Drilling & Well Completion

Mosquito Bill

Mosquito Bill: A Bite-Sized Solution for Downhole Pump Efficiency

In the oil and gas industry, optimizing production and maximizing efficiency are paramount. One crucial aspect of this endeavor is the proper functioning of downhole pumps, which are essential for extracting oil and gas from underground reservoirs. A common issue encountered with downhole pumps is the presence of gas in the fluid stream, which can lead to reduced efficiency and even damage to the pump.

To tackle this problem, engineers often employ a technique called "Mosquito Bill", a term specific to the oil and gas sector. Mosquito Bill, essentially a type of siphon tune, is a simple yet effective modification applied to the pump's tubing string to mitigate the impact of gas in the production stream.

Understanding the Problem:

Gas entering the downhole pump can cause several issues:

  • Reduced Pump Efficiency: Gas reduces the liquid density, making it harder for the pump to lift the fluid to the surface.
  • Cavitation: The rapid formation and collapse of gas bubbles within the pump can cause significant damage to the pump components.
  • Gas Lock: The accumulation of gas can lead to a complete blockage of the pump, preventing it from operating.

The Mosquito Bill Solution:

Mosquito Bill is a siphon tube, typically made of a small-diameter pipe, installed on the tubing string near the pump. This tube acts as a vent for the gas, allowing it to escape back into the wellbore instead of entering the pump. Here's how it works:

  1. Gas Entrapment: When gas enters the tubing string, it rises due to its buoyancy, eventually reaching the Mosquito Bill's open end.
  2. Gas Escape: The siphon effect draws the gas out of the tubing string and back into the wellbore, preventing it from entering the pump.
  3. Reduced Gas Volume: By removing the gas from the pump's intake, the liquid density increases, improving pump efficiency.

Benefits of Mosquito Bill:

  • Improved Pump Efficiency: Reduced gas volume leads to a higher liquid level and improved pump performance.
  • Reduced Cavitation and Damage: The absence of gas in the pump reduces the risk of cavitation and associated damage.
  • Lower Maintenance Costs: By preventing gas-related issues, the Mosquito Bill reduces the frequency of pump repairs and maintenance.

Conclusion:

The Mosquito Bill, a simple and cost-effective siphon tune, is a valuable tool for improving downhole pump efficiency and mitigating the negative impacts of gas in the production stream. By effectively venting gas back into the wellbore, it contributes to optimal pump performance, reduced maintenance costs, and a more sustainable production process.


Test Your Knowledge

Mosquito Bill Quiz:

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary function of a Mosquito Bill?

a) To increase the flow rate of oil and gas. b) To improve the efficiency of downhole pumps. c) To prevent the formation of gas bubbles. d) To monitor the pressure in the wellbore.

Answer

b) To improve the efficiency of downhole pumps.

2. How does a Mosquito Bill work?

a) It acts as a filter, removing gas from the fluid stream. b) It creates a pressure differential that pushes gas back into the wellbore. c) It redirects the flow of gas to a separate chamber for storage. d) It mixes gas and liquid to create a more homogeneous stream.

Answer

b) It creates a pressure differential that pushes gas back into the wellbore.

3. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using a Mosquito Bill?

a) Reduced maintenance costs. b) Increased wellbore pressure. c) Improved pump efficiency. d) Reduced cavitation and damage.

Answer

b) Increased wellbore pressure.

4. What is the most common material used for a Mosquito Bill?

a) Stainless steel. b) Copper. c) Plastic. d) Rubber.

Answer

a) Stainless steel.

5. Which of the following terms describes the Mosquito Bill in the oil and gas industry?

a) Gas vent. b) Siphon tune. c) Flow restrictor. d) Pressure regulator.

Answer

b) Siphon tune.

Mosquito Bill Exercise:

Instructions: Imagine you are an engineer working on an oil well experiencing low production due to gas entering the downhole pump.

Task:

  1. Explain to your supervisor why using a Mosquito Bill could be a good solution in this situation.
  2. Briefly outline the steps involved in installing a Mosquito Bill on the tubing string.
  3. Describe the expected positive outcomes after installing the Mosquito Bill.

Exercise Correction

**1. Explanation to supervisor:** "Supervisor, the low production we're experiencing is likely due to gas entering the downhole pump, reducing its efficiency. This gas can cause cavitation and even damage the pump. A Mosquito Bill, a simple siphon tune, can help resolve this issue by venting the gas back into the wellbore, preventing it from entering the pump. It's a cost-effective solution that can significantly improve pump performance and production." **2. Installation steps:** "The installation process is relatively straightforward: * We will need to carefully measure and cut a length of stainless steel tubing for the Mosquito Bill. * The tubing will be connected to the tubing string near the pump, with the open end facing upwards. * We will ensure the Mosquito Bill is properly secured to the tubing string, preventing it from moving or becoming dislodged." **3. Expected outcomes:** "After installation, we can expect to see several positive outcomes: * Reduced gas in the pump, leading to higher liquid density and improved pump efficiency. * Less cavitation and damage to the pump, minimizing maintenance costs. * Increased oil and gas production, leading to a more sustainable and profitable operation."


Books

  • Petroleum Production Engineering by John C. Donaldson, Henry H. Brandau, and Roy A. Watkins: This comprehensive textbook covers various aspects of petroleum production, including downhole pumping and gas handling techniques. It may contain information on "Mosquito Bill" or similar gas venting methods.
  • Production Operations: A Handbook for Petroleum Engineers by John C. Donaldson and Henry H. Brandau: Another extensive resource focusing on practical aspects of oil and gas production, potentially featuring relevant sections on downhole pump optimization and gas mitigation.

Articles

  • Journal of Petroleum Technology (JPT): Search the JPT archives for articles related to "downhole pumping," "gas handling," "artificial lift," or "tubing string design." You may find articles specifically discussing "Mosquito Bill" or similar techniques.
  • Oil & Gas Journal: Look for articles on "production optimization," "downhole pump efficiency," or "well completion" in this industry journal.
  • SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) publications: Explore the SPE library for technical papers related to "gas lift," "artificial lift," or "downhole pump design."

Online Resources

  • Oil & Gas Industry Websites: Websites of major oil and gas companies, service providers, and industry associations often have technical information on production practices, including downhole pump systems.
  • Oil & Gas Forums: Online forums frequented by oil and gas professionals could be a source of discussions and experiences related to "Mosquito Bill" and similar techniques.
  • Search Engine Queries: Use specific keywords like "Mosquito Bill downhole pump," "gas venting downhole pump," "siphon tune oil and gas," or "downhole pump gas mitigation" to find relevant web pages.

Search Tips

  • Use specific keywords: Combine terms like "Mosquito Bill," "downhole pump," "gas," "siphon," and "artificial lift."
  • Filter your results: Use "site:" to limit your search to specific websites, such as "site:spe.org" or "site:slb.com."
  • Include quotes: Enclose specific terms in quotes, e.g. "Mosquito Bill" to find exact matches.
  • Use Boolean operators: Combine search terms with "AND" or "OR" to refine your results. For example: "Mosquito Bill" AND "downhole pump."
  • Explore related searches: Use "related:" followed by a website address or URL to find similar websites.

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