New model adds precision to gas-lift design

Journal Article · Mon May 03 04:00:00 EDT 1993 · Oil and Gas Journal; (United States)

OSTI ID:6764383

Kendrick, R A ^[1]; Woodyard, A H; Hall, J W ^[2]

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1. Hampton Resources Inc., Houston, TX (United States)
2. Conoco Inc., Houston, TX (United States)

Conoco Inc.'s new analytical technique for lift-gas allocation identifies, in one-pass, injection rates and the achievable mandrel location for injection. Current gas-lift allocation techniques do not determine production rates for discrete mandrel locations. Allocation rates for particular wells are made on the basis of a fixed differential pressure. When actual mandrel locations are superimposed on these solutions, gas often must be reallocated. The advantages of the new technique include: determining the transfer capability of the gas-lift valve in each mandrel; finding valve pressure drop as a function of injection gas rate; obtaining a more realistic response curve. Another potential benefit is that the response curve can be adjusted to reflect the water cut and/or multizone completion effects at different injection depths. Because the node is at the mandrel, the inflow performance relationship (IPR) at that depth can easily be adjusted to include such effects. The paper describes gas-lift applications; response curves; injection depth; field-wide curves; the mandrel curve; and valve design.

• OSTI ID: 6764383
• Journal Information: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Journal Name: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States) Vol. 91:18; ISSN OIGJAV; ISSN 0030-1388
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
ARTIFICIAL LIFTS
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
DEPTH
DESIGN
DIMENSIONS
EQUIPMENT
FLOW REGULATORS
FLUID INJECTION
FUNCTIONS
GAS INJECTION
GAS LIFTS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
OIL WELLS
PERFORMANCE
PRESSURE DROP
PRODUCTION
RESPONSE FUNCTIONS
USES
VALVES
WELLS