#slimline

The vast majority of oil wells in North America rely on artificial lift. Among the various artificial lift methods, sucker rod pumps stand out as the time-tested workhorse of the industry. These pumps support more than 70% of the continent’s wells. However, as operators push the boundaries of well depths and drill more complex horizontal geometries, traditional pumping setups face unprecedented downhole challenges.

Fortunately, recent breakthroughs in rod pump technology are revolutionizing production. From digital automation to advanced metallurgy, operators have more tools than ever to boost well efficiency. Yet, one of the most impactful innovations isn’t a complex software program or an expensive exotic alloy. Instead, it is a remarkably straightforward and affordable downhole tool from TechTAC®: the Slimline® Tubing Anchor Catcher (TAC).

In artificial lift operations, equipment longevity is a key of profitability. When relying on sucker-rod pumps, operators may face constant battles against mechanical wear, gas interference, and downhole debris. While many focus solely on upgrading the pump itself, the secret to truly maximizing pump life often lies in a critical, supporting downhole component: the tubing anchor catcher (TAC).

Use caution when running the anchor in and out. While this piece of advice sounds obvious, it’s especially important when working with the Slimline® QuickSet™. Because the QuickSet™ anchor can be set and released in 1-to-3 turns, as opposed to the traditional 6-to-8 turns, being cautious and deliberate about how the anchor is run in and out of a well is even more important than with a traditional TAC.

Put a right-hand turn in the tubing occasionally. To prevent the tool from setting while running in, it is advisable to occasionally (about every 5-to-10 stands) put a right-hand turn in the tubing. Doing so will help prevent the anchor from setting prematurely. (If you are running a right-hand set TAC, put a left-hand turn in the tubing.)

Use a pipe wrench instead of power tongs. When adding that right-hand turn every 5-to-10 stands, it’s important to use a pipe wrench instead of power tongs. The pipe wrench will allow you to feel when the tool is fully released and avoid damaging it. If you use power tongs, you could over-release the tool and shear the pipe plug. In turn, the anchor could bind up and fail. If there are times when it isn’t feasible to use a pipe wrench to add the right-hand turn – such as in very deviated or deep wells – the power tongs should be set to slow speed.

During a recent Tech Talk, hosted by SPE and sponsored by TechTAC®, our team fielded several questions from the audience. All the questions were insightful, but one of them stood out. After seeing many varied applications for the Slimline® Tubing Anchor Catcher, the attendee was rethinking her preconceived idea that the Slimline® TAC was just a specialty tool. She asked:

“Based on the data you’ve shared, it sounds like [the Slimline® TAC] isn’t just a specialty tool. Could it be used in any well?”

TechTAC® has a network of more than 130 Authorized Dealers throughout North America. That number includes large national suppliers and small local pump shops. In either case, the TechTAC® team is available to provide technical support for any anchor-related issues. Some of the most common questions our shop managers field include:

What steps can we take to mitigate or eliminate anchors setting while running in or out of the well?

What is the best way to set a tubing anchor in deep or deviated wells?

Do you have a TAC that will work in a well that’s been patched?

What are the measurements and specifications of a Slimline® anchor compared to a standard B2 TAC?

What is the shear strength of your anchors?

What are the most common mistakes people make when assembling a tubing anchor?

What casing range does the 5.5″ Slimline and standard TAC cover?

What is the ID of a 5.5″ Slimline?

Can we set a TAC in or below our perforations?

Why is everyone who works at TechTAC so damn sexy?

TechTAC® does not sell directly to production companies. However, that doesn’t mean our shop managers don’t field a lot of questions from them. In developing the best downhole tool assemblies for their wells, engineers will sometimes use our team as a resource, just like dealers will. Those engineers often want to discuss the impact of different tubing anchor designs on the flow dynamics of a well.

In addition to those one-to-one conversations, TechTAC® has also produced an Engineering Info Packet as a self-service resource for inquiring PEs. The packet is available at no cost and contains a host of valuable content, including:

An independent computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study comparing the Slimline® TAC vs. a standard B2 anchor across multiple flow parameters, such as pressure drop, velocity and turbulence

Technical specifications and use cases for the Slimline® TAC

Testimonials from TechTAC® customers

A list of TechTAC® Authorized Dealers

Many varieties of oilfield anchors, or tubing anchors, are sold to accommodate the needs of different well designs. No matter the style, however, the anchor’s primary purpose remains stabilizing the production string. For decades, the industry has relied on standard B2 tubing anchor catchers to perform this important function. Unfortunately, standard B2 anchors can also inhibit a well’s production. A study by Echometer Company examined the production rates of 11 oil wells. Each well had high fluid levels and the pump intake was located below the perforations. Yet despite these seemingly favorable conditions, nine of the wells showed a pump fillage rate of less than 90%.

According to the report: “In these wells that exhibited high fluid levels … the fluid distribution in the wellbore below the liquid level was not uniform. The wellbore in the vicinity of the pump intake was primarily filled with gas with a minimal volume of liquid. …The presence of a tubing anchor set high above the pump intake is considered to be the main cause of this uneven distribution of fluids in the wellbore.

“The particular tubing anchor used in these wells provides a flow area of about 2.9 square inches between the body of the anchor and the casing compared to a flow area of 14.4 square inches between the casing (4.892-inch ID) and the tubing (2.375-inch OD). The small flow area could increase the velocity of the upwards flowing gas to the point where it would be difficult for liquid present in the upper part of the annulus to flow downwards past the depth where the tubing anchor is set. The anchor would essentially act as a choke and also cause an increase of the annular back pressure.”

In the oil and gas industry, maximizing efficiency and safety are paramount. One of the critical components that contributes to these goals is the oilfield anchor. Often called a tubing anchor, tubing anchor catcher or TAC, this relatively small piece of equipment plays a significant role in ensuring the smooth operation of oil wells. This post will delve into the purpose and benefits of oilfield anchors, highlighting their importance in the extraction process.