Devon Energy

The presentation examines how bottomhole assembly (BHA) design can change gas fraction, solids concentration, and pressure and velocity conditions at the pump intake—conditions that surface adjustments such as pumping speed, stroke length, and pump-off controls cannot change. It analyzes a six-year dataset of Bakken rod-pump wells, treating the BHA as a single hydraulic system rather than evaluating components individually. The comparison covers a conventional arrangement, where the tubing anchor restricts flow through the remaining casing annulus, and a flow-through arrangement that routes flow past the anchor using ported subs. The described design provides parallel internal and external flow paths for gas and liquid, with a higher-velocity solids section below the degassing section. For the evaluated configuration in 7-inch casing, the effective open area is 18.45 square inches, compared with 5.41 square inches for a conventional full-bore anchor; the source reports approximately 70% lower local superficial velocity. A six-year paired evaluation of more than 1,200 Williston rod-pumped wells found median fluid and gas increases of 17.5% and 23.3% among wells adopting the geometry, compared with same-configuration controls. The presentation also addresses where the response is most consistent—below approximately 300 BFPD—and the economics of making the change during a scheduled workover.

The conference brings together leaders from across Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas industry. Business sessions, keynote presentations, and panel discussions address timely industry topics, including state and federal issues affecting the industry and issues and innovations shaping Oklahoma energy. The program also includes a board meeting and an Alliance speed-networking session. The conference concludes with the Petroleum Alliance Fundraising Auction, which recognizes contributions to the 2026 charity of the year, Wes Welker Foundation.