Q1. How does a jet pump work?
A jet pump uses a high-pressure power fluid that is pumped downhole and accelerated through a nozzle. This creates suction that draws in produced fluid, mixes with it in the throat, and then lifts the combined flow to surface. It works on the Venturi Principle —no moving parts are required downhole.
Q2. Why choose a jet pump over other lift methods?
Jet pumps are ideal when other methods struggle because they:
- Have no moving parts downhole, reducing failures.
- Handle sand, scale, and gas better than ESPs or rod pumps.
- Work at any depth because the energy is supplied from surface.
- Allow quick retrieval of inserts by wireline without a rig.
Q3. How efficient are jet pumps?
Hydraulic efficiency is usually 20–35%, lower than ESPs or rod pumps. But jet pumps make up for this with high reliability, long run life, and lower workover costs, which often reduces total cost of ownership.
Q4. How deep can a jet pump operate?
There is no practical depth limitation. As long as tubing can be run and surface pumps can provide the required pressure, jet pumps can lift from very deep reservoirs where ESPs and rod lift reach their limits.
Q5. How do jet pumps handle gas and solids?
Jet pumps are well-suited to abrasive, gassy, or dirty wells:
- Sand & scale: Erosion-resistant tungsten carbide parts extend life.
- Gas: They tolerate moderate free gas without gas lock.
Q6. How are jet pumps serviced?
The pump insert can be retrieved and replaced by reverse circulation to the surface or wireline, —no workover rig required. This makes maintenance fast and cost-effective compared to other lift systems.
Q7. What fluids can be used as power fluid?
Operators commonly use filtered produced water or crude oil. The choice depends on reservoir compatibility, corrosion concerns, and availability. Filtration is critical to protect the surface pump and equipment from erosion..
Q8. What surface equipment is required?
- A high-pressure surface pump (plunger or diaphragm).
- A power fluid vessel to split produced fluid from recycled power fluid.
- A filtration system to keep the power fluid clean.
All surface equipment is accessible and easy to maintain.
Q9. How is a jet pump optimized for my well?
Performance is tuned by selecting the right nozzle and throat sizes. This requires using jet pump optimization software. Adjusting injection pressure and injection rates controls how much reservoir fluid can be drawn in and lifted. Inserts can be swapped quickly as reservoir conditions change.
Q10. How long do jet pumps last?
Because there are no moving parts, jet pumps often run for years without failure, needing only occasional nozzle or throat replacement. Compared to ESPs or rod pumps, downtime is minimal.
Q11. Can jet pumps work in horizontal or deviated wells?
Yes. Jet pumps thrive in horizontal wells because there are no rods to wear against tubing and no motors to fail at severe angles. They can even lift from toe zones where other lift systems cannot reach.
Q12. Can they be used in multi-zone or dual completions?
Yes. Jet pumps can be configured for dual-zone selective production, giving operators flexibility to draw from separate zones in the same wellbore.
Q13. Are they suitable for high-temperature reservoirs?
Absolutely. With no downhole motors or elastomers, jet pumps handle thermal enhanced oil recovery (steamflood) and high pressure, high temperature reservoirs where ESPs or rod lift are unreliable.
Q14. What maintenance is needed at surface?
Maintenance is focused on the surface pump and filtration system. Changing filters, monitoring pressures, and servicing the pump are routine. Downhole interventions are rare.
Q15. Can jet pumps be converted or swapped with other lift methods?
Yes. Jet pumps are often used early in a well’s life for cleanup, frac flowback, or high-sand service, and later swapped to ESP or rod lift if conditions stabilize. They provide flexible lift across the well lifecycle.
Summary:
Jet pump artificial lift combines simplicity, reliability, and versatility. With no downhole moving parts, easy serviceability, and tolerance for sand, gas, and extreme conditions, they are the go-to solution for challenging wells.