Hi-Per™ Nitrile PCP Elastomer

Weatherford’s Hi-Per Elastomer
Enhancing the performance of progressing cavity pumps (PCPs)
with state-of-the-art elastomer technology
Weatherford designed the Hi-Per elastomer to improve the performance
of PCPs in wells with high levels of aromatic fluids and gases, such as
carbon dioxide (CO 2 ).
Exposed to excessive levels of aromatics, conventional elastomers swell;
and in high-gas conditions, they blister. In extensive laboratory and field
tests, the Hi-Per elastomer has proven highly resistant to aromatics
and gases. Under specialized testing conditions, the Hi-Per elastomer
displayed less than half the swelling of conventional high nitriles, had four
to five times less swelling than medium nitriles, and drastically reduced
blistering under explosive decompression (ED) conditions. 1
Available with most of our PCP models, the Hi-Per elastomer has
unique properties that contribute to optimized production and lower
operating costs in extreme environments.
Key benefits of the Hi-Per elastomer
Optimized production. Reduced swelling decreases operating
torque, thereby contributing to optimized well production.
Lower operating costs. Longer run life in extreme conditions
minimizes the need for well intervention procedures, as well as the
associated costs; lower power consumption further reduces costs.
Durability, reliability. A specially engineered-bonding system that
comes with the Hi-Per elastomer provides a durable and reliable
adherence between the tube and the elastomer—even under
aggressive environments, such as high water cut, high temperature
and high gas/oil ratio (GOR) conditions.
1 Laboratory testing procedures:
• For swelling evaluation ASTM D471 and diesel as test fluid
• ED tests performed, following NORSOK MR 710 guidelines
Under ED conditions, our Hi-Per elastomer
performed considerably better than a conventional
elastomer. The samples were exposed to
a mixture of 90 percent methane (CH 4 ) and 10
percent CO 2 for 72 hours at 122°F (50°C) and
1,600 psi (11.03 MPa), then depressurization at
150 psi (1.03 MPa) per minute. The Hi-Per elastomer
(right) displayed less blistering, relative to
the conventional elastomer (left).

Real Results
During the field tests and introduction stage of the
Hi-Per elastomer, we have run more than 250 pumps
worldwide with excellent results.
Southern Alberta, Canada
PCPs used in the Bantry field in southern Alberta
have a history of increasing in torque because of
elastomer swelling that occurs within the first year of
a pump’s operation, resulting in an inability to restart
the system after a shutdown. Producers had two
options—replace the pump or pull the existing rotor
and replace it with a smaller diameter rotor. However,
two years after the first two Hi-Per elastomers were
installed in this field, both pumps are still running and
neither has required any servicing—saving the costs
of two workovers, the cost of replacement PCPs and
the associated down production.
Huila, Colombia
In a problematic well, previous PCPs lasted an average
of 180 days. Most failed because of ED resulting
from high GOR and CO 2 , showing high torque during
operation. Pumps normally stopped because of high
torque (seized rotor) after a shutdown. The first Hi-Per
elastomer pump installed in the same well was pulled
after 488 days because of a hole in the tubing (not
because the elastomer failed). Operational torque and
the post-visual inspection showed minimum swelling
and no signs of ED. The well had GOR >1,000 scf/bbl.
Orinoco Belt, Venezuela
Three high-rate, heavy-oil wells in eastern Venezuela
were presenting high torque because of ED caused by
CO 2 , resulting in an unacceptable short run life. After
using the Hi-Per elastomer, the average run life in these
three wells increased to 600 days, and the operating
torque was substantially lower.
weatherford.com
Offering a broad portfolio
of PCP elastomers
Weatherford’s Hi-Per Elastomer
In addition to the Hi-Per elastomer, we offer a wide
range of standard and special-purpose elastomers
for PCP systems. Our offerings include elastomers
designed for heavy and sandy oils, high water cuts
and ED resistance in gassy wells. Backed by one of
the strongest patent portfolios in the oilfield services
sector, we are committed to developing new elastomer
technology for PCPs and other artificial-lift systems.
Making artificial lift
an exact science
For more information on our new Hi-Per elastomer,
contact us at als.pcp@weatherford.com.
Our PCP elastomer technologies are part of a
comprehensive portfolio of artificial-lift systems.
Only Weatherford offers all forms of lift, worldwide.
Additionally, we offer tools to optimize your existing
lift infrastructure. Our breadth of products translates
to convenience, competitive pricing and unbiased
system recommendations.
Drawing on more than eight decades of lift experience
and substantial in-house expertise, we analyze several
factors—operating conditions, field requirements,
equipment capabilities and costs—to determine the
most suitable lift solutions to meet your needs. Whether
you are lifting heavy viscous crude, deliquifying offshore
gas wells or optimizing complex, mature-field production
systems, count on Weatherford for comprehensive
artificial-lift solutions.
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