1. Sand-Producing Wells
Jet Pump Standard
- Ensure proper materials are specified for jet pump and surface pump to handle abrasion.
- Install settling tanks, sand knockouts, and/or filters to catch the sand on the surface.
- Consider running the jet pump in reverse flow to keep sand from settling on the packer.
- Monitor erosion every 90 days; replace throat insert when efficiency drops >15%.
ESP Standard
- Sand tolerance ≤50 ppm continuous; GVF <20%.
- Operate VSD to keep intake pressure ≥100 psi above bubble point.
- Expect shortened run life; plan sand separator at surface if feasible.
2. Deviated / Horizontal Wells
Jet Pump Standard
- Land the jet pump in the curve at 45° to [corrected “45 to deg.” → “45°”] for easier wireline options in the future.
- Deviation does not affect jet pump performance or reliability.
ESP Standard
- Limit dogleg severity <6°/100 ft to avoid cable damage.
- Intake pressure ≥300 psi; VSD range 40–60 Hz to balance gas handling.
3. Liquid-Loaded Gas Wells
Jet Pump Standard
- Consider running concentric strings to allow the gas to bypass the jet pump in cases where the GLR is greater than 2000 scf/bbl.
- In a concentric string application, set the jet pump in the horizontal, below the perforations, or in a sump.
- A gas anchor can be installed below the jet pump if necessary.
ESP Standard
- Must keep GVF <35% at pump intake.
- VSD: slow ramp-up from 40 Hz; avoid trips from slugging.
- Continuous duty only; intermittent service not recommended.
4. Corrosive / Scaling Wells
Jet Pump Standard
- Insert metallurgy: Inconel, 17-4 SS, or 316 SS alloys.
- Deliver inhibitor/scavenger directly via power-fluid loop.
ESP Standard
- Require CRA metallurgy across full string; CAPEX ↑3–5×.
- Scale squeezes mandatory; monitor motor amps for deposition.
5. Paraffin-Prone Wells
Jet Pump Standard
- Heat power fluid above pour point.
- Add paraffin solvents/chemicals to power fluid.
- Continuously monitor tubing and casing pressures and pump rates to determine if paraffin is building up downhole, and hot oil if necessary.
ESP Standard
- Keep continuous run >60% BEP load to delay deposition.
- VSD turndown limited; restarts after shut-in risky without solvent wash.
6. Diminishing Production / Late-Life Wells
Jet Pump Standard
- Use when production rates are above 30 bfpd.
- Ensure that the pumping BHP will be greater than 150 psi to avoid power fluid cavitation.
ESP Standard
- VSD frequency turndown limited to ~40% of design.
- Off-curve operation → heat rise; run life falls sharply.
Quick Cost-of-Downtime Calculator
Use this rule-of-thumb to weigh crossover between technologies:
\text{Downtime Cost ($/day)} = \text{Lost Rate (bbl/d)} \times \text{Netback ($/bbl)}
Crossover Point:
\frac{\text{Expected Run Life (days)} \times \text{Operating Uptime \%}}{\text{Downtime Cost ($/day)}}
- If downtime cost per failure >25% of expected lift OPEX savings, jet pump is favored (rigless recovery).
- If downtime cost <10% and stable run life >12 months, ESP is favored.
Field Reminder
- Jet pumps trade efficiency for uptime and flexibility.
- ESPs trade uptime risk for high-throughput efficiency.
Always align lift choice with reservoir trajectory and intervention logistics, not just $/bbl on day one.