Jet pump controller with downhole prediction

An artificial lift system for producing production fluid from a well having tubing disposed therein, the system comprising:

• a surface unit disposed at surface, the surface unit having a suction line in communication with a source of power fluid and having a discharge line in communication with the well, the surface unit comprising a variable speed drive operable to pressurize the power fluid from the suction line to the discharge line;
• a jet pump disposed downhole in the tubing and receiving the pressurized power fluid, the jet pump mixing the power fluid and the production fluid and outputting a product of the mixed fluid for delivery to the surface;
• a first pressure transducer disposed to measure discharge pressure in the discharge line of the surface pump;
• a flowmeter disposed to measure discharge flowrate in the discharge line of the surface pump;
• and
• a controller disposed in communication with the surface unit, the first pressure transducer, and the flowmeter, the controller being configured to:
• calculate a production rate of product from the well,
• calculate an intake pressure at the downhole jet pump,
• determine that an operating condition of the jet pump based on the intake pressure at the downhole jet pump as a function of the production rate of the product from the well lies within one of at least two areas predicted to produce cavitation in the product and in the power fluid,
• adjust the variable speed drive of the surface unit based on the determination.