Introduction
Horizontal and deviated wells present unique challenges for artificial lift systems due to geometry, solids production, gas influx, and extended lateral reach. Conventional lift methods such as rod pumps, ESPs, or gas lift often struggle with mechanical wear, gas interference, or placement limitations in these environments. Hydraulic jet pumps, however, stand out as a versatile and resilient solution. By eliminating downhole moving parts and relying on fluid dynamics rather than mechanical drive systems, jet pumps provide reliable lift performance in conditions that compromise other technologies.
Jet pumps offer a unique set of advantages that make them one of the most reliable artificial lift methods for horizontal and deviated completions. Below is a field-engineer–level breakdown of their benefits:
No Moving Parts Downhole
Jet pumps do not rely on rods, plungers, bearings, or motors in the deviated section. In horizontal wells, where rod strings rub against tubing or ESPs face dogleg severity, jet pumps eliminate mechanical wear points. This dramatically reduces workover frequency in long-reach laterals.
Tubing/Annulus Placement Flexibility
Jet pumps can be set in tubing-flow or annulus-flow configurations. In deviated or horizontal completions, operators can choose whichever flow path minimizes friction losses and optimizes drawdown. They are also compatible with packerless concentric completions.
Tolerance to Sand, Solids, and Scale
Horizontals often intersect zones with higher sand influx. Jet pumps can be equipped with tungsten-carbide nozzles and throats that handle abrasive fluids far better than ESP impellers or rod pumps. This durability is especially valuable in unconsolidated formations and during frac flowback.
Gas Handling Capability
Horizontal laterals typically experience gas slugging and variable GOR. ESPs are prone to gas lock, while rod pumps suffer gas-interference inefficiencies. Jet pumps tolerate free gas (up to 20–30% at intake in many designs) with far less risk of failure.
Effective in Low Reservoir Pressure Zones
Jet pumps can be positioned near the toe section of long horizontals to create suction directly at the producing zone. This improves drawdown and sweep efficiency compared to methods that require stable liquid heads or submergence.
Ease of Servicing & Reconfiguration
Jet pump inserts can be retrieved and swapped by reverse circulation or slickline without pulling the entire tubing string—critical in offshore or remote operations where rig time is costly. Changing nozzle/throat combinations allows optimization as reservoir pressure declines.
Thermal and Chemical Robustness
Many horizontals are associated with thermal EOR projects (e.g., steamfloods) or chemical floods. Jet pumps withstand high temperatures, corrosive fluids, and chemical slugs better than motor-driven lift systems. With no elastomer seals or motors exposed, they are inherently resistant to harsh chemistries.
Reduced Mechanical Limitations with Deviation
- Rod pumps: prone to rod/tubing wear in deviated sections.
- ESPs: limited by deviation severity, cable placement, and risk of damage in doglegs.
- Gas lift: requires injection mandrels, complicating completions.
- Jet pumps: tubing-only footprint, no rod string, no motor, no cable—far less sensitive to deviation or horizontal length.
Operational Versatility
Jet pumps provide robust sand handling, effective liquid unloading, toe-to-heel production support, and selective zone management. They are particularly effective in:
- Frac flowback in horizontals – Handling sand, debris, and chemical residues without catastrophic failure.
- Unloading and deliquification of long-reach gas wells – Creating suction to remove liquids and extend well life.
- Production from toe zones – Lifting liquids from distal intervals where rod pumps or ESPs cannot reach.
Summary
In horizontal and deviated wells, jet pumps deliver rugged simplicity, solids and gas tolerance, flexible installation, and ease of servicing—without the rod/tubing wear or ESP limitations common in deviated geometries. They are especially valuable for frac flowback, sand-producing reservoirs, SAGD/thermal horizontals, and long-reach unconventional wells, where other lift methods often fail mechanically or become uneconomical.