Troubleshooting Problems in Oil & Gas Production

Certain issues are more relevant than others in the oil and gas industry. We’re here to troubleshoot problems in oil and gas production and help you maintain a good work environment.

Out-of-Balance Tank

An issue that can lead to a sudden halt in production is an out-of-balance tank. Most tanks hold water and oil in specific measurements to ensure that water separates from the system and that the oil properly flows out. But these tanks get out of balance over time and hold more oil or water than permitted. If the tank has more water than normal, the oil will push up and spreads over the oil flow line.

The culprit behind this problem is a clogged water line. The disruption cuts off the flow to the water clearance system, resulting in rising water levels in the tank. In other scenarios, the oil may come out at unforeseen volumes because someone ran the pumps longer than usual.

If you suspect a faulty tank, use a water gauging paste to measure the level of water in the water disposal system.

Tank Battery Problem

Another problem in oil and gas production is tank battery issues. In most cases, they’re the reason behind a decrease in production. Leaks and overflows are noticeable issues you can see by walking around the battery. But if there are no signs of this problem, the issue may be in a vessel.

Many tank batteries have a separator, and the vessel takes gas out of the oil before it goes to stock tanks. The float switch controls the fluid levels in the separator. If the switch breaks or stops working, the separator can fill past the gas line. Check the float switch to diagnose this issue. You can also check for faulty valves that disrupt oil reservoirs.

Solve this problem by fixing leaks or replacing float switch controls.

Lubricant Contamination

Lubricant contamination can lead to bearing failure on pumps. Luckily, the quick fix is proper lubrication on the bearings. Maintain the prime environment for lubrication fluid with magnetic-type bearing isolators. This can prolong the life of oil-slump machines and prevent unexpected failures. You can also invest in oil-mist systems to lubricate multiple pumps on a worksite.

Corrosion

You can classify corrosion into three categories: oxidation, electrical, and chemical. However, oxidation is one of the most relevant issues in oil and gas production sites. Oxidation is metal exposure to oxygen, which can form rust on the tubular in the wellbore. You can prevent rust with special resistant alloys in chemical inhibitors.

Maintain production on your worksite with updated supplies. Coastal Resource Group is a top-quality oilfield equipment supplier. Our sales representatives are more than happy to help you! Reach out to us soon.