What Is an Artificial Lift System?
Most oil wells do not have the required natural energy to bring oil to the surface on their own. Some wells may initially have a natural flow of oil to the surface, but over time, the pressure bringing the oil to the surface naturally depletes while the well fluid changes with increasing water. If left as is, the production life of the well is also inefficient and short-lived.
Directly, the artificial lift system’s purpose is the literal “lifting” of the oil or production fluid to the surface of the well. Indirectly, its purpose is to maximize performance and productivity, but for the latter to materialize, the right method of artificial lifting must be implemented.