GAS LIFT SYSTEM

Gas Lift Theory & Principles

Gas Lift System Design

PROF. DR. ARIFFIN SAMSURI

(MKPP2513)
 GAS LIFT SYSTEM – LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will able to:

– Describe the working principle of gas lift system
– Design the required gas lift system
GAS LIFT THEORY & PRINCIPLES
 INTRODUCTION

OBJECTIVE
To increase drawdown on producing formation by injecting gas into lower part of
tubing string & reducing flowing gradient in production string

Difference with natural flow completion:

• Controlled gas volume & pressure injected into tubing string or casing annulus
@ operating valve
• Tubing string fitted with several gas lift valves @ mandrel

Important parameter @ operational:

•Gas injection pressure : main control on gas injection depth
•Gas injection rate :
• contributes to flowing pressure gradient reduction  production rate
-> can be adjust on daily basis:
Gas lift valve pressure settings (open & close) can be
adjust by wireline operation
 GAS LIFT

• Method of lifting fluid where relatively high pressure (250psi)

gas (external source) is used as lifting medium through
mechanical process by continuous or intermittent flow. (Lifting
fluid by injection of gas into the well)
• Injected gas lifts fluid by:
1. Reduced load/weight of fluid column above the injection point
2. Injected gas expansion
3. Fluid displacement
4. Combination – coalescence of gas bubble into large bubbles &
separated by liquid slugs, displace to surface (slug flow)
• Two basic types:
– Continuous flow
– Intermittent flow
Gas Lift Well Completion
 BASIC GAS LIFT EQUIPMENTS

• SURFACE EQUIPMENT
– Compressor : To compress gas into the tubing/casing @ certain injection pressure
– Choke : To regulate gas injection velocity
– Timer : To regulate time for gas injection
– Pipeline : To flow gas from source/compressor – injection point
– Pressure recorder : To record P vs time (for operational monitoring)
• SUBSURFACE EQUIPMENT
– Gas lift valve
• To get high injection pressure
• Able to regulate gas injection (as orifice)
• To get deep injection point for high lifted fluid
• Able to change injection point
– Standing valve
– Packer
GAS LIFT OPERATION
 Pressure Traverse of Gas-Lifted Well

•Gas injected at wellhead pressure = 1100 psi

•Gas pressure in annulus increases with depth (typical 30psi/1000ft)
•Initially gas injected at valve 4 at 3800 ft
•Well producing with 500 psi drawdown
•Flowing pressure gradient from producing perforations to operating gas lift valve = 0.44
psi/ft
•Pressure drop across gas lift valve = 250 psi
•Average fluid gradient above injection valve = 0.27 psi/ft
•If gas injected at valve 7 at 5000 ft  pressure drop across gas lift valve = 50 psi only,
drawdown increase to 850 psi
 BASIC EQUIPMENT - Function

– Compressor
• To compress gas into the tubing/casing @ certain injection pressure
– Choke
• To regulate gas injection velocity
– Timer
• To regulate time for gas injection
– Pipeline
• To flow gas from sources/compressor – injection point
– Pressure recorder
• To record pressure vs time (for operational monitoring)
– Gas lift valve
• To get high injection pressure
• Able to regulate gas injection (as orifice)
• To get deep injection point for high lifted fluid
• Able to change injection point
 Gas Rate Effect on Production
Rate

•Injection rate increases  increase production rate  maximum

•At maximum:
• average fluid density reduction @ tubing due to slight increase in gas injection rate
being counterbalanced by frictional pressure losses increased due to greater mass of
fluid flowing @ tubing
• Gas flow rate further increases  friction term increasing relatively faster than
hydrostatic head reduction term  technical optimum gas injection rate

•Maximum economic gas injection rate : gas injection rate @ marginal cost of providing extra
injection gas equal to marginal revenue from extra well production
•Gas lift also can be used for:
• Increase production from natural well flow at lower rate
• Dead well need artificial lift to kickoff before production possible
Effect of gas rate on well production rate
 Typical Gas Lift System

Gas from production wells separated, compressed & dehydration unit  gas lift manifold 
adjusted injection gas flow rate & casing head pressure  injected @ individual well.
Gas Lift Well Metering & Control
 Gas Lift Application
•Work better in significant GLR

•Preferred for well with a:

• High GOR produced fluid
• High PI or IPR reservoir
• High BHP

•Two types:
• Continuous flow gas lift
• Intermittent flow gas lift

•Continuous flow gas lift applications:

• Production wells which will not flow naturally
• Increase production rate in flowing wells
• Unload liquid from wells that will flow naturally once on production
• Unload liquid in wet gas wells which would otherwise cease to flow
• Back flow injection wells
• Lift aquifer (water) wells

•Intermittent flow gas lift applications:

• Low rate production wells
• Outflow capacity > inflow capacity
 GAS LIFT ADVANTAGES

– Downhole equipment initial cost usually low

– Long service life
– Low operating cost – low subsurface maintenance
– Minimum surface equipment for high corrosion field environment
– No additional equipment on Christmas tree needed for ocean floor completions
– Can be utilized for high or low production rate wells
– Fairly flexible – over wide range of producing conditions
– Unobtrusive in urban locations
– Power source can be remotely located
– Easy to obtain downhole pressure and gradients
– No problem for lifting gassy wells
– Sometimes serviceable with wireline unit
– No problem with crooked hole
– Applicable offshore
– Gas lift valves operation unaffected by produced solids
– Well completion relatively simple
– Gas lift operation independent of BHT
 GAS LIFT DISADVANTAGES

– High initial capital outlay (ex. Compressor station)

– Gas supply not always available or gas supply must be ready available
– Corrosive gas lift gas can increase operation cost
– Not efficient for small fields or one-well leases
– Difficult to lift emulsions and viscous crude
– Gas freezing & hydrate problems
– Problems with dirty surface lines
– Some difficulty in analyzing properly without engineering supervision
– Cannot effectively produce deep wells to abandonment
– Requires makeup gas in rotative systems
– Casing must withstand lift pressure
– Safety problem with high pressure gas
Gas Lift Limitations
 CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT

• Continuous small volume of high pressure gas injected into the tubing/casing in order to
aerate /lighten fluid column until reduction of bottom hole pressure allowed sufficient
differential pressure across a sand face, causing well to produce at desired rate

• Can produced :
– 25 BPD with 1 inch macaroni tubing
– 300 – 4000 BPD with normal tubing string size
– 25,000 BPD with casing flow

• Recommended for:
– High volume & high static BHP
– Offshore application (especially strong water drive)
– Waterflood reservoir with good PI & high GOR
– High PI & high BHP
– Well with sand problem, excessive water from BHP surge or sand bridging @ tubing problem
– Water backpressure well
– Small tubing application
– High viscosity crude if Pwf adequate
 CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT FLOW METHOD

Two methods:
1. Tubing flow
– Gas injected through annulus (casing) & production through tubing
– Characteristics:
– High efficiency
– Low gas volume
– High input/injection pressure
2. Casing flow
• Gas injected through tubing & production through casing
• Characteristics:
– Low efficiency
– High gas volume
– Low input pressure
– High q from deep zone application
– Serious corrosion
 CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT ADVANTAGES

– Best for handling sand or solid material

– Can easily lifted for deviated or crooked holes
– Normal design leaves tubing fully open  permits BHP survey, sand sounding &
bailing, production logging, cutting, paraffin, etc.
– High formation GOR are very helpful for gas lift system
– Flexible: wide range of volumes & depths
– Centralized gas lift system to service many wells  lower total capital cost &
permits easier well control & testing
– Not obstrusive; has low profile (in urban environments)
– Well subsurface equipment relatively inexpensive, repair & maintenance normally
low. Equipment easily pulled & repaired or replaced
– Installation is compatible with subsurface safety valves & other surface
equipment. Use of surface controlled subsurface safety valve with ¼ in. control
line allows easy shut in the well
– Can still perform fairly well even only poor data available @ design stage
– High volume artificial method
– Able to overcome sand production problem
– Valve can be wireline or hydraulic operated
 CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT DISADVANTAGES

– Relatively high backpressure may seriously restrict production. Problem

more significant with increasing depth & declining static BHP
– Relatively inefficient, often resulting in large capital investment & high
energy-operating cost. Compressor is expensive, takes up space &
weight (offshore operation). Distribution system onshore cost may be
significant. Increased gas use may increase flowline & separator size
– Adequate gas supply needed throughout project life. Enough gas needed
for easy startups
– Compressor operation & maintenance can be expensive. Need skilled
operators and good compressor mechanic. Downtime must be minimum
– Increased difficulty when lifting low gravity crude (<15oAPI) due to
greater friction, gas fingering & liquid fallback
– Good data required to make good design.
– Potential problem must be resolved (feezing, hydrate @ injection gas
lines, corrosive injection gas, severe paraffin, fluctuating suction &
discharge pressure & wireline problems, changing well conditions – BHP
& PI decline)
 INTERMITTENT FLOW GAS LIFT

• Small volume high pressure gas injected at regular intervals by the

intermitter into the casing annulus
• Involves expansion of high pressure gas ascending to a low-pressure outlet
• Valve with large port permits complete volume & pressure expansion
control of gas entering into tubing  regulating lift of accumulated fluid
head above the valve
• Used for:
– Relatively low volume well (150 – 300 BPD), <150 BPD @ 2 3/8”tubing, 300 BPD
@ 3 ½” tubing
– High PI with low bottom hole pressure
– Low PI with low bottom hole pressure
 Consider for low flowing bottomhole pressure & lifted from bottom valve
• Excellent choice for adequate, good quality, low-cost gas supply, shallow
depth, high GOR, low PI or low BHP well with bad dogleg & some sand
production
 INTERMITTENT FLOW GAS LIFT

• ADVANTAGES
– Significantly lower producing BHP than continuous flow gas lift
– Ability to handle low volumes fluid with relatively low production BHP
– Wireline or hydraulic operated valve
• DISADVANTAGES
– Limited to low volume well
– Average producing pressure required still relatively high compare with
rod pumping
– Low power efficiency (more gas/bbl than continuous flow gas lift)
– Fluctuation in rate & BHP can be detrimental to well with sand control –
sand may plug tubing or standing valve, gas & fluid handling problems at
surface facilities
– Typically requires frequent adjustments: alter injection rate & time period
routinely to increase production & keep lift gas requirement relatively
low.
– Generate pressure surge @ surface equipment
Intermittent Gas Lift
 GAS LIFT VALVE REQUIREMENTS

1. Able to achieved efficiency by:

1. Reduce kick-off pressure (unloading)
2. Allowing deeper injection point
3. Reduce production GOR
4. Reduce swabbing

2. For continuous flow

1. Stable
2. No tubing backpressure effect
3. Able to control gas flow
4. Able to forced gas into tubing string
5. Able to maintain pressure inside tubing constant
6. Able to provided orifice size for regulating
7. Can be operated by:
1. Casing pressure buildup
2. Tubing pressure buildup
3. Combination

3. For intermittent flow

1. Able to port full opening @ opening pressure applied
2. Able to hold opening position  closing process
3. Can be operated by:
1. Casing pressure buildup
2. Fluid load buildup @ tubing
3. Combination
4. Size available : 1 – 1 ¼ inch
 GAS LIFT VALVE TYPE

• Bellow valve
• Pilot valve
• Continuous flow bellow valve
• Fluid operated valve
• Fluid operated valve with special pilot
• Balanced flexible sleeve valve
• etc
 GAS LIFT INSTALLATION

• Important for the success of gas lift operation

• Factor should be considered @ selection:
– Well conditions
– Well completion type
– Possible production problems
• Sand production, water or gas coning
– Future well performance
 GAS LIFT INSTALLATION TYPE

• Open installation
• Semi-closed installation
• Closed installation
• Chamber installation
• Macaroni installation
• Dual installation
• Dual flow choke installation
• Multiple completion installation
• Casing flow installation
• etc
 CHAMBER INSTALLATION

• Gas lift that incorporates accumulation

chamber @ bottom hole  minimum pressure
obtained, allowing maximum fluid entry
• Successfully used in very low bottom hole
pressure wells
GAS LIFT SYSTEM DESIGN
 Gas Lift Design Objectives

1. Maximise net value oil produced

• Operating valve as deep as possible
• Gas injection rate = economic limit
• Optimisation @ more wells & insufficient gas supply

2. Maximise design flexibility

• Design able to cope with expected changes @ producing conditions, uncertainties @
reservoir properties & performance

3. Minimise well intervention

• Important especially for subsea or wireline access difficult / impossible
• Extra gas lift valves installed (closed > 150m )
• Ability to modify valve performance

4. Stable well operation

• Constant casing & tubing head pressure
• Produce more oil
 Question Need Answers @ Design Process

•How many unloading valves required & at what depths, these valves be placed ?

•What are required settings for unloading valves ?

•What is depth of operating valve ?

•What is gas injection pressure ?

•How much lift gas should be injected ?

•What is tubing head pressure for target flow rate ?

Translated into practice by ensuring gas lift valve spacing & pressure setting are such that:

•Operating valve have adequate flow capacity & placed as deep as possible

•Available lift gas pressure able to displace fluid in casing to operating valve depth

•All valves can be opened by appropriate producing pressure gradient, while other valves above it closed
Gas Lift Design Required Data
 GAS LIFT DESIGN CONSIDERATION

• Ideally, system chosen & design @ initial oil field

planning phase
• Most production equipments effect gas lift system
design  best to design concurrently with surface
facilities designing phase
– Three major factors:
• Field layout
• Well design
• Gas injection pressure
• Design purpose: to reduce Pwf of the well @ desired q
• Critical factor: gas lift type (continuous or
intermittent)
 FIELD LAYOUT & WELL DESIGN FACTORS

• Gas lift operation should be considered in hole

sizing processes & before casing program
design
– Offshore well: all downhole gas lift equipments
(except valves) installed during initial completion
– Onshore well: gas lift effect gathering line &
production station size & location
– Should minimized backpressure generated
 GAS INJECTION PRESSURE FACTOR

• Critical in gas lift system design

• For maximum benefit  gas must be injected
as near producing interval as possible with gas
injection pressure at depth > flowing
producing pressure at the same depth
– More fluid above the injection point affected 
higher q
– Greater pressure differential between injected gas
pressure & flowing tubing pressure  greater
valves spacing  less mandrel & valves required
 GAS REQUIREMENT

• If efficiency = 100%, gas required for lifting 1bbl oil to surface:

Q = 349 x G x Lw / W
where; Q = cuft gas @ discharge pressure
G = SG oil
Lw = working lifting, ft
W = expansion work / cuft gas
349 = 24 gpb x 8.33 ppg
• General range: 1000 – 2000 cuft/bbl – 12,000 cuft/bbl

• Working fluid level = level by which oil column will rise due to working
pressure at tubing bottom if there is an annulus
• Total lift = working submerge + working lift
• Working submerge = vertical distance (ft) between working fluid level and
tubing bottom or equivalent with fluid column height which
produce working pressure at tubing bottom
 GAS LIFT VALVE POSITION

Determine by:
• Available gas pressure
• Fluid weight
• Well IPR @ lifting
• Surface backpressure @ wellhead
• Annulus fluid level
• BHP
• Well production characteristics
 Annulus Gas Lift Pressure

•Maximum depth for gas injection controlled by:

• Surface casing pressure
• Pressure drop across valves
• Tubing pressure gradient

•Most gas lift system operate : 1000 – 2000 psi

•Filled with natural gas with high methane content
•Rule of thumb : gas pressure gradient : 30 psi/1000 ft
•Can be calculate:

PL = Ps exp {(RDgas * L)/(53.34*Tave*Z)}

PL = gas pressure at depth L (psia)

Ps = surface gas pressure (psia)
L = true vertical depth (ft)
RDgas = gas relative density (to air)
Tave = average T @ gas column (deg.R)
Z = gas compressibility factor @ Tave & Pave
Pave = (Ps + PL)/2
 Surface Gas Network

•Gas lift system performance will depend on:

• Pressure
• Flow capacity of lift gas available at well head

•Surface piping network should be designed to:

• Have minimum (<<100 psi) pressure loss between compressor &

most distant wellhead
• Prevent one well from interfering second well by having
sufficient pipe volume to dampen pressure surges
• Provide individual gas measurement & flow control for each well
• Large diameter pipe (typical : 4.0 inch OD for backbone piping
and individual 2.0”OD flow lines @ each well)
• For larger system (more than 1 compressor), ring main system
better option
 Gas Lift Design Procedures

•Check : gas lift valves can be placed at suitable distances above operating valve to ensure
well can be unloaded using gas lift designed

•Based on gas lift design philosophy, i.e.:

• Maximum production /expected case design would
• Maximise production by injecting gas as deep as possible
• Install extra valves around operating valve to allow its depth can be adjusted
• Budget for well entries to be required since well may stop producing if well
inflow conditions change

•Philosophy depend on operational conditions & cost scenario

•Specify optimum :
• Tubing size
• Injection gas supply parameters (P & V)
• Installation depth of operating valve (injection point)
• Minimum wellhead flowing pressure

•First study well performance (IPR, VLP, CP)  to confirm for artificial lift

•Gas Lift design calculation

 Continuous Flow Gas Lift
Design Considerations

– Capital Cost
• Equipment cost low but compression cost may be high
• Central compression system reduces overall cost per well
– Downhole equipment
• Good valve design & spacing essential.
• Moderate cost for well equipment (valves & mandrels)
• Typically less than 10 valves needed
• Choice : wireline retrievable or conventional valves
– Operating efficiency (hydraulic hp/input hp)
• Fair. Increases for well that require small injection GLR. Low for well
requiring high GLR.
• Typically 20%, but range from 5-30%
– System flexibility
• Excellent. Gas injection rate varied to change rate
• Need correct tubing size
– Miscellaneous problems
• Highly reliable compressor (95% run time required)
• Gas must properly dehydrated to avoid gas freezing
 Continuous Flow Gas Lift
Design Considerations

– Operating costs
• Well cost low
• Compression cost varies depending on fuel cost & maintenance
– System Reliability
• Excellent if compression system properly designed & maintained
– Salvage Value
• Fair. Some market value for compressor & mandrel/valve
– System Total
• Requires adequate volume, high pressure, dry, noncorrosive, and clean gas
supply
• Low backpressure beneficial
• Good data needed for valve design & spacing
• API specs & design/operating RPs must be followed
– Usage/Outlook
• Good, flexible, high rate system for well with high bottomhole pressure
• Used on 10% US lifted wells, mostly offshore
 Continuous Flow Gas Lift
NORMAL OPERATING CONSIDERATIONS

• Casing Size Limits

– 4.5 & 5.5 in. casing with 2” nominal tubing limits rate to <1000 BPD
– Rate >5000 BPD, >7” casing & >4.5” tubing needed
• Depth Limits
– Controlled by injection pressure, gas & fluid rate
– Typical: 1000BPD with 2.5” tubing @ 1440 psi, 1000GLR, has injection depth
<10000ft, maximum 15000ft
• Intake Capabilities
– Poor. Restricted by gas lifted fluid gradient.
– Typical: moderate rate limited to 150 psi/1000ft injected depth
• Noise Level
– Low at well but noisy at compressor
• Obstrusiveness
– Good low profile, but must provide compressor
– Safety precaution must be taken for high pressure gas lines
 Continuous Flow Gas Lift
NORMAL OPERATING CONSIDERATIONS

• Prime Mover Flexibility

– Good.
– Engine, turbine, or motor can be used for compression
• Surveillance
– Good/excellent
– Can be analyzed easily. BHP & production log survey easily
obtained
• Relative Ease of Well Testing
– Fair. Well testing complicated by injection gas volume/rate
 Continuous Flow Gas Lift
SPECIAL PROBLEMS & CONSIDERATIONS

• Corrosion/Scale Handling Ability

– Good. Feasible for inhibitor in injection gas/batch inhibiting down tubing
– Steps for injection gas lines corrosion
• Crooked/Deviated Holes
– Excellent. Few wireline problems up to 70o deviation for wireline retrievable
valves
– Typical: 0-50o, maximum: 70o
• Duals Applications
– Fair. Common but good operating complicated & inefficient  reduces rate
– Feasible: parallel 2x2” tubing in 7” casing, or 3x3” in 9 5/8” casing
• Gas Handling Ability
– Excellent. Produced gas reduces need for injection gas
• Offshore Application
– Excellent if adequate gas supply available (common method)
• Paraffin Handling Capability
– Good. Mechanical cutting sometimes required
– Injection gas may aggravate existing problem
 Continuous Flow Gas Lift
SPECIAL PROBLEMS & CONSIDERATIONS

• Slimhole Completions (2 7/8” production casing string)

– Feasible but can be troublesome & inefficient
• Solids/Sand Handling Ability
– Excellent. Inflow & surface problems limitation.
– Typical limit: 1% sand
• Temperature Limitations
– Excellent. Typical: 100-250oF with 350-400oF maximum
• High Viscosity Fluid Handling Capability
– Fair, few problem for >15oAPI or below 20cp viscosity
– Excellent for high water cut even with high viscosity oil
• High Volume Lift Capability
– Excellent but restricted by tubing size, injection gas rate & depth
– 4” tubing, 1440psi injection gas & 1000GLR 5000 BPD from 10000ft feasible
• Low Volume Lift Capability
– Fair, limited by heading & slippage
– Avoid unstable flow regime
– Typical: >200 BPD @2” tubing, 400 BPD @2.5” tubing 700 BPD @ 3” tubing
 CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT DESIGN
PRINCIPLE

• Fluid pressure distribution:

Pwf = Pt + GfaL + Gfb(D – L)

• Where;
– Pt = tubing pressure
– Gfa = average flowing pressure gradient above injection point
– L = injection point depth
– Gfb = average flowing pressure gradient below injection point
– D = well depth
– Pwf = well bottomhole flowing pressure

• General steps:
1. Flow type selection @ tubing size & desired q
2. Gas injection depth determination
3. Valve spacing
– Valve selection
– Gas volume required
– Injection pressure required
– Compressor requirements
 CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT DESIGN
RULE OF THUMB

Must considered:
• Continuous gas lift valve requirements
• Separator pressure
• Wellhead flowing pressure
• Top valve position
• Gas injection pressure
• Gas injection volume
• BHT
• Flowing temperature gradient
• Unloading gradient
• Valve spacing
• Tubing size
• Q
• Valve setting
• Installation type
• Well performance especially VLP
 CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT DESIGN
RULE OF THUMB

• Valve selected must be:

– Stable
– No tubing backpressure effect
– Able to control gas flow
– Ex: flexible sleeve valve of unbalanced bellow valve
• Separator pressure & wellhead flowing pressure
– Will determine pressure required to flow fluid from wellhead to separator
– Flow direction to pool or to pressured system will determine top valve position;
• Top valve position
– Must be located at the right position for:
• Well flow at desired q
• Efficient operation
– At initial fluid level or below depending on kill fluid gradient:
• Smaller valve spacing, especially @ injection point
• Smaller valve required
 CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT DESIGN
RULE OF THUMB

• Gas injection volume & pressure

– Regulate q
– Higher gas injection pressure:
• Deeper injection point
• More fluid can be lifted
• Less injected gas volume required
– Maximum depth = (Pc – Pt)/0.15
• BHT & flowing temperature gradient
– Valve operated at higher P & T
• Unloading gradient & Valve spacing
– Valve spacing depends on unloading gradient
• Required pressure
– 100 psi/1000 ft depth lifting
• Required gas volume
– 150 – 250 scf/bbl/1000 ft lifting
 CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT DESIGN
RULE OF THUMB

• Valve setting
– Valve operate based on its characterics
– Ex. Balanced valve drawdown 15 – 25 psi/valve (operational pressure
difference @ surface)
• Tubing size & q
Tubing size (in.) Maximum q (BPD) Minimum q (BPD
1 350 25 – 50
1¼ 600 50 – 75
1 1/2 1000 75 – 125
2 2500 200
2 1/2 3000 250
3 4000 300
3 1/2 5000 -
4 8000 -
Continuous Gas Lift Design
Continuous Flow Gas Lift
 CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT DESIGN –
INJECTION POINT DETERMINATION

1. Draw depth (y-axis) and pressure (x-axis)

2. Marked static pressure (Ps) @ depth
3. From PI calculation, calculate pressure drawdown (/\P) for desired q
4. Calculate Pwf
5. From Ps, draw static pressure gradient/distribution (Gs)  cross-section with y-axis
(A)
A = static fluid level (initial fluid level)
For conventional valve spacing; A = top valve depth

6. From Pwf, draw flowing pressure distribution/gradient below injection point (Gfb)
based on:
• calculated pressure distribution
• suitable flowing pressure distribution chart, or
• Assumption of flowing pressure gradient below injection point = static pressure gradient
 parallel to Ps @ Gs line
7. Marked surface initial pressure or surface kick-off pressure minus 50 (Pko – 50)
8. Marked surface operating pressure (Pso)
(Pso) = Available pressure - 100
 CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT DESIGN
INJECTION POINT DETERMINATION

9. From steps 7 & 8, draw line downward (with consideration of

gas column weight) to flowing pressure distribution below
injection point line (step 6)
10. Marked intersection between two lines (step 9) as B
B = balanced point between tubing & casing
For open installation, B = annulus working fluid level
11. Minus 100 psi casing pressure from point B, marked this point
on flowing pressure distribution below injection point line, as
C = gas injection point
12. Marked surface tubing flowing pressure or wellhead pressure
(Pwh)
13. Connect point Pwh with injection point C by using suitable
pressure distribution chart/curve (presentation of required
produced GLR). If there Is not suitable curve/chart, straight
line injection GLR = GLR – amount of gas in solution
Unloading Gradients for Valve Spacing Calculations
Gradients for Salt Water Oil Mix
Weight of Gas Column
Gas Injection Point Determination
Gas Injection Point Determination - Graphical
Semianalytical Continuous Flow Example
 CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT DESIGN
INJECTION POINT DETERMINATION

• Kick off pressure (Pko) = pressure (measure at gas inlet line @ surface)
required to initiate flow in the gas lift well

– Can be determine from P vs time plot  the highest point or by eq.:

– For tubing flow:

Pko = Pa + 0.434Gh
= {0.434SsG(D22 – D12 + D2)} / D2 , psig

– For casing flow

Pko = {0.434SsG(D22 – D12 + D2)} / { D22 – D12 }

– Where; G = well fluid SG

Pa = atmospheric pressure
Ss = submergence initial
D = ID tubing, in.
D1 = OD tubing, in.
D2 = ID casing, in.
 CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT DESIGN
VALVE SPACING DETERMINATION

Depends on:
1. Valve type
– Balanced valve
• Surface operating pressure – minus ( 15 to 25 psi) / valve downward
– Unbalanced valve
• At surface operating pressure, or
• Reduction of 15 psi/valve downward, or
• Kick off pressure minus 100 psi from conventional operating pressure

2. Well flow direction: to pit or pressured system

3. Static fluid level & kill fluid requirements
– If static fluid level < (Pc – Pt)/Gs
 top valve @ static fluid level
4. Operational pressure
5. Gas source/supply
– Tubing unloading gradient  achieved / not ?
 CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT DESIGN
VALVE SPACING DETERMINATION

1. Draw kill fluid gradient line at :

• Tubing pressure if well unloaded @ tubing pressure
• Zero pressure if well unloaded to pit/pool
2. Extend line step 1 to cross-section with kick off pressure – 50* (Pko – 50)
line  marked intersection point as D (top valve position)
3. From point D, draw horizontal line to left up to cross-section with
following line;
1. Flowing gradient above injection point line, or
2. Unloading gradient line, or
3. Minimum gradient line
 Marked intersection point as E
4. From E, draw line parallel with kill fluid gradient line up to surface
operating pressure gradient line  marked intersection as F

* Normally for the 1st valve only

 CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT DESIGN
VALVE SPACING DETERMINATION

5. From F, draw horizontal line to left up to flowing

pressure gradient above injection point 
intersection point marked as G (2nd valve depth)
6. From G, draw line parallel t kill fluid gradient line up
to new operating pressure gradient line 
intersection marked as H (3rd valve position)
7. Repeat steps 5 – 6 up to injection point
8. For future used, generally installed another 2 valves
below injection point
Balanced Valves Spacing (Graphical)- Continuous Flow
Unbalanced Valve Spacing (Graphical) – Continuous
Flow)
Fluid-operated Valve Spacing – Continuous Flow
Differential Valves Spacing – Continuous Flow
Valve Operation Schematic Diagram
 Gas Lift Valve Mechanics

•Top valve design: allow fluid in casing/tubing to be unloaded --> deep gas injection can
be achieved
•Upper gas lift ports sized to pass only limited gas volume required for unloading
•Larger port for operating valve
 gas injection can be increased to optimum value
• Through which gas will be continually passed
•Dummy valves installed in bracketing envelope where live valves not yet required
•Two types:
• Casing/Injection/Inflow Pressure Operated (IPO) valves
• Tubing Pressure Operated (TPO) valves
•Key factors controlling gas lift pressure required to open:
• Dome pressure
• Tubing pressure
• Bellows & port area ratio
•Valve spread
• = difference between opening & closing pressure
• = Popening – Pclosing
 Gas Lift Valve Mechanics

• Casing/Injection/Inflow Pressure Operated (IPO) valves

• Closing force, Fc = Pdome * A bellows

• Opening force, Fo = Ptubing * Aport + Pcasing *(A bellows – Aport)

• Opening & Closing forces are equal just before valve open.

• Pcasing = { Pdome – Ptubing(Aport / Abellows)} / {1 – (Aport / Abellows)}

• Tubing Pressure Operated (TPO) valves

• Ptubing = { Pdome – Pcasing(Aport / Abellows)} / {1 – (Aport / Abellows)}

or

• Pcasing = Pdome – Ptubing( 1 – Aport/Abellows)

 CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT DESIGN
BALANCED VALVE SELECTION

1. Draw geothermal gradient line from surface flowing temperature to BHT

2. Determine depth & related temperature @ each valve at depth
3. Select surface operating pressure for each valve graphically
4. From valve operating pressure graph/chart, or temperature correction
graph/chart, determine valve setting pressure and pressure at valve @
80oF or 60oF
5. Generate table of valve selection as:
Valve no. Depth (ft) Temp.(oF) Surface Pressure Valve
operating at valve setting
pressure (psig) (psig)
(psig

1 - - - - -
6. From table (step 5), and catalog @ valve manufacture, based on required
valve capability, selection valve to used
Well Unloading
 Unloading Process (Initial) Dead Well

•Fluid level in casing & tubing just below surface & balances Pres.  no flow  dead well
•No gas injected
•All gas lift valves open due to fluid hydrostatic head

•## valve open/closed @ response to tubing / casing pressure

 Gas Lifted Well Unloading; stage 1

•Start gas injection into casing / tubing

•Fluid being U-tubed from casing into tubing through all open gas lift valves
•Gas lift pressure sufficient to increase fluid level in tubing to surface  q
•Gas injection rate controlled through injection gas choke
 Gas Lifted Well Unloading; Stage 2

•Unloading process lowered fluid level in casing annulus to top gas lift valve
•Gas injection into tubing commenced  evacuates liquid in tubing above top gas lift valve into
separator @ multiphase flow conditions
•Reduces fluid density above top valve  further casing fluid unloaded through valve no. 2,3 & 4
since P @ tubing < Pcasing
•Well start to produce if pressure reduction sufficient to give drawdown @ perforation for q
 Gas Lifted Well Unloading; Stage 3

•Fluid level in casing lowered  expose gas lift no. 2

•Top 2 gas lift valves open & gas injected through them (1&2)
•All valves below also remain open & continue to pass casing fluid into tubing  tubing unloaded
sufficiently to reduce BHP < Pres  enough drawdown to induces formation fluid flow from
reservoir into wellbore  well starting to produce
 Gas Lifted Well Unloading; Stage 4

•Top valve closed due to reduced pressure (casing pressure for casing pressure operated valves or
tubing pressure for fluid operated & proportional response valves) after gas lift established through
valve 2
•All gas injected through valve 2
•Unloading well continues with valve 2,3 & 4 open & casing liquid flowing into tubing via valve 3 &
4
 Gas Lifted Well Unloading; Stage 5

•Valve 2 just uncovered  valve 2 & 3 passing gas

•Bottom valve below liquid level also open & liquid unloading from casing annulus into tubing
continues

## deeper injection point lowers PWF  greater drawdown & increase q

 Gas Lifted Well Unloading; Stage 6

•Reduction in casing or tubing pressure  valve 3 starts to flow gas & valve 2 closing
•All gas injected through valve 3
•Process continued
 Producing Gas Lifted Well Pressure Traverse

•Process continued with pressure reduction  valve 4 exposed & closing of valve 3
•All gas injected through valve 4
 Typical Casing & Tubing Pressure Measurement @ Gas Lifted
Well Unloading

•Development of tubing head & casing head pressure with time @ unloading process stage 1-7
•Sequential reduction in casing head pressure as gas successively injected through lower gas lift
valves
 Safety Factors

•To account for:

• Errors in valve pressure settings
• Errors & fluctuations in:
• well data,
• lift gas injection pressure &
• valve temperature @ flowing conditions estimation
• Pressure drop across valve’s choke & that required to obtain sufficient movement
of stem
 Gas Lift Valve Spacing Criteria

•Specify minimum number  reduce cost & potential leak paths

•Valves to be installed sufficiently far apart  do not interfere with each other’s operation
(minimum spacing 150 m)
•Continuous gas injection through operating valve occurs as deep as possible based on
current producing conditions.
 Continuous Flow Gas Lift Design
Analytical Technique

• Can be used when BHP & PI unknown & gas column weight neglected
• First valve depth:
– Dv1 = {(Pko – 50) – Pwh} / Gs
– If well unloaded to atms.  Pwh = 0
– If static fluid level < Dv1  top valve depth = static fluid level (conventional spacing)
– For balanced valve  reduce 25 psi/valve downward
– For unbalanced valve:
• Spacing @ surface operating pressure constant, or
• Reduction of 10 psi/valve downward

• Where; Dv1 = top valve depth, ft

Pko = kick off pressure, psig
Pwh = surface back pressure @ tubing, psig
Gs = produced fluid gradient, psi/ft
 Continuous Flow Gas Lift Design
Analytical Technique

• 2nd, 3rd, etc valve depth:

Dv2 = Dv1 + {Pso1 – Gu(Dv1) – Pwh} / 0.5

Dv3 = Dv2 + {Pso2 – Gu(Dv2) – Pwh} / 0.5

Dv4 = Dv3 + {Pso3 – Gu(Dv3) – Pwh} / 0.5

• Where; Pso = surface operating pressure, psig

Pso1 = 1st. Valve surface operating pressure, psig
Gu = design unloading gradient, psi/ft
Pso2 = Pso – 75 = Pso1 – 25
Pso3 = Pso – 100 = Pso2 - 25
 GAS LIFT EFFICIENCY

• Gas lift efficiency = G/O theory / G/O actual

• Loss of energy at:
– Lacking inside the casing/tubing
 can be prevented
– Inlet & outlet @ difference pipe diameter
– Slippage losses @ lower outlet section
• Oil drop & gas upward
 prevention: high velocity @ lower tubing section (2-40 ft/sec)
– Friction losses @ upper outlet section
 prevention: velocity change
– Back pressure @ tubing head/flow line
 Several Gas Lift Completion Designs

Gas Lift Well Completion Design

(a) : Single string continuous gas lift completion
• Gas injected @ annulus & production @ tubing
(b) : Annular flow gas lift completion
• Gas injected @ tubing & production @ annulus
• Higher q
• Casing corrosion
(c) : Continuous gas lift without surface section of casing/tubing annulus being live (filled with gas)
• Gas injected into separate injection string with Surface Controlled Sub Surface Safety Valve (SCSSSV)
installed below dual packer
 Several Gas Lift Completion Design

Gas Lift Completion Designs

(d) : Dual Gas Lift Well Completion
• Two zone independently produced @ separate production string
(e) : Intermittent, Plunger Lift Well Completion
• Low rate wells
• Plunger prevents liquid fallback @ gas switched off
(f) : Single Valve (Subsea) Well Completion
• Used when intervention difficult/expensive
• Single orifice operating valve minimise operational problems
Coiled Tubing Gas Lift Well Completion
 COMPRESSOR SYSTEM REQUIREMENT

• COMPRESSOR SYSTEM CLASS

1. Open System
• Gas from low pressure system compressed to gas lift operating pressure 
injected  return to low pressure system for sale
• No gas recycle
2. Semi-closed System
• As open system except gas from well compressed again & added gas in
order to maintain gas requirement
• No total gas recycle
• Not all low pressure gas @ sale
3. Closed Cycle System
• Gas from compressor  well  separator  compressor  complete
cycle
• Sometime need to add additional gas @ losses
 Gas Compressor Power Requirements

HHP = 2.23 * 104 * q (Pout / Pin )0.2

HHP = power required (HHP)

q = gas injection rate (SCF/D)
Pout = compressor outlet pressure (psia)
Pout = compressor inlet pressure (psia)
 COMPRESSOR SYSTEM - DESIGN

FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED @ DESIGN

1. Well : numbers, location, tank location, surface facilities & conditions
• Centralized compressor  reduce pressure loss @ flowline or system
2. Gas lift valve design @ well & flow type
• Continuous flow: less problem, constant separator & suction pressure
• Intermittent flow: injection frequency, injection interval, time for gas flow
into the well/tank, time for gas discharge from separator
• Maintain constant suction & discharge pressure
3. Required gas volume
• Total gas volume @ maximum operation need to be determine
• Determine compressor size
• For cyclic compressor  need extra 5 – 10%
 COMPRESSOR SYSTEM - DESIGN

FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED @ DESIGN

4. Required injection gas pressure @ well head
• Determine compressor discharge pressure
• Total pressure loss need to be determine
• Compressor discharge : 5 – 15% higher than calculated gas pressure volume
5. Separator pressure
• Determine suction pressure
• Low suction pressure needs higher compressor power
6. Gas distribution system
• Significant to compressor discharge path
7. Low pressure gathering system
• Gas supply facilities to compressor
• Good design doesn’t required additional gas
8. Available additional gas
• Normal requirements to overcome losses
 COMPRESSOR SYSTEM - DESIGN

FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED @ DESIGN

9. Available gas sale facilities
• Important @ economic
• Significant to compressor system type
10. System evaluation & performance  hydrate formation
• Prevention need to be incorporated in compressor system design
• Higher injection pressure  increase possibility of hydrate formation  need
prevention:
– Eliminate all slope & bending @ gathering line
– Installed bleed-off valve & drip @ low level
– Chemical injection (alcohol, glycol, ammonia or methanol) @ injection line
– Installed dehydrator
– Installed heater @ injection line  heated gas > hydrate formation
temperature
11. Compressor size
 COMPRESSOR SELECTION

• Availability:
– Stage : 1, 2 or 3
– Drive : direct-drive or belt-driven
– Fuel consumption: 10 scf/hr/bhp

• Selection calculation:
– Size determination
– Stage
 COMPRESSOR SIZING – ONE STAGE

1. Operating Conditions Determination

a. Suction pressure
b. Suction temperature
c. Discharge pressure
d. Required capacity @ P & T
e. Height
f. Atmospheric pressure @ height
g. Gas characteristics : K or N , SG or molecular weight, composition
2. Compression Ratio Determination
• CR = absolute discharge pressure / absolute suction pressure
• If CR > 6.0  used two stages compressor
3. Brake Horse Power Requirement (bhp/mmcfpd gas)
– From CR & N, using bhp chart  bhp required
– N = specific heat ratio = Cp / Cv
 COMPRESSOR SIZING – ONE STAGE

4. Total bhp Requirement

• Total Bhp = bhp @ step 3 x capacity (mmcfpd) @ 14.4 psia
• Capacity (mmcfpd) @ 14.4 psia = capacity @ P & T (step 1) x P (psia) / 14.4
5. Compressor Shell Size Determination
– From manufacture shell & cylinder data  determine allowable maximum hp
@ maximum speed
– Select shell size  total bhp @ step 4 < allowable maximum hp
6. Displacement Estimation
– = required capacity @ step 1 / number of suction atmospheric x average
volumetric efficiency ( generally 0.75)
– If required capacity @ standard conditions and suction temperature not 60oF ->
multiple required capacity with temperature correction
– Temperature correction = suction temperature (oR) / standard temperature (oR)
 COMPRESSOR SIZING – ONE STAGE

7. Cylinder Selection
– From manufacture shell & cylinder data for selected shell in step 5  select
cylinder with displacement > required displacement @ step 6
• Compare allowable maximum pressure and maximum pressure difference
@ selected cylinder with operating pressure (step 1) and operating
pressure difference
– Operating pressure difference = discharge pressure – suction pressure
• Both pressures must be < allowable maximum pressure

8. Accurate Volumetric Efficiency Determination

– Veff = m – (ICC)(CR1/N – 1)
– Where; m = cylinder Veff constant (manufacture)
ICC = cylinder constant (%) – (manufacture)
 COMPRESSOR SIZING – ONE STAGE

9. Compressor Capacity Determination

a. Actual capacity
• Cm = displacement x Veff x number of atmospheric suction
• Where; displacement @ step 7, Veff @ step 8, number of atmospheric
suction @ step 6
b. Capacity @ hp estimation
• Ca = Cm x pressure correction
• Pressure correction = absolute atmospheric pressure / 14.4 psia
• Cuft/d = cuft/min x 1440
c. Capacity @ standard
• Cs = Cm x pressure correction x temperature correction
• Temperature correction = 520 / operating suction temperature (oR)
• Pressure correction = absolute atmospheric pressure / 14.4 psia
 COMPRESSOR SIZING – ONE STAGE

10. Total Compressor bhp Determination

– Total Bhp = Ca x bhp
– Ca = mmcf/d
– Bhp = from step 3 (bhp/mmcf/d)
– Total Bhp < maximum shell hp rating (step 5)
– If total bhp > maximum shell hp rating  used bigger shell size & repeat step 5 etc.

COMPRESSOR CALCULATION REPORT

• Suction pressure : psig or psia
• Suction temperature : oFor oC
• Discharge pressure : psig or psia
• Capacity @ P & T ; cuft/min or cuft/d
• Compressor power : bhp
• Compressor speed : rpm
 COMPRESSOR SIZING – TWO STAGE

1. Operating Conditions Determination

a. Suction pressure
b. Suction temperature
c. Discharge pressure
d. Required capacity @ P & T
e. Height
f. Atmospheric pressure @ height
g. Gas characteristics : K or N , SG or molecular weight, composition
2. Compression Ratio Determination
• CR = absolute discharge pressure / absolute suction pressure
3. Ideal Compression Ratio Determination
– ICR = CR0.5
4. Determination of Inter-stage Pressure & Atmospheric
– Inter-stage Pressure = absolute suction pressure x ICR (psia)
– Inter-stage Atmospheric = absolute inter-stage pressure / absolute atmospheric pressure
 COMPRESSOR SIZING – TWO STAGES

5. Required bhp per mmcf/d Determination

– From hp chart, N & ICR @ stage  bhp = ?
6. Bhp per stage & Total bhp Determination
– Bhp @ stage = bhp x C
– Bhp = required bhp / mmscf/d (step 5)
– C = required capacity @ 14.4 psia
– Capacity correction needed @ 14.4 psia:
• Capacity @ P (psia) (step 1) / 14.4
 Total bhp = sum of bhp @ stage
7. Selection of Compressor Shell Size
– Refer to shell & cylinder data  maximum allowable shell hp @ maximum
speed
 COMPRESSOR SIZING – TWO STAGES

8. Possible Cylinder Displacement Estimation @ Stage

– Stage One Displacement
= C / suction atmospheric number x average volumetric efficiency
• Generally, average volumetric efficiency = 0.70
• If C @ standard conditions & suction temperature not 60oF;
– C x temperature correction
– Temperature correction = absolute suction temperature / 520

– Stage Two Displacement

= C / (inter-stage atmospheric number x average volumetric eff.) temperature correction
• Average volumetric efficiency generally = 0.70
• Temperature correction = gas absolute temperature @ stage two cylinder / absolute temp.
• Absolute temperature from step 1
• Gas absolute temperature @ stage two cylinder generally = 130 oF
 COMPRESSOR SIZING – TWO STAGES

9. Cylinder Selection
– Based on selected shell size (step 7), refer to cylinder & shell data  select
cylinder @ stage with displacement > calculated displacement (step 8)
– Compare maximum allowable pressure & maximum pressure difference @
selected cylinder with operating pressure & operating pressure difference (step
1)
– Stage one operating pressure difference = inter-stage pressure (step 4) – suction
pressure
– Stage two operating pressure difference = discharge pressure – inter-stage
pressure
10. Accurate Volumetric Efficiency @ Cylinder Determination
– Veff. = m – (ICC)(ICR1/N – 1)
– Where; m = cylinder V eff. Constant (manufacturer)
ICC = cylinder constant (%) - manufacturer
 COMPRESSOR SIZING – TWO STAGES

11. Stage One Cylinder Capacity Determination

a. Actual Capacity
• Cm = displacement x V eff x atmospheric suction number
• Where;
– Displacement @ step 9
– V eff @ step 10
– Atmospheric suction number @ step 8a
b. Capacity @ estimation hp
• Ca = Cm x pressure correction
• Pressure correction = absolute atmospheric pressure / 14.4 psia
• Cuft/d = cuft/min x 1440
c. Capacity @ standard
• Cs = Cm x pressure correction x temperature correction
• Temperature correction = 520 / operating suction temperature (oR)
• Pressure correction = absolute atmospheric pressure / 14.4 psia
 COMPRESSOR SIZING – TWO STAGES

12. Stage One bhp Requirement Determination

– Bhp @ stage one = Ca x bhp
– Ca = mmcf/d (step 11b)
– Bhp = mmcf/d (step 5)
13. Stage Two Cylinder Capacity Determination
a. Actual Capacity
• Cm = displacement x V eff x atmospheric suction number
• Where;
– stage two displacement @ step 9
– V eff @ step 10
– Atmospheric suction number @ step 4b
b. Capacity @ estimation hp
• Ca = Cm x pressure correction
• Pressure correction = absolute atmospheric pressure / 14.4 psia
• Cuft/d = cuft/min x 1440
 COMPRESSOR SIZING – TWO STAGES

14. Stage Two bhp Requirement Determination

– Bhp @ stage two = Ca x bhp
– Ca = mmcf/d (step 13b)
– Bhp = mmcf/d (step 5)
15. Total Compressor hp Determination
– Sum of hp from step 12 & 14
16. Bhp Comparison
– Compare differences between bhp @ stage one and bhp @ stage two with the following table:
Shell size bhp difference
1–2 5
3–4 10
5–7 15
If the differences > value @ table  load balancing by:
1. Change cylinder combination, start from step 8 with checking V eff based on previous calculation
2. Add clearance of volume to the related cylinder
 COMPRESSOR SIZING – TWO STAGES

Compressor Calculation Report

1. Suction pressure (psig or psia)
2. Suction temperature (oF or oC)
3. Inter-stage pressure (psig or psia)
4. Discharge pressure (psig or psia)
5. Capacity @ P & T (cuft/min or cuft/d)
6. Compressor power (bhp)
7. Compressor speed (rpm)
8. N gas
Pressure Distribution Curve for 2
7/8”Tubing, 600 BPD
 Typical Operational Gas Lift Problems

•Gas quality
•Solids
•Reservoir performance change
•Gas supply
•Well startup (unloading)
•Well stability
•Dual gas lift
 Gas Quality

•Gas injection line blockage due to hydrate formation @ low ambient

T.

• Easily removed by depressurising line (hydrate unstable at low

pressure, decomposing into gas & water components) .
• Can be avoided by sufficient drying the gas  water dew point
below lowest expected ambient T

•Casing integrity losses due to corrosive lift gas.

• Present of CO2 & H2S in natural gas

• Present of water especially at bottom of pipeline, low points
where partial CO2 > 30 psi
• H2S partial pressure > 0.05 psia
 Solids

•May be produced from formation (sand) or

formed from produced fluids (inorganic &
organic scales)
•Was is most frequent
•Operation difficulties during wireline
operations
•Can be avoided by:
• Install gravel packing
• Scale inhibitor
 Reservoir Performance Change

•Performance changes with time & maturity

•Typical: water cut & fluid hydrostatic head @

tubing increase and Pres decreases

•Outflow performance reduce, deterioration

inflow performance due to relative K effect by
increasing water cut produced

•Produced at higher drawdown  gas injection parameters

change
 Gas Supply Problems

•Lift gas available volume less than required for q

•Compressor suction & discharge pressure fluctuation

due to unstable process plant operation and unstable
producing well operation

•Tubing head  large liquid slug produced followed

by gas only or no production at all

•Surface gas distribution network design  pressure

transient propagation
 Well Start-up (Unloading ) Problem

•To prevent fluid damage to lower gas lift valves as liquid in annulus unloaded when starting
up by avoiding excessive fluid flow rates
•API start-up procedures:
• Provision to monitor tubing & casing pressure and production rate @ unloading
process
• Tubing head pressure must be blown down to separator flowline prior to starting
unloading process. Chock should be fully opened @ kick-off process
• Unloading process commenced under casing head pressure control. Casing gas
injection rate adjusted  pressure increases at rate of 10 psi/min until system
pressure reached. Need to monitor liquid level in annulus (by echometer)
• Maximum lift gas injection rate < 50% planned design rate
• Drop in casing head pressure when gas injected into upper valve & subsequent
lower valve  gas injection rate change
• Need to established steady state flow regime

•Good practice to check that well unloading process can still proceed with valve pressure
settings based on cooler temperature profile than that predicted for equilibrium producing
conditions  reduced T profile is safer
 Well Stability

•Can be in form of:

• Casing head pressure remains constant but tubing
head pressure fluctuate significantly, or
• Tubing & casing head pressure fluctuate
• Valve multi-pointing (gas injected into tubing at
several different level

•Can be improved by choke controlling casing gas

injection pressure  prevents gas flowing out of annulus
into tubing at faster rate than it being replaced by lift gas
supply to well
 Dual Gas Lift

•Common: 2 3/8in or 3 1/2in OD tubing run inside7.0”or 9 5/8” OD casing

•Insufficient width for gas lift mandrels in two string to pass one another
• Overcome by designing spacing of side pocket mandrels in two tubing strings so
that gas lift mandrel do not need to pass one another @ completion process

•To prevent interfering each other  install valves with significantly different operating
characteristics in different string (eg. IPO & TPO). Gas allocation controlled by installed
choke in operating valves
 Inefficient Gas Lift Operation

•Can be caused by:

• Inflow problems due to:

• Incorrect choke size
• Incorrect lift gas pressure
• Fluctuating compressor lift gas pressures
• Incorrect lift gas flow rate

• Outlet problems include:

• Inadequate or restricted gas flow through operating valve
• Increased hydrostatic gradient across tubing due to water cut increase and
production GLR reduction
• Wellhead choke not fully opened
• Separator pressure set too high

• Downhole problems include:

• Hole in tubing
• Incorrect valves operation due to:
• Mechanical problems with valve operation
• Wrong pressure setting
• Incorrect gas lift valve spacing
 Trouble Shooting Techniques

•Need systematic investigation  cause

•Analysis techniques:
• Annulus & tubing pressure profile modelling
• Comparison with flowing T & P survey
• Carrying out production test with various gas injection rate
• Analysis of historical well test & production data to identify trends
• Echometer survey to identify fluid level in annulus (echometer : acoustic device measures
transit time for signal generated at surface to travel down annulus & reflected back to
surface from liquid level in annulus  depth ? If velocity known)
• Some operational problem examples:
• Injection pressure rises to maximum while injection rate drops to zero
 upper valve closed before lower valve opened (gas injection point has not passed to deeper
valves)  change setting of one of more valves
• Casing head pressure fluctuates by 5-10 psi but gas injection rate constant
 injection point transferred between two valves
• Casing head pressure fluctuates by 10-20 psi while injection rate changing
 lower valve opened while second, higher valve continually open
THANK YOU