The flowback process refers to the recovery of well fluid. This is often done when a well is cleaned or treated so that the well can return to production. To properly conduct this process, you must use the right flowback and well-testing equipment.
What Is the Flowback Process?
In the flowback process, well fluids are recovered in the following manner:
The well is shut off to prevent fluids from coming out.
The well is tested and cleaned by forcing fluids out of the well. These fluids then run through tubes to monitoring equipment, which then analyzes the fluids.
The well is returned to production.
What Are the Different Kinds of Flowback Equipment in the Market?
There are different kinds of flowback equipment in the market.
Mud-Lances
This is one of the most common examples of flowback equipment. It is attached to the pipe which is run into the well. It is a flexible piece of tubing that is connected to the gathering rig. Some mud-lances are designed to be raised up and down the pipe. The tubes inside the mud-lance are designed to capture flowing fluids. These fluids are sometimes pumped out of the well using mud lances.
Subsea Casing
This type of flowback equipment functions in the same manner as mud-lances. It is connected to the wellhead. This type of flowback equipment is generally used when the wellhead is located beneath sea level. It uses a wellhead instead of a pipe.
Sucker Rods
Sucker rods are installed through the pipe. A drill string is used to install the sucker rods. This type of flowback equipment is connected to the wellhead by sucker rods. This is used in horizontal wells and in those that are inclined. Sucker rods are also used in offshore wells.
Columns
These are also known as production packs. They are attached to the production casing and are run into the well. They are often used when you are planning to run a thin liner into the well and then run it back into production.
Flowback Pumps
These are typically used for wells with a single casing string. The well flowback pumps are connected to the production pipe and are used to recover the fluids. They are then pumped back to the surface. Sometimes, the pressure from the flowback pumps can be so great that the pressure outside the casing will be too high. In these cases, the flowback pump must be attached to the production casing so that the pumped fluid can flow into the well.
These pumps work differently from standard pumps. They work by creating a vacuum inside the casing. This causes fluid to be sucked up into the flowback pump. When you remove the flowback pump, you return the liquid to the well.
Final Thoughts
Flowback and well-testing equipment are imperative to the oil and gas industry. Well-monitoring equipment helps you to monitor the fluids you are retrieving from the well. The equipment also helps reduce the risk of drilling the well again. It also allows you to monitor the liquid that you are recovering. This can help you to determine whether the fluid is contaminated.
Get the right equipment for a seamless flowback process from Royal Services, LLC. We are a veteran-owned company that offers flowback equipment rental in Artesia. We can perform drill-outs, flowback, well testing, and operating production facilities. Call for a quote now!