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U.S. Department of Energy
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Optimizing continuous flow gas lift wells. Pt. 2

Journal Article · · Pet. Eng.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6043527

Two recently developed computer programs for gas-lift optimization in current use by Shell Oil Co. combine a mathematical model of an oil well with an economical model for gas-lift optimization. The computer methods for calculating well performance are based on standard production engineering techniques. Pressure losses in vertical 2-phase flow are calculated by the computerized Ros correlations. Program 1 utilizes a subroutine for calculating pressure losses in horizontal 2-phase flow; whereas, Program 2 ignores pressure losses in the flowline. A straight line productivity index (PI) or an inflow performance relationship (IPR) based on Vogel's method may be specified. The input data required by both programs include unit values for the produced oil and gas, unit costs for injection gas and salt water disposal, daily fixed costs, mechanical well data, produced oil gravity, gas injection depth, and well performance parameters (static reservoir pressure, gas-oil ratio, water cut, and PI or IPR). Program 1 requires input data at several cumulative oil recoveries during each well's producing life while Program 2 requires input data for only one point in each well's life. An example illustrating the use of optimizing techniques is presented.

OSTI ID:
6043527
Journal Information:
Pet. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: Pet. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 44:10; ISSN PENGA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English