledge
- 4mHow Each Method Works, and Where It SuitsKnowledge
- 3mSelecting a Lift MethodKnowledge
- 8mKnowledge Check: Methods and SelectionAssessment
3
Skill
- 4mLift Surveillance BasicsKnowledge
- 3mBuild a Lift Surveillance Summary for One WellAssignment
- 8mSkill Check: Reading the WellAssessment
4
Mastery
- 4mFailure Indicators and Why Optimisation PaysKnowledge
- 3mLead a Lift Optimisation or Failure ReviewAssignment
- 8mMastery Assessment: Artificial Lift JudgementAssessment
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