Heading action analyzed for stabilization

Journal Article · Mon Jul 23 04:00:00 EDT 1984 · Oil Gas J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6425680

Grupping, A W; Luca, C W.F.; Vermeulen, F D

The unstable behavior of continuous-flow gas lift wells can often be explained by annulus heading that develops when reservoir and well conditions gradually change over a given time period. A computer program has been written which simulates the heading action of continuous-flow gas lift systems and analyzes the merits of several stabilization methods. Continuous-flow gas-lift wells are designed to produce at constant gas injection and liquid production rates as well as steady gas-injection and wellhead pressures; however, unwanted cyclical heading frequently occurs. This heading reduces productive capacity and leads to operational problems, including excessive vibration, fluctuating suction pressures, and compressor shutdown. In flowing oil wells, heading has been addressed by Gilbert/sup 1/ describing a variety of causes. He distinguishes between annulus heading that can be prevented by isolating the annulus with a packer, heading that can be corrected by installing a proper flow bean, and formation heading. This article presents the theory of heading in continuous-flow gas-lift wells. It explains the cause of this undesirable behavior and lists various measures that can be taken to prevent or eliminate it.

• Research Organization: Delft University of Technology, Delft
• OSTI ID: 6425680
• Journal Information: Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 82:30; ISSN OIGJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
ARTIFICIAL LIFTS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
GAS LIFTS
OIL WELLS
PRESSURE EFFECTS
RESERVOIR PRESSURE
SIMULATION
STABILITY
WELL PRESSURE
WELLHEADS
WELLS