Unloading Sequence

(of continuous gas lift) Fluid level in tubing and#1 casing is at the surface No gas injected no fluid produced All gas lift valves are open Pressure to open valves is provided by the weight of the fluid in the casing and tubing

2009 Production Control Services. All content is confidential to PCS and its respective partners.

Unloading continued
Gas injection into the casing has begun Fluid is U-tubed through g all the open p valves No formation fluids being produced pressure is greater in the wellbore at perfs than reservoir pressure All produced fluids are from the tubing and annulus Important to unload at a reasonable rate to avoid fluid damage to valves

2009 Production Control Services. All content is confidential to PCS and its respective partners.

Unloading continued
The fluid has been unloaded to the top (#5) gas lift valve The fluid is aerated above this point in the tubing and fluid density decreased Pressure is reduced at top valve as well as all lower valves Unloading continues through lower valves

2009 Production Control Services. All content is confidential to PCS and its respective partners.

Unloading continued
Fluid level is now below valve #4 (second from top) Injection j transfers to valve #4 and pressure is lowered Casing pressure drops and valve #5 closes Unloading continues through lower valves

2009 Production Control Services. All content is confidential to PCS and its respective partners.

Unloading continued
All gas is being injected through valve #4 Lower valves remain open A reduction in casing pressure causes upper valves to close in sequence

2009 Production Control Services. All content is confidential to PCS and its respective partners.

Unloading continued
All gas is being injected through valve #3 Lower valves remain open A reduction in casing pressure causes upper valves to close in sequence

2009 Production Control Services. All content is confidential to PCS and its respective partners.

Unloading continued
Valve #2 open Point of Injection: ability of reservoir to produce fluid matches the ability of the tubing to remove fluids Casing pressure is dictated by operating valve set pressure Upper valves are closed Valve #1 remains submerged unless operating conditions change in the reservoir (i.e. formation drawdown)

2009 Production Control Services. All content is confidential to PCS and its respective partners.