Applying the basic performance concepts of single-element, unbalanced gas-lift valves for installation design

Journal Article · Sun Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1993 · SPE Production and Facilities (Society of Petroleum Engineers); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/21636-PA· OSTI ID:6374492

Winkler, H W; Eads, P T

This paper outlines a continuous-flow installation design procedure that uses the performance characteristics of single-element, nitrogen-charged, injection-pressure-operated (IPO) gas-lifted valves (GLV's). The Appendix gives a mathematical performance valve model for calculating the gas rate through GLV's as a function of the change in the injection-gas pressure at depth, p[sub ioD]. Although several simplifying assumptions are made for the model, the calculated performance illustrates realistically the backpressure regulation of a typical unbalanced IPO GLV compared with a fixed orifice. The GLV depth spacing procedure requires matching the injection-gas-rate throughput of the IPO GLV with the total gas required to establish the unloading flowing-production-transfer pressure, p[sub ptD], at each valve depth to uncover the next-deeper valve. The GLV performance curve defines the injection-gas rate through an IPO GLV, and the tubing performance curve defines the total gas rate to establish the p[sub ptD] at each valve depth. This paper gives a detailed installation design example. The GLV and tubing performance curves for spacing the valves are plotted for each valve depth.

• OSTI ID: 6374492
• Journal Information: SPE Production and Facilities (Society of Petroleum Engineers); (United States), Journal Name: SPE Production and Facilities (Society of Petroleum Engineers); (United States) Vol. 8:3; ISSN 1064-668X; ISSN SPRFEZ
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
ARTIFICIAL LIFTS
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
DESIGN
ELEMENTS
EQUIPMENT
FLOW RATE
FLOW REGULATORS
GAS LIFTS
INSTALLATION
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NITROGEN
NONMETALS
OIL WELLS
PERFORMANCE
VALVES
WELLS