Key words: OPEX reduction, saving of energy costs on well production lifting, reduction of well intervention jobs, selection of optimal well operation method, equipment application range, sucker-rod pumping units, electrical submersible centrifugal pumping units, intermittent well operation, long-stroke pumping mode, chain drives
Based on Tatneft many years' experience of commercial application of sucker-rod and electrical submersible centrifugal pumping units, a trade-off study of statistically significant samples of wells has been performed. The authors endeavored to find a trade-off between ESP units allowing for intermittent operation and long-stroke sucker-rod pumping units with chain drives for oil wells producing more than 30 m3 of fluid per day. The paper presents recommendations on optimal application of equipment for Tatneft wells.