05-Gas Lift

ARTIFICIAL LIFT
INTRODUCTION
Copyright 2007, NExT, All rights reserved

Objectives
• Explain the Artificial Lift Concept

• Identifyy the main types
yp of Artificial Lift methods

Tubing Separator
pressure pressure
Outflow
Static pres. = p
Pressure p Inflow Outflow

at Inflow
Pwf
form
pwf
Distance from well Q

Artificial Lift
• Required
equ ed when e reservoir
ese o p pressure
essu e iss not
ot su
sufficient
ce t
to lift fluids to surface
• May be desirable to increase production rates

above naturally flowing rates

Artificial Lift
psurf
ph The well:
Flows if pwf > ph + psurf
Dies if ph + psurf ≥ pwf
pwf p

ARTIFICIAL LIFT
ASSISTED PRODUCTION
6500 INITIAL PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE
6000
Outflow
NATURAL FLOW
5500
Pwf, psi
Inflow
P
5000
Performance
4500
4000
0 3000 6000 9000 12000 15000
Flow Rate ( STB/day )

ARTIFICIAL LIFT
ASSISTED PRODUCTION
6500 FINAL PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE
Outflow
6000
5500 NOT FLOWING

Pwf, psi
P
5000
Inflow
4500
Performance
4000
0 3000 6000 9000 12000 15000

ARTIFICIAL LIFT
ASSISTED PRODUCTION
6500
BACK TO PRODUCTION BY
6000 ARTIFICIAL LIFT
5500 Outflow
Pwf, psi
P
5000
Inflow
4500
Performance
4000
0 3000 6000 9000 12000 15000

ARTIFICIAL LIFT
As pressure in the reservoir declines, the producing capacity

of the wells will decline. The decline is caused by a decrease in the
ability of the reservoir to supply fluid to the well bore.
M th d are available
Methods il bl to
t reduce
d th flowing
the fl i wellll bottom
b tt h l
hole
pressure by artificial means.
BOMBEO CAVIDADES
PROGRESSIVE CAVITYPROGRESIVAS
PUMP (PCP) (BCP) BOMBEO
ELECTRICAL
ELECTROSUMERGIBLE
SUBMERSIBLE PUMP
(BES)
(ESP)
SUCKER ROD
BOMBEO BEAM PUMP
MECANICO (BP)
(BALANCIN)
BOMBEO
HYDRAULIC
HIDRAULICO
PUMP (piston
(pistón
or jet)
o jet)
POZOS EN FLUJO
NATURAL FLOWNATURAL
WELL
“GAS
CONTINUOUS
LIFT” CONTINUO PLUNGER LIFT
PLUNGER LIFT
GAS LIFT (GL)
CHAMBER
CHAMBER
LIFT LIFT
INTERMITTENT
“GAS GAS LIFT
LIFT” INTERMITENTE
ARTIFICIALPLUNGER
ARTIFICIAL PLUNGERLIFT
LIFT
Comparison of Lift Methods
Typical Artificial Lift Application Range

Ft./Lift
12,000
11,000
10,000
9,000
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 8,000 9,000 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 BPD
Rod PC Pumps Hydraulic Lift Submersible Pump Gas Lift

Pumps

Comparison of Lift Methods
System Efficiency by Artificial Lift Method
100
90
y (%)
80
stem Efficiency
70
60
50
40
Overall Sys
30
20
10
0
PCP Hydraulic Piston Beam Pump ESP Hydraulic Jet Gas Lift Gas Lift
Pumps Pump (Continuous) (Intermittent)
Artificial Lift Type

Gas Liftt Syste
Systemss

Objectives
Understand the components of gas lift technology

Describe the gas lift unloading process
Design a gas lift installation for casing sensitive valves
Diagnose common gas lift well problems
Copyright 2006, NExT, All rights reserved 13

Agenda
Gas lift principles

Types of gas lift
Advantages/disadvantages of gas lift
Continuous flow unloading sequence
Gas lift Equipment and Operation
Valve mechanics
Mandrels
Mandrel spacing design
Gas lift valve design
Gas lift design using PIPESIM
g
Diagnostics

SCHEMATIC OF A CONTINUOUS GAS LIFT WELL
Gas Lift involves the supply of high pressure gas to

the casing/tubing annulus and its injection into the tubing
deep in the well. The increased gas content of the
produced fluid reduces the average flowing density of the
Flowline fluids in the tubing, hence increasing the formation
drawdown and the well inflow rate.
Gas Injection
Pwh Pressure
Surface Casing
Production Casing
Depth
Static
Tubing gradient
Operating Valve
Gaslift valves
Packer
Pwf Pr

Gas Lift

Gas Lift

Gas Lift
Annular gas injection Tubing gas injection

Production Gas in
Gas in Production
Casing Tubing Casing Tubing
Gas entry
Liquid Liquid
Gas Lift
Side
Pocket
Mandrel
Gas
Lift
Gas Valve Gas Lift
V l
Valves
Packings

SCHEMATIC OF A CONTINUOUS GAS LIFT WELL
SIDE POCKET MANDREL WITH GAS LIFT VALVE
Flowline
Gas Injection
Surface Casing
Production Casing
Tubing
Gaslift valves
Packer Operating Valve

TYPES OF GAS LIFT
TYPES OF GAS LIFT
•CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT
•INTERMITTENT GAS LIFT
•CONVENTIONAL & WIRELINE RETRIEVABLE GAS LIFT

EQUIPMENT

TYPES OF GAS LIFT
Injected Injected
gas gas
Continuous gas lift Intermittent gas lift

TYPE OF GAS LIFT
MANDRELS
SIDE POCKET
MANDRELS
CONVENTIONAL
MANDREL

APPLICATIONS
APPLICATIONS OF CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT

• TO ENABLE WELLS THAT WILL NOT FLOW NATURALLY TO PRODUCE
• TO INCREASE PRODUCTION RATES IN FLOWING WELLS
• TO UNLOAD A WELL THAT WILL LATER FLOW NATURALLY
• TO REMOVE OR UNLOAD FLUID IN GAS WELLS
• TO BACK FLOW WATER DISPOSAL WELLS
• TO LIFT AQUIFER WELLS

CONTINUOUS GAS LIFT
Range of application
• Medium
Medium-light
light oil (15 - 40 °API)
API)
• GOR 0 - 4000 SCF / STB
• Depth limited to compression capacity
• Can handle rates from 10 to 50,000 bpd

ADVANTAGES OF GAS LIFT
• Initial downhole equipment costs lower
• low operational and maintenance cost
• Simplified well completions
• Flexibility - can handle rates from 10 to 50,000 bpd
• Can handle sand / gas / well deviation
• Intervention relatively less expensive

DISADVANTAGES OF GAS LIFT
• Must have a source of gas

•Imported from other fields
•Produced g
gas - may
y result in start up
p problems
p
• Possible high installation cost

•Top sides modifications to existing platforms
•Compressor installation
• Limited
Li it d by
b available
il bl reservoir
i pressure
and bottom hole flowing pressure

UNLOADING PROCESS OF A GAS LIFT WELL
Valve 1 open Valve 1 open Valve 1 open
Valve 1 closed Valve 1 closed Valve 1 closed
Valve 2 open Valve 2 open Valve 2 closed
Valve 3 open Valve 3 open Valve 3 open Anim 1
Anim 2

UNLOADING PROCESS OF A GAS LIFT WELL
FIGURE 3-8: Example of the Unloading Sequence

Casing Operated Valves and Choke Control of Injection Gas
2000
1800
1600
1400
1200
Pressure psi
1000
800
600
400
200
0
12:00 AM 03:00 AM 06:00 AM 09:00 AM 12:00 PM 03:00 PM 06:00 PM
T ime
i
PRESSURE CA SING PRESSURE TUBING

GAS LIFT WELL KICK-OFF
Unload well carefully

50 - 100 psi (3.5 bar) per 10 min
1 - 2 bbl per min
Maximize production choke opening
Gradually increase gas injection rate
Monitor well clean up and stability
Get to target position
Perform stepp rate production
p test
Optimize gas injection rate
Note - when unloading all valves open!

PRESSURE GAS LIFT VALVE SCHEMATIC
DIAPHRAGM
SPRING
STEM
BALL
Up Stream
Up Stream Down Stream
Pressure
Pressure Pressure
Ap
PORT
Down St
D Stream
Pressure
Pressure Regulator Gas-Lift Valve

(a) (b)

BASIC COMPONENTS OF A GAS LIFT VALVE
ball seat lung
stem bellows
ports to
nose tubing ports to annulus
packing
nitrogen
charge

Gas Lift Equipment
Subsurface equipment
• Gas lift valves
• M d l
Mandrels
– Conventional (tubing mounted)
– Side Pocket (wireline retrievable)

Gas Lift Equipment
Surface equipment
• Gas for injection
• S f
Surface flflow control
t l equipment
i t

GAS LIFT MANDRELS, LATCHES &
KICKOVER TOOLS

5 1/2” MMRG-4, 1 1/2” POCKET
ROUND MANDREL DESIGN CAMCO
Orienting Tool ‘G’ Latch Polished

Sleeve Discriminator Lug Seal Bore
ENGINEERING DATA
PART NUMBER 05712-000-00001
SIZE 5 1/2”
MAX O.D. 7.982”
MIN I.D. 4.756”
DRIFT I.D. 4.653”
THREAD 17 LB/FT MANN BDS B x P
TEST PRESSURE INTERNAL 7740 PSI
TEST PRESSURE EXTERNAL 6280 PSI
LATCH TYPE RK, RK-1, RKP, RK-SP
KICKOVER TOOL OM-1, OM-1M, OM-1S
RUNNING TOOL RK-1 15079
PULLING TOOL 1 5/8” JDS 15155
MATERIAL 410 S.S., 13 CR 22 HRC MAX
TENSILE STRENGTH (EOEC) 490,000 LBS
©CAMCO 1996

RK / BK LATCH
THERE ARE OTHER

LATCHES
• 1-1/2” RK
• 1-1/2” RA
• 1-1/2” RM
• T2 LATCHES
• 1
1” BK

GAS LIFT VALVE CHANGEOUTS!
Methodical
Equalise pressure
Valve catcher
Latches
Running / pulling tools
Pressure tests
Experience
Risk

KICKOVER TOOL
THE KICKOVER TOOL IS RUN ON WIRELINE AND USED

TO PULL AND SET GAS LIFT VALVES. THE ABILITY TO
WIRELINE CHANGE-OUT
CHANGE OUT GAS LIFT VALVES GIVES
GREAT FLEXIBILITY IN THE GAS LIFT DESIGN

Gas Lift Installations
Production Production
Gas Gas
Conventional
Conventional valves
valves
Fluid seal
Packer
Standing
valve
Open installation Closed installation

Wellhead Configuration
1. Full bore master valve

2. Lubricator
3. Second flow outlet
4. Flow valve
5. Gas flow control valve
6. Flow valve

Gas Lift Valves
Continuous Flow Applications

Intermittent Lift
Operation
• Tubing-Pressure Operated
• Casing-Pressure Operated
• Balanced
Orifice Valves

TYPES OF CONTINUOUS GAS LIFT VALVES
Casing Pressure Operated Valve Tubing Pressure Operated Valve
Pressure chamber
Bellows
Stem
Pc
Pc
Ball
Pt Pt
Valve Mechanic
Casing Pressure Operated Valve
Required Pressure to open the valve
Po = Pd - Pt R Pd
1-R Ab
where R = Ap / Ab
Pc
Required Dome pressure to get the Ap
opening pressure at P, T:
Pd = Po (1 – R) +Pt R
Pt

Valve Mechanic
Casing Pressure Operated Valve
Required Pressure to close the valve
Pvc = Pd
At surface conditions when the valve is being caibrated in the

0 then the
k Pt = 0,
ttestt rack, th opening
i pressure att workshop
k h
conditions is given by:
Pd @ 60 oF
Ptro =
(1 – R)

Setting Up the Valve
The valve is set in the workshop at controlled temperature and

pressure
Temperature is controlled usually at 60 degrees
Shop fitting for setting pressure is set around inlet to valve but
with nose open to atmosphere I.e. Only equivalent casing
pressure is used – no tubing pressure

Valve Setting Fixture

Pd@60o F
F= Pd@TxTCF

GAS CALCULATIONS RELATED TO GAS LIFT SYSTEMS
GAS INJECTION PRESSURE AT DEPTH
S.G. x L
53.34 x T x Z
P@L = P@S
P@Sxe
Where: e = 2.71828
P@L = Pressure at depth, psia
P@S = Pressure at surface, psia
S.G. = Gas Specific
p Gravity
y
L = Depth, feet
T = Average Temp Degrees R
Z = Average Compressibility for T
and average pressure

“Rule of thumb” Equation based on S.G. of 0.65,

a geothermal gradient at 1.60F/100ft and a surface
t
temperature
t off 700F
P@L = P@S + (2.3 x P@S x L )

100 1000
Where: P@L = Pressure at depth, psia

L = Depth,
Depth feet

Gas Lift Calculations
“Rules
Rules of Thumb
Thumb”
Required Pressure
• 100 psi per 1,000 ft of depth up to 800 psi with a minimum of

300 psi
• Example: pressure needed for 7,000

7 000 ft = 100 x
(700/1,000) = 700 psi

Gas Lift Calculations
“Rules
Rules of Thumb
Thumb”
Required Gas Volume
• 150 to
t 250 scf/bbl
f/bbl per 11,000
000 ft off lift
• Example:
p ggas needed to lift from 4,000
, ft:
Gas needed = 200*(4,000/1000) = 800 scf/bbl

PRESSURES AND PRESSURE
GRADIENTS VERSUS DEPTH IN
CONTINUOUS GAS LIFT
WELLHEAD GAS INJECTION

PRESSURE PRESSURE
PRESSURE
AVAILABLE
PRESSURE
INJECTION POINT
PTH
BALANCE
DEP
POINT
BOTTOMHOLE
FLOWING
PRESSURE
100 PSI
AVERAGE.
RESERVOIR
PRESSURE

Pressure
0 400 800 1200 1600 2000 2400
0
2530'
2530
2000
4000'
4000
5100'
Depth
6000'
6000 6600'
7100'
7500'
7800'
8050'
8000 8250'
10000
Pressure
0 400 800 1200 1600 2000 2400
0
2000
2530'
4000
4480'
Depth
5850'
6000
6750'
7300'
7600' PWF = 2180 psi
8000 7800'
q = 570 bpd
10000
GAS LIFT DESIGN FOR CASING PRESSURE OPERATED VALVES
Available gas surface pressure

Psep Pwh pko pressure
Psep
Closing pressure
Opening pressure
Pwh pvc1
pvc2
depth
h
pcv3
Tubing flowing pressure

VOLUMETRIC GAS THROUGHPUT OF A CHOKE OR A
GAS LIFT VALVE PORT
Equation based on Thornhill-Craver Studies

GAS INJECTION RATE (MMSCF/D)
SUB-CRITICAL
FLOW
ORIFICE FLOW
CRITICAL
FLOW
(sound velocity)
PTUBING = 55%
DOWN STREAM PRESSURE (PSI) PCASING

VOLUMETRIC GAS THROUGHPUT OF A CHOKE
“square edged orifice” – Thornhill Craver

VOLUMETRIC GAS THROUGHPUT OF A CHOKE
“
“square edged
d d orifice”
ifi ” – Thornhill
Th hill Craver
C
EXERCISE
P 1700 psii
Pc=1700 Pt 1600 psii
Pt=1600 SG
SGgas=0.7
07 T=210
T 210 oF
Qo =6000 BPD
Optimum GLR = 500 SCF/Bbl

(3000 MPCSD)
1)Suggested orifice diameter=?

T=210 oF
2)If orifice diameter=7/16

diameter 7/16, what is the
sol Maximum gas passage?
Gas Lift Performance
Surface operations affect well performance

• Flow line chokes, high separator pressures, long or restricted flow lines will
either reduce the producing rate or increase the injection gas requirements, or
both.
• A compressor discharge pressure should be selected to result in the lowest
compression horsepower per barrel of fluid lifted when injecting the optimum
gas volume.

VOLUMETRIC GAS THROUGHPUT OF A CHOKE OR A
GAS LIFT VALVE PORT
Equation based on Thornhill-Craver Studies

GAS INJECTION RATE (MMSCF/D)
SUB-CRITICAL
FLOW
ORIFICE FLOW
PTUBING = 55%
DOWN STREAM PRESSURE (PSI) PCASING

Gas Passage through a RDO-5 Orifice Valve with a 1/2" Port
(163 deg
degFF, Gas
GasSG
S.G. 0.83,
0 83 Discharge Coefficient 0
0.84)
84)
9
7
MSCF/D
6
ow Rate MM
4
Gas Flo
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2000
Pressure psi

R DO -5 O rifice Valve, 24/64" P ort, Cd = 0.86
5.00
4.50
4.00
3.50
Gas Flowrrate (mmscf/d)
3.00
2.50
2.00
1.50
C alculated Flow rate M easured Flow rate
C alculated
l l t d Fl
Flow rate
t M easured
d Fl
Flow rate
t
1.00
C alculated Flow rate M easured Flow rate
0.50 C alculated Flow rate M easured Flow rate
0.00
0.00 200.00 400.00 600.00 800.00 1000.00 1200.00 1400.00 1600.00 1800.00 2000.00
D ow nstream Pressure (psig)

NOVA VALVE

MMSCF/D)
NOVA VALVE
CRITICAL FLOW SUB-CRITICAL

FLOW
GAS INJECTION RATE (M
CRITICAL FLOW
G
PTUBING = 55% PTUBING = 90%
PRESSURE (PSI) PCASING

OPERATING PRINCIPLE OF THE VENTURI
200
180
160
140
CHARACTERISTICS OF A
Flow Rate (MCF/d))
120
100
The Square-edged orifice SQUARE-EDGED ORIFICE
performance curve
80
60
• Large sub-critical flow
40 regime
i
20
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 • Gas passage dependent on
Tubing Pressure
downstream pressure until
40 - 50% pressure lost
• Poor pressure recovery =
large pressure drop & large
energy loss

OPERATING PRINCIPLE OF THE VENTURI
THE VENTURI DESIGN ALLOWS THE FOLLOWING :

• BETTER PRESSURE & ENERGY RECOVERY
• LOWER DISCHARGE COEFFICIENT
• DRASTICALLY REDUCED SUB-CRITICAL FLOW REGIME
• CRITICAL VELOCITY (VELOCITY OF PRESSURE
TRANSMISSION/SONIC VELOCITY) ATTAINED WITHIN 10%
PRESSURE DROP
• REDUCES INFLUENCE OF DOWNSTREAM PRESSURE ON
GAS PASSAGE = REDUCED RISK TO PROPAGATING
INSTABILITY
S
Nozzle-Venturi Gas Lift Valve Project
Pressure vs. Flow Rate Summary
4000
1400 psi Upstream
3500
3000
Improved Orifice Valve
2500
Conventional Orifice Valve
2000 900 psi Upstream
1500
1000 400 psi Upstream
500
0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400
Downstream Pressure (psi)
Data shown is from actual flow tests

SURFACE ACTUATED/CONTROLLED
GAS LIFT VALVE
Hydraulic controlled valve

Electric controlled valve

Summary of Equations
• Gas injection pressure at depth
• Gas volume stored within a conduit
• Temperature effect on bellows-charged dome pressure
• Volumetric gas throughput of a choke or g.L. Valve port

S.G. x L
53.34 x T x Z
P@L = P@S
P@Sxe
Where: e = 2.71828
P@L = Pressure at depth, psia
S.G. = Gas Specific
p Gravity
y
L = Depth, feet
T = Average Temp Degrees R
Z = Average Compressibility for T
and average pressure

“Rule of thumb” Equation based on S.G. of 0.65,

a geothermal gradient at 1.60F/100ft and a surface
t
temperature
t off 700F
P@L = P@S + (2.3 x P@S x L )

100 1000
Where: P@L = Pressure at depth, psia

L = Depth,
Depth feet

TEMPERATURE EFFECT ON CONFINED BELLOWS
CHARGED DOME PRESSURE
Major Advantages of Nitrogen
•Availability
•Non-explosive
•Non-
Non corrosive
•Predictable compressibility
•Predictable temperature effect

TEMPERATURE EFFECT ON CONFINED BELLOWS
CHARGED DOME PRESSURE
P2 = P1 X Tc
Where: P1 = Pressure at initial temperature
P2 = Pressure resultingg from change
g of temperature
p
Tc = Temperature correction factor
and
1 + 0.00215 x (T2 - 60)

Tc = --------------------------------
1+0 0.00215
00215 x (T1 - 60)
Where : T1 = Initial temperature, Deg F

T2 = Present
P t temperature,
t t Deg
D F

Revisit:
BELLOWS PRESSURE DESIGN
Pd - Pt (Ap/Ab)
Po = ----------------------
1 - (Ap/Ab)
Pd - Pt (R)
Po = ----------------------
1-R
Pd = Po (1 - R) + Pt (R)
Where R = Ratio Ap/Ab

Revisit:
BELLOWS PRESSURE DESIGN
Po = Pd R Pt
-
1-R 1-R
R
defining PPEF = (Production Pressure Effect)
1-R

Setting Up the Valve
The valve is set in the workshop at controlled temperature and

pressure
Temperature is controlled usually at 60 degrees
Shop fitting for setting pressure is set around inlet to valve but
with nose open to atmosphere I.e. Only equivalent casing
pressure is used – no tubing pressure

Valve Setting Fixture

Test Rack Opening Pressure
Correct Pd to 60 degrees Fahrenheit

Pd @ 60 degrees = Pd @ depth / Tcf
– Temperature correction factor > 1
Calculate TROP in psig Pd - Pt (R)
TROP = Pd @ 60 degrees /(1-R)
/(1 R) Pt=0
Pt 0 Po = -----------------
1-R
Round to nearest 5 psi

DESIGN REQUIRED
EXERCISE CASING P. CASING P
DOME P.
PRODUCED FLUID
TO OPEN TO CLOSE
Ptro
INJECTION GAS
AT SURFACE 1250 PSI
TUBING P.
@ DEPTH
Temperature
VALVE # 1 1310 PSI ? PSI
@ DEPTH
360 PSI
130 degF
g

640 PSI
152 degF
1050 PSI
178 degF
sol

PROCEDURE
1) Pd = Po (1-
(1-R) + Pt (R) Dome ppressure(valve
( depth)
p )
2) Pc = Pd Closing pressure(valve depth)
3) Pd@60 = Pd/ TCF TCF=1+0.00215(T--60)

TCF=1+0.00215(T
P2 = P1 TCF
Pd @ 60 oF X
4) Ptro =
Where: P1 = Pressure at initial temperature
P2 = Pressure resulting from change of temperature
Tc = Temperature correction factor
(1 – R)
and
1 + 0.00215 x (T2 - 60)

TCF = --------------------------------
1 + 0.00215 x (T1 - 60)
NOTE : ALL VALVES 3/16” R-

R-20 Where : T1 = Initial temperature, Deg F
R = 0.038 1-
1-R = 0.962 T2 = Present temperature, Deg F

EXERCISE
GAS LIFT DESIGN

Collect well data for design
Well Data Oilfield S.I.
Tubing Size 2-7/8" nominal 62 mm
Desired Producing Rate 600 BPD 100 M 3
Percent Water 50% 50%
Water Specific Gravity 1.08 1.08
Gas Specific Gravity 0.65 0.65
Oil Gravity 35° API 0.85 rel dens
Static Fluid Gradient (Gs) 0.465 10.5 kPa / mtr
Depth of Perforations 5257 ft. 1600 meters
Depth of Packer 5000 ft. 1500 meters
Wellhead Pressure (Pwh) 100 psig 700 kPa
Static Bottom Hole Pressure (Pbhs) 1600 psig 11,000 kPa
Flowing Bottom Hole Pressure 1160 psig 8000 kPa
(Pbhf)
Temperature at Surface (T@S) 90°F 32 °C.
Temperature at Bottom Hole 136°F 58 °C
( @ )
(T@bh)
Operating Injection Pressure 850 psig 5900 kPa
(Pi@S)
Kickoff Pressure (Pko) 850 psig 5900 kPa
Suggested Valve R 20
R-20 R 20
R-20
Suggested Valve Port Size 1/4" 6.35 mm
Volum e of Gas Available 1200 MCFD 30,000 M 3
Formation GLR 100 scf/bbl 20 M 3 /kltr
Casing Operated Valve (lowering closing pressure at
surface)
psepp pwh
p pko pressure
p
pvc1
p Design Opening
P
Pressure
pvc2
pcv3
Design Tubing Pressure

Depth

Gas Lift Performance
Optimizing the gas liquid ratio - gas in/oil out

• As injection gas is added, the producing GLR is increased
• Flowing tubing pressure decreases until a minimum pressure is reached -
maximum liquid production at this point
• Further increases in gas injection will increase tubing pressure and reduce the
producing rate

RESSURE, Pwf GAS LIFT WELL PERFORMANCE
Maximum liquid production
ATE, QL
Pr Excessive GLR
ODUCTION RA
OTTOM HOLE FLOWING PR
Inflow Performance
IPR
LIQUID PRO
Available gas Economic Optimum
volume
BO
LIQUID PRODUCTION RATE, QL GAS INJECTION RATE, Qgi
(a) Gas lift well analysis (b) Effect of gas injection rate

Max oil rate
BOPD
Max OCI
Max profit

Gas injection rate in MCFD
EFFECT OF THE POINT OF GAS INJECTION DEPTH
Maximum Injection Depth

ATE, QL
QUID RA
Injection Depth
h
LIQ
Available Gas Volume
GAS INJECTION RATE, Qgi

Oil
rate
(B/D) Q2Max W ll no. 2
Well
Slope = M2
Q2
Q1Max
M Well no. 1
Slope = M1
Q1
Slope = M3 Q3Max Well no. 3
Q3
Max rate
G1 G2 G3
Gas injection rate (MCF/D)
To maximize oil production, the slopes M1, M2, and M3 should be

equal and G1 + G2 + G3 equals total available gas.
OPTIMIZATION OF GAS LIFT GAS DISTRIBUTION
Qo
Optimum total field gas lift
performance curve
WELL 1 ΔQo1
Qgi
Qo
WELL 2 ΔQo2 Qot
Nodal n
analysis Qgi
∑ ΔQoi
i=1 Qgit
Qo
n
∑ ΔQgi
ΔQon
WELL n i=1
Qgi
ΔQ i
ΔQgi

Surface Gaslift Control
GASLIFT MANIFOLD GAS MANIFOLD
DRY GAS
DRY GAS
RICH GAS LNG
3-PHASE FLOWS GAS PLANT
Gaslift Well
CRUDE OIL
FLOW
STATION
WATER

Manual Flow Control Valve
GASLIFT MANIFOLD
Actuated Flow Control Valve

INDIRECT METERING OF GAS FLOW TO THE WELL

Connected between the left wing

valve and the choke box, to record
WHP
Connected to the production

casing valve to record casing-
tubing annulus pressure.

CASING PRESSURE
WELLHEAD PRESSURE
CONTINUOUS FLOW
INTERMITTENT FLOW
Gas Lift Problems
• Gas lift valves

G l can fail
f il ffrom:
– Debris/corrosion causing valves to stick open or
closed
– Large change in well productivity (valves not
calibrated to handle new conditions))
• Gas lift installations can fail from:
– Tubing leaks, causing “short circuit” of gas
– Large change in well productivity (insufficient gas
injection rate or pressure)

TROUBLE-SHOOTING
GAS LIFT WELLS
Case Studies using Echometer, Two-Pen

Recorder Flowing Gradient survey and Nodal
Analysis

Troubleshooting
Observations
• Well tests
• Casing and tubing pressure charts
• Gas input volumes
• Flowing pressure gradient surveys
• Bottom hole pressures
• Producing characteristics

Identifying Gas Lift Problems
Methods available to help determine problems:

• Flowing pressure gradient survey
• NODAL analysis/Gas lift design software (very
effective if used with gradient survey)
• Removal and inspection of tubing, mandrels, and
valves
• Gas input & output flow charts

GAS LIFT WELL DIAGNOSIS
SCENARIOS
1. CONTNUOUS GAS INJECTION AND LIQUID

PRODUCTION.
2. CONTINUOUS GAS INJECTION AND NO LIQUID

PRODUCTION.
PRODUCTION
3. THE WELL DOES NOT RECEIVE GAS AND THERE

IS NOT LIQUID PRODUCTION

CONTINUOUS GAS INJECTION AND LIQUID PRODUCTION SCENARIO
DETERMINATION OF THE WORKING GAS LIFT VALVE
Pwh.
Inj.Pressure
. Pr
Pr
Val. 1 B
pth
C
Dep
Val. 2
V l 3
Val.
A
B QA QB QC
C
QL
When there is not consistency in the data, then a hole in the tubing or multiple injection points
may exist, in which case a temperature log is necessary to arrive at a final conclusion.
CONTINUOUS GAS INJECTION AND NO LIQUID PRODUCTION SCENARIO
Under this scenario the well is circulating gas due to the following possible causes:
Under this scenario the well is circulating gas due to the following possible causes:
•Hole in the tubing
•Hole in the tubing
•No transference of the injection point to the next valve
•No transference of the injection point to the next valve
•Formation damage restricts the inflow capacity of the reservoir
•Formation damage restricts the inflow capacity of the reservoir
•Organic or inorganic deposits in the tubing or flowline
•Organic or inorganic deposits in the tubing or flowline
The causes of no transference of the injection point to the next deeper valve are:
The causes of no transference of the injection point to the next deeper valve are:
•High tubing pressure
•High tubing pressure
•Low gas injection pressure
•Low gas injection pressure

NO GAS INJECTION AND NO LIQUID PRODUCTION SCENARIO
Possible causes:
Possible causes:
•Gas injection valve closed

•Gas injection valve closed
•Gas line broken
•Gas line broken
•Gas line restriction due to hydrates formation (Freezing Problems)
•Gas
Gas line restriction due to hydrates formation (Freezing Problems)
•High gas lift valve opening pressure
•High gas lift valve opening pressure

Case #1
Pd = Pd@60oF/TCF Pd - Pt (R)
Pd@60oF=PTROx(1
F=PTROx(1--R)
Pvo = ---------------------
Pvc=Pd
c d
1-R
New gas lift string
Expected production: 1350 bbls/d @ 580 MCF/D gas
injection.
Actual Production: 1050 bbls/d @ 520 MCF/D gas
injection.
injection
Gas lift valve design:
VLV # MD TVD Temp. TCF Port R TRO
1 1850 1837 144 0.847 3/16" .094 945
2 2820 2698 150 0.838 3/16" .094 940
3 3640 3305 156 0.829 3/16" .094 935
4 4500 3902 161 0.822 3/16" .094 930
5 5370 4502 1/4" Orifice Valve N/A
6 6260 5106 GLV in place
Case #1
What action will we do to diagnose production

shortfall ?
Model well using Nodal.
Acquire fluid level in casing.
Run a flowing gradient survey.

Registro del nivel de fluido con el Sonolog
Ignición de carga
Sonolog
Reflexión del sonido
Cuellos
de la tubería
Nivel de
Fluido
Nivel de Fluido
((*)) Sonolog Echometer

Case #1
Fluid Level Shot
End
Mandrel #2 @ 2820 ft. Mandrel #3 @ 3305 ft. Mandrel #4 @ 4500 ft.

MD (13.6 in.) MD (17.8 in.) MD (21.5 in.)
SCSSV @ 398 ft. Mandrel #1 @ 1850 ft.

Start
MD (1.9 in.) MD (9.1 in.)
Conclusion: The well has failed to unload to the orifice.

Case #1
Nodal analysis - Pressure vs. Depth Plot
GL
Mandrels
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
Conclusion: there is enough casing tubing differential to unload

to mandrel #5(through the orifice)
Case #1
Pd = Pd@60oF/TCF Pd - Pt (R)
Pd@60oF=PTROx(1
F=PTROx(1--R)
Pvo = ---------------------
Pvc=Pd
c d
1-R
New gas lift string
Expected production: 1350 bbls/d @ 580 MCF/D gas
injection.
Actual Production: 1050 bbls/d @ 520 MCF/D gas
injection.
injection
Gas lift valve design:
1 1850 1837 144 0.847 3/16" .094 945
2 2820 2698 150 0.838 3/16" .094 940
3 3640 3305 156 0.829 3/16" .094 935
4 4500 3902 161 0.822 3/16" .094 930
5 5370 4502 1/4" Orifice Valve N/A
6 6260 5106 GLV in place
Case #1
Action
Wireline operations (impression block) confirmed the valve in

mandrel #4 was out of pocket, preventing the well from
unloading.
g A replacement
p valve was run.

Case #2
Well has been severely heading with tubing pressures ranging between
120 - 350 psi. Casing pressures have varied between 900 - 1000 psi.
Gas Lift design:

1 1802 1802 105 0.912 3/16" .094 1005
2 3111 3110 121 0.884
0 884 3/16" .094
3/16 094 995
3 4105 4087 134 0.863 3/16" .094 980
4 4803 4747 1/4" Orifice Valve from #10 N/A
5 5418 5333 149 0.839 3/16" .094 960
6 5939 5805 156 0.829
0 829 3/16" .094
094 945
7 6491 6313 163 0.819 3/16" .094 930
8 7012 6794 170 0.809 3/16" .094 920
9 7563 7306 174 0.803 3/16" .094 910
10 8115 7829 N/A N/A 3/16" .094
094 970

Case #2
What action will we do to diagnose reason for heading ?
Review tubing and casing pressure

responses
Acquire fluid level in casing.
Review GLV design : should it work
for current condition.
Run a flowing gradient survey.

Case #2
Two pen recorder chart
Casing pressure
Tubing pressure
Pressure response typical of multi-point injection and/or un-

regulated gas passage due to communication.
Case #2
Fluid Level Shot
End
Mandrel #4 @ 4803
Mandrel #3 @ 4105 ft.
ft. MD (23.8 in.)
MD (20.4 in.)
Mandrel #2 @ 3111 ft.

MD (15.4 in.)
SCSSV @ 614 ft. Mandrel #1 @ 1802 ft.

Start MD (3.0 in.) MD (8.9 in.)
Conclusion: the well has unloaded to the orifice in mandrel #4

Case #2
Flowingg ggradient surveyy
Conclusion: The flowing survey indicates gas passage through valves #

1,2,3 & 4
Case #2
Gas Lift Valve Analysis
y
Pd - Pt (R)
Pd@60oF=PTROx(1
F=PTROx(1--R) Pd = Pd@60oF/TCF
Pvo = ---------------------
1-R
Pvc=Pd
VALVE NO DEPTH TVD TRO Pd@60F Pt R 1-R

1 R PtR OP Tv TCF Op Force Cl Force
1 1802 1005 911 340 ,0940 ,9060 32 971 139 ,855 912 1065 Closed
2 3110 995 901 587 ,0940 ,9060 55 995 147 ,842 957 1071 Closed
3 4087 980 888 822 ,0940 ,9060 77 1020 158 ,826 1001 1075 Closed
4 4747 1/4" BKO-3 Orifice Valve N/A N/A Open
An analysis of the state of gas lift valves is performed based on the

FGS tubing pressures and temperatures and the calculated casing
pressures.
Conclusion: all the valves should be closed at the operating injection
pressure and g
p gas flowing g through
g mandrel #4 only.y

Case #2
Conclusion and Action
Conclusion: Well appears to be multi-point injecting

through leaking or cut-out valves.
•The 4 valves were pulled and replaced.

•The
The valve shop inspected the pulled valves and
determined that the seats in each of the unloading valves
cut out. This was attributed to poor unloading procedures.
•After replacing cut-out valves, well was returned to
production. Total fluid rate increased by 40%.
•Training sessions were then scheduled for field personnel
to teach them unloading / operating procedures.
Case #3
Well is under
under-performing.
performing
Significant fluctuations in tubing pressure.
Excessive lift gas is being used : 3.2 mmscf/d
Injection pressure will not rise above 810 psi
Gas lift design :

Case #3
What action will we do to diagnose reason for under

performance?
An analysis is required immediately without any
further field data collection
Nodal analysis
Review GLV design

•should it work for current condition.
•Gas
G passage for
f currentt condition
diti
Case #3: Nodal Analysis - Inflow Performance
Inflow performance. The above IPR curves were generated to represent conditions at present and at the time of the
last pressure survey (11/98). Based on the estimated IPR, the current Pwf would have to be approximately 2627 psi
to correspond with the current production rate of 5204 bbls/d.
Case #3: GLV design review
Surface
closing
pressure
GLV Design Operating

injection
pressure
Casing
Tubing pressure
p
pressure to reopen
from
Nodal
analysis Tubing
pressure
to reopen
Figure 2 -allGas
Conclusion: passage.
valves should beThe above
closed curves show that the gas passage of valves 1 & 2
roughly total what is currently being injected.
Case #3: Gas Passage Analysis
Gas Passage Curves for Well D-8
1600
1400
1200
Qgi, MSCFD
D
1000
800 Valve #1
600 Valve #2
Q
400
200
0
0 200 400 600 800 1000
Pdwn, psia
The above gas passage curves show that the combined gas passage of
the top two unloading valves is less than the current gas injection rate.

Case #3: Nodal Analysis: Gradient Plot
Gradient plot. The above gradient plot shows that the well can not inject deeper
than the 2nd mandrel under current conditions. Ie. 810 psi casing head pressure
and 5204 bbls/d
Case #3: Well Performance Plot
The above performance curve shows that the well is over-injecting at present. Note: this
performance curve assumes single-point injection at the 2nd mandrel and is only an
estimate. Because the well is multi-point injecting and / or unstable, the actual
performance capability of the well may actually be greater than is shown above.
Case #3
Summary & Conclusions
•Gas lift valve design review indicates all valves should be
closed.
closed
•Gradient analysis indicates only valves #1 & 2 have
sufficient differential to inject.
•Gas passage analysis indicates that current injection rate
exceeds combined capacity of top 2 valves.
Well suspected to be injecting through hole in tubing or a gas lift valve is
out of the pocket in mandrel #1 or #2 – Confirm by bleeding down casing.
If communication can be repaired,
p ggain of approximately
pp y 360 bopd p mayy
be achieved based on Nodal analysis.

GAS LIFT SPECIAL APPLICATIONS
CHEMICAL INJECTION
CIRCULATING VALVES
CORROSION MONITORING
GAUGE CARRIERS
AUTO LIFT
SIDE STRING GAS LIFT COMPLETIONS
DUAL GAS LIFT COMPLETIONS
ELECTRIC/HYDRAULIC GAS LIFT VALVE
INTERMITTENT LIFT
INSERT STRING GAS LIFT COMPLETIONS
INTELLIGENT
COMPLETIONS
CAMCO MULTI-PORT,
MULTI-SET PACKER
CASING
• Comingle Production CAMCO SIDE POCKET FLOW

MEASUREMENT STATION
• Real Time Measurement (SPFLOW-S)
and control: 1 ¼” RETRIEVABLE
• Pressure
PRESSURE, TEMPERATURE,
& FLOW GAUGE
• Temperature
• Flow
CAMCO SIDE POCKET FLOW
CONTROL STATION
(IDPS-H)
RETRIEVABLE INFLOW
CONTROL VALVE
(ICV)

INTERMITTENT FLOW GAS LIFT
LOW PRODUCTION WELLS (TYPICALLY <500 BFPD)

API GUIDELINES :
2-3/8” TUBING - 100 TO 150 BFPD
2-7/8” TUBING - 200 TO 300 BFPD
3-1/2” TUBING - 300 TO 400 BFPD
3 CATEGORIES
INTERMITTENT GAS LIFT
CHAMBER LIFT
PLUNGER LIFT


INTERMITTENT INJECTION INTO THE TUBING

LOW BHFP
CHOKE CONTROLLED UTILISING A PILOT OPERATED
VALVE OR MOTOR CONTROLLED
3 TYPES OF COMPLETION : OPEN, SEMI-CLOSED OR
CLOSED
FALLBACK LOSSES TYPICALLY 5 - 7% PER 1 000 FT OF
TUBING
REQUIRE RAPID INJECTION OF GAS = PILOT OPERATED
GAS LIFT VALVE


IMPORTANT TO
MINIMISE BACK
PRESSURE

CHAMBER LIFT GAS LIFT
•NORMALLY FOR LOW BHP APPLICATIONS

•FACILITATES LARGE SLUGS ((MORE PRODUCTION)) - USE OF ANNULAR
VOLUME
•DUAL PACKER OR CHAMBER DESIGN
•REQUIRES BLEED PORT TO ENABLE CHAMBER TO FILL

CHAMBER LIFT GAS LIFT

PLUNGER LIFT
MECHANICAL BARRIER AT THE INTERFACE REDUCES

FALLBACK
NEED WELLHEAD MODIFICATIONS AND BYBY-PASS
PASS
THROUGH PLUNGER
NO TAPERS IN THE WELL = NO SAFETY VALVES

Intermittent Gas Lift
Advantages
g Disadvantages
g
Can obtain lower producing pressure Is limited in maximum volume
than continuous lift and at low rates Can not pump well off
Equipment can be centralized
Causes surges on surface
Valves may be wireline or tubing
retrieved equipment
Works wells with subsurface safety Must have a source of ggas
valves Selection and placement of
Minimal downhole mechanical devices equipment can be complex
F ll ttubing
Full bi bbore capabilities
biliti
Low maintenance
Excellent in deviated wellbores

INTERMITTENT GAS LIFT - The Gas Lift Valve
PILOT OPERATED ARE

MOST APPLICABLE :
• Controlled opening
• Yet large port for
maximum quick
gas passage

What Did We Learn?
Definition of Gas-Lift System and objective

Equipment
Types
Valves
Identifying Problems/ Troubleshooting
Benefits

What Did We Learn?
•Gas Lift is an artificial method to enhance oil production by injecting gas in

th production
the d ti string
t i andd ththereby
b reducing
d i ththe ddensity
it andd hhydrostatic
d t ti hhead,d
causing increased production rates.
•Equipment- Subsurface (valves & Mandrels), Surface (Gas volume &
Wellhead)
•Types - Continuous and Intermittent, tubing or casing-pressure operated,
orifice valves
Valves - Calculate pressure and optimal placement of mandrels
•Valves
•Problems - Corrosion, leak, plugging, valve erosion
•Identifying problems/Troubleshooting - use of static, flowing, and pressure
buildupp measurements. Monitor pproduction characteristics.
•Benefits - Maximize profit (most oil least gas), Maximize production (most
oil), Maximize revenue (OCI)

05-Gas Lift

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ARTIFICIAL LIFT

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• Explain the Artificial Lift Concept

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Pressure p Inflow Outflow

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• May be desirable to increase production rates

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Flow Rate ( STB/day )

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5500 NOT FLOWING

Flow Rate ( STB/day )

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Flow Rate ( STB/day )

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As pressure in the reservoir declines, the producing capacity

Typical Artificial Lift Application Range

Rod PC Pumps Hydraulic Lift Submersible Pump Gas Lift

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System Efficiency by Artificial Lift Method

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Understand the components of gas lift technology

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Gas lift principles

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Gas Lift involves the supply of high pressure gas to

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Annular gas injection Tubing gas injection

Casing Tubing Casing Tubing

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Packer Operating Valve

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TYPES OF GAS LIFT

•CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT

•INTERMITTENT GAS LIFT

•CONVENTIONAL & WIRELINE RETRIEVABLE GAS LIFT

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Continuous gas lift Intermittent gas lift

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APPLICATIONS OF CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT

• TO INCREASE PRODUCTION RATES IN FLOWING WELLS

• TO UNLOAD A WELL THAT WILL LATER FLOW NATURALLY

• TO REMOVE OR UNLOAD FLUID IN GAS WELLS

• TO BACK FLOW WATER DISPOSAL WELLS

• TO LIFT AQUIFER WELLS

Copyright 2006, NExT, All rights reserved 24

Copyright 2006, NExT, All rights reserved

• Initial downhole equipment costs lower

• low operational and maintenance cost

• Simplified well completions

• Flexibility - can handle rates from 10 to 50,000 bpd

• Can handle sand / gas / well deviation

• Intervention relatively less expensive

Copyright 2006, NExT, All rights reserved 26

• Must have a source of gas