Use of Pattern-Recognition Techniques in Analyzing Downhole Dynamometer Cards

Abstract

Summary Four pattern-matching methods are presented to evaluate the downhole condition of sucker-rod-pumped wells. Comparing the generated pump dynagraph of a well being tested to various downhole dynagraphs characteristic of particular rod-pump problems allows the pattern-matching methods to diagnose a variety of different pump conditions. In the future, one of the pattern-matching methods could be incorporated into an automated system designed to monitor the performance of an oilfield's rod-pumped wells.