An artificial lift is the term used to describe any artificial means that is used to increase the flow of liquids from a production well. Various types of production well environments have problems with excessive materials, such as salt water, oil, or gas. An artificial well is used to extract these materials in order to maintain regular functioning, with a range of different technologies and devices used.
In most cases, the mechanism of artificial lift takes place through a mechanical device that is implanted inside a well, such as a pump or velocity string. However, artificial lift can also take place by decreasing weight to the hydrostatic column, through the process of gas injections away from the well source.
There are a range of different devices that can be used to create artificial lift, with different technologies used in different applications. Some of the most common devices include hydraulic pumps, electric submersible pumps, gas lifts, progressive cavity pumps, and rod pumps. Each of these technologies has advantages within certain situations, with most of the examples mentioned being different variations on a similar concept. Any liquid producing reservoir has a level of reservoir pressure, and pumps are used to force excess materials to the surface through a manipulation of this pressure.
The majority of oil wells have the potential to produce both oil and gas during the early stages of production, however, water from the ground can often get in the way of production. Water is heavier than oil and much heavier than gas, and eventually causes oil and gas to stop flowing and production to cease. Because of this, dedicated artificial lift devices are essential to any working well production, and one of the most essential parts of maintaining a well production environment.