SLB has launched two artificial lift technologies for U.S. land operations: Harbison-Fischer Deka diamond technology for rod pump barrels and the Synthetix hydraulic gas lift system. Both target equipment wear and production optimization in challenging and mature well environments.
Deka technology
Deka uses a proprietary diamond-based coating to improve the durability of rod pump barrels operating in abrasive and corrosive well environments. Testing has shown significantly improved abrasion resistance and up to 90% more hardness than conventional barrel coatings. By reducing wear between the barrel and plunger, the technology is designed to extend equipment life and reduce the frequency of replacements and associated well interventions.
Synthetix system
The Synthetix system lets operators control and adjust gas injection from the surface using hydraulically actuated downhole valves, so gas lift parameters can change in response to well conditions without slickline intervention or a workover. Operators can also switch between annular and tubing flow configurations from the surface. In field deployments, the system has delivered production efficiency improvements of 10% to 20%, including in mature and low-pressure wells. Its hydraulic architecture provides real-time adjustability without the downhole electrical infrastructure that electrically controlled gas lift systems require.
Josh Jones, SLB's VP of production systems for North America land, said Deka technology "addresses wear at the material level," while Synthetix lets operators adjust gas lift performance from the surface without an intervention.
The two technologies expand SLB's artificial lift portfolio, addressing mechanical wear in rod-pumped wells and gas lift optimization as well conditions change over time.
We previously reported that SLB launched an ExaCT electrical coiled tubing control system.
