Jet lift
Maximize production with effective jet lift solutions
Operators face declining production, solids, high gas rates and corrosive fluids that challenge conventional lift. SLB jet lift solutions use surface pumps and downhole jet pump assemblies to reliably move fluids with no moving parts downhole–reducing workovers and improving run time in abrasive or gassy conditions.
SLB offers an extensive line of jet lift equipment, including downhole jet pumps, surface pumps, power fluid supply vessels, and surface control systems.
Downhole jet pumps
Triplex and quintuplex surface pumps for jet lift, saltwater disposal and more applications
Horizontal multistage surface pumping systems
Charge, offloading, and transfer pumps for fluid handling
Skid-mounted pump packages for reliable operations in harsh environments
Ready when economics favor renting over owning
Get the pump parts you need, when you need it
Reliable pump services and repair to keep your operations running
Get everything you need for your SWD facilities
FAQs
When is jet lift preferred?
When solids, gas, or wellbore deviations create reliability risks. Jet lift has no downhole moving parts, which reduces mechanical failure and tolerates sand and gas.
How does a jet lift system work?
- A surface pump recirculates clean power fluid down to the jet pump
- The jet pump nozzle accelerates the power fluid, generating a low-pressure area in which the reservoir fluids are drawn to, entraining them using the Venturi effect
- Mixed fluids flow to surface where they are separated; power fluid is filtered and recirculated
- Operators tune rates and pressure at surface to match reservoir conditions
Can the system scale as the well declines?
Yes. Easily adjust surface pump load and nozzle/throat combinations to match changing inflow.
What is the Venturi effect?
Jet pumps operate based on the Venturi effect. Power fluid, supplied by a pump on the surface, is forced through a restriction in the jet pump called a nozzle. The act of restricting the flow has two effects on the fluid: Increased velocity and decreased pressure. This is known as the Venturi effect.
Formation fluid is drawn to this area of low pressure and commingles with power fluid in the jet pump throat. From here, the commingled fluid is slowed in the diffuser converting the high velocity fluid to high pressure, exits the jet pump and brought to the surface.
What facilities changes are required?
Modular skids tie into standard flowlines and power.
How does jet lift handle gas?
By accounting for free gas in the nozzle/throat geometry it can easily manage multiphase flow; gas / liquid ratio (GLR) capability up to ~1,500:1.
