Chapter 9. Artificial Lift Methods - Gas Lift - SV2019

Australian School of Petroleum
Chapter 9
Artificial Lift Methods
4 September 2023 Copyright © 2007 The University of Adelaide PETROENG 3020/7003 1

Chapter 9
Ref:
1.‘Petroleum Production system’ by Economides, et
al., 1994
2.‘Production Optimization Using Nodal Analysis’ by
Beggs, H.D.
3. Prof. Peter Behrenbruch’s lecture materials
4 September 2023 Copyright © 2007 The University of Adelaide PETROENG 3020 2

What happens when the pressure
Australian School of Petroleum “runs out”?
Over time .......... Reservoir Pressure

= Still lot OIP
Artificial Lift
Artificial Lift is a means of furnishing the

power necessary to bring that oil to the
Beam pumping System surface Electrical Submersible Pumping
Gas Lift (Intermittent) ESP-PCP Progressive Cavity Pump

Artificial Lift
Many oil wells require artificial lift at some point in the life of the field, and
many gas wells benefit from artificial lift to take liquids off the formation so
gas can flow at a higher rate.
To realize the maximum potential from developing any oil or gas field, the
most economical artificial lift method must be selected. The methods
historically used to select the lift method for a particular field vary broadly
across the industry. The methods include operator experience; what methods
are available for installations in certain areas of the world; what is working in
adjoining or similar fields; determining what methods will lift at the desired
rates and from the required depths; evaluating lists of advantages and
disadvantages; “expert” systems to both eliminate and select systems; and
evaluation of initial costs, operating costs, production capabilities, etc. with
the use of economics as a tool of selection, usually on a present value basis.

Introduction
Objective:
– Increase production by reducing bottomhole flowing pressure or
tubing intake pressure / providing pressure differential (depending
method)
Two basic forms or methods
1. Gas Lift: – by reducing the pressure gradient of produced fluids by
mixing external gas through injection.
2. Downhole pumping: Provides pressure differential needed to
overcome tubing back pressure, and hence maintain stable flow
rate:
– Electric Submersible Pump (ESP)
– Beam Pump (Sucker Rod Pump)
– Jet (Venturi) Pump
– Progressing Cavity Pump (PCP)
– Plunger Lift
–
4 September 2023
Hydraulic Lift
Copyright © 2007 The University of Adelaide PETROENG 3020 5
Introduction: Gas Lift
▪ Gas lift is one of the artificial lift methods.

▪ Gas lift is employed when pwf is smaller than the
tubing pressure difference caused by a fluid with
a given flowing gradient.
▪ Gas is injected continuously or intermittently
at selected locations.
– This results in reducing natural flow gradient
of the reservoir fluid.
– Then reduces hydrostatic head of the fluid
in the well (reduces the pressure loss in the
well).
▪ The pwf remains small enough that drives the
reservoir fluid into the well.
▪ This drawdown should avoid sand production
and water/gas conning.

Working Principle

Gas Lift Oil/gas/water
out
Gas
in
Pth
– Gas pumped down through

casing annular space, and Flowing gradient with
Formation GLR
enters tubing through valves

(orifice)
DEPTH
Flowing gradient
With injected gas
– Injected gas reduces fluid

density, which minimizes
flowing pressure, increase the
production rate. Reservoir fluid
(oil/gas/water)
PRESSURE
Rate without
Gas lift pwf
RATE
Rate with
Gas lift
IPR

Two considerations for design:

1. Large amounts of gas injected
needs separation at the top.
2. GLR needs to be limited, above
which p in the well increases
due to friction.
Gas lift concept and gas lift-

valve
For continuous gas lift,

# An operating valve will be used to
inject a certain amount of gas at a
pressure at an injection point.
# Other valves may be placed below this
injection point and will be in service
during the life when reservoir
declines/WOR increases.

Gas Lift
Continuous flow
1. Reduction of produced fluid density

by injected gas reduces the
hydrostatic pressure so that the
pressure differential between
reservoir and wellbore will be
increased (Fig. A)
2. Expansion of injected gas pushes
liquid ahead of it (Fig. B)
3. Displacement of liquid slugs by
large bubbles of gas acting as
pistons (Fig. C)
4. Not suitable for low pressured
reservoir
Intermittent flow: If a well has a low reservoir pressure or a

very low producing rate, it can be produced by a form of gas lift
called intermittent flow, where fluid is allowed to accumulate
and build up in the tubing at the bottom of the well periodically.
Suitable when low flowing bottomhole pressure is desirable

For intermittent gas lift: Single injection point

and multiple injection points
For single injection point:
# When the liquid slug is formed in the tubing above the
bottom valve, then the valve opens and displaces the
slug upward.
# The valve remains open until the slug reaches the top
and then valve closes.
# The valve reopens when the new liquid slug is formed
at the bottom.

For intermittent gas lift: Multiple injection

points,
# the bottom valve opens as the slug is formed and
then slug moves upward.
# other valves below the slug open, as the slug
moves upward.
# the valves close after the slug reaches the top.
# the actuation of valves is done by a timing device
or depending on tubing/casing pressure.
# Some valves are operated, based on the fluid
level.

Schematic of a Gas Lift System
Gas lift video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDAdgbauNOM&feature=related
Natural versus Artificial Flowing Gradient
▪ For a given flowing welhead pressure, the required bottomhole pressure can be
calculated as:
ptf + ptrav = p wf
Here, ptrav is the pressure traverse (pressure consumed in the wellbore along the total
depth).
This is a function of the flow rate, the GLR, the depth, and the properties and
composition of the fluid.
The above equation can be written in terms of pressure gradient in the well. Here, dp/dz
is considered constant, though it is not constant throughout the depth of the well.
dp
ptf + H = p wf
dz
Gas Injection Rate
qg
GLR 2 − GLR1 =
ql
Here, GLR1 is natural gas liquid ratio. This may result in a pressure traverse
requiring a large, pwf.
GLR2 is gas liquid ratio, which is the result of gas injection at the rate of qg to
have a desirable pwf.
The ql is liquid production rate (oil plus water). ΔGLR indicates the gas you are
injecting, that is, qg.
GLR = qg/qo
GLRoperating = GLRinjected + GLRformation
Injected gas rate, qg = GLRinjected*qo
GLR2 = GLRoperating , GLR1= GLRformation

Example 1: Calculation of required GLR and gas–lift rate
Suppose the well (with qo = 400 STB/d,

qw = 400 STB/d, WOR=1, psep=100 psig,
Tav=140oF, g=0.65, o=35oAPI, w=1.074,
tubing size=2.5-in. ID) is in a reservoir where H
= 8000ft and GLR = 300 SCF/STB.
If the indicated bottomhole pressure presently
is 1500 psi,
(A). what should be the working GLR,and how
much gas should be injected at the bottom of
the well?
Solution
For 8000 ft and GLR 300, the required pwf is 1900 psi (from figure).
(A). For 8000 ft and GLR1 300, the required pwf

is 1900 psi (from figure).
But the present pwf is 1500 psi. Go to the figure

and find what GLR required for pwf 1500 psi.
And this GLR2 is 450.
qg = ql (GLR2 − GLR1 )
= 800 (450 − 300 ) = 1.2 10 5 SCF / d

▪ In addition to the artificial GLR, two other variables must be

considered:
– Possible gas injection pressure, and
– Required compressor power demand: function of:
• gas injection rate, and
• injection pressure.

Pressure of Injected Gas
g  2 f f u 2 L
Mechanical energy balance, p = p1 − p2 = z + u +
2
gc 2g c gc D
p = p PE + p KE + p F
Ignoring changes in KE and friction pressure drop in casing (for

relatively small gas flow rates) and changing into oilfield units, the
injection pressure downhole is given by
( 0.01875 g H inj ) /( ZT )
pinj = psurf  e
28 .97p
From real gas law, =
ZRT
Here, g is gas gravity and 28.97 is the molecular weight of air.

The R is gas constant equal to 10.73 psi ft3/lb-mole-oR.
Example 2 : Injection-point pressure
▪ If gas of g= 0.7 is injected at 8000 ft and if psurf = 900 psi, Tsurf =
80oF and Tinj =160oF, calculate the pressure at the injection point, pinj.
Solution:
Average temperature is the average of surface and injection point
temperatures, that is, (80+160)/2 = 120oF, then convert into oR.
Average Z-factor is at the average temperature and pressure of
surface and injection points. Assume an injection pressure of
1100 psi.
To calculate average Z, find pseudo critical pressure and pseudo
critical temperature for the gas of  = 0.7 (figure in earlier
file/lecture note).
Then need to calculate pseudo-reduced pressure and pseudo-
reduced temperature. Then find Z from (from Standing’s figure).
Example 2: Injection-point pressure
Pinj = 1100 psi (assumed)

ppc = 668 psi and Tpc = 390oR
(900 + 1100 )
p pr = 2 = 1 .5
668
(80 + 160 )
+ 460
Tpr = 2 = 1.49
390
From figure, Z = 0.86
pinj = 900  e ( 0.018750.78000) /( 0.86580) = 1110 psi

which agrees well with assumed value,
otherwise need to do iteration
Point of Gas Injection
0.01875H inj / ZT
pinj = psurf  e
The above equation is expanded as a Taylor series and if common

fluid properties for a natural gas and reservoir are considered such
as  = 0.7, Zav = 0.9 and Tav = 600oR. Then the equation is:
 H inj 
pinj  p surf 1 + 
 40,000 
This equation can be used for first design approximations.
The pinj in the production tubing must be reduced by an additional

100-150 psi to account for the pressure drop across the gas-lift
valve.

▪ The point of gas injection, Hinj, would create two zones in the well:
– one below, with natural flowing pressure gradient (dp/dz)b, and
– one above, with a flowing pressure gradient (dp/dz)a.
pwf = ptf + H inj   + (H − H inj ) 

 dp   dp 
 dz  a  dz  b
The downhole gas injection pressure, pinj, and the pressure in

the tubing must be balanced for gas to enter the tubing at the
injection point.
With the available pwf and

(dp/dz)b, the reservoir fluids
would ascend to a certain
point.
This would leave a partially
filled wellbore.
Injection of gas at the right
point would lead to alter the
(dp/dz)a. (*)
This would lift the fluids to the
surface.
*The downhole gas injection
pressure, pinj, and the pressure Concept of continuous gas lift in terms of pressure,
in the tubing must be balanced pressure gradients, well depth, and depth of injection.
for gas to enter the tubing at the
injection point.
The higher the required ptf, the

lower the flowing gradient
(dp/dz)a should be.
Balance point: a position in
tubing where the downhole
pressure of injected gas is equal
to the pressure in the tubing.
The actual point of injection is

placed a few hundred feet higher
to account for the pressure drop
across the gas lift valve, Δpvalve.


Depth of Injection
2
Inject gas as deep as reasonably possible

so that Casing pressure
▪ Depth of injection is governed by: GLR1
– Available compressor discharge pressure GLR2 Pwf1
GLR3 Pwf2
– Hydrostatic head of fluid in the well Pwf3
Depth
Injection
– Tubing head pressure depth
– Pressure loss through gas lift valve pressure
– GLR
– Gas gradient q1
There is a balance in setting parameters

Production rate
q2
which results in a single point injection q3
system for which maximum production

rate is possible
Example 3: Relating gas injection pressure,
point of injection, and well flow rate
▪ Suppose that the well at a depth of 8000 ft and a

GLR = 300 SCF/STB drains a reservoir with an
IPR given by ql = 0.39(pav – pwf).
▪ (A). What should be the surface gas injection

pressure if the gas-lift valve is at the bottom of
the well and pinj – pvalve = 1000 psi ?(Pav is
3050 psi for ql = 800 STB/d as can be
calculated from above eq.)
▪ (B). What should be the point of gas injection

for a production rate of 500 STB/d? Keep the
same surface injection pressure.
▪ Figure shows the tubing performance curve for

ql = 500 STB/d with 50% water and 50% oil.
Note from Figure that (dp/dz)b = 0.33 psi/ft for
GLR = 300 SCF/STB between H = 5000 and
8000 ft. Use pvalve= 100 psi.
Gradient curves for ql = 500 STB/d
Solution
(A). Surface gas injection pressure
pinj – pvalve = 1000 psi
pinj = pvalve + 1000 psi = 1100 psi

 H inj 
pinj  psurf 1 + 
 40000 
 8000 
1100 = psurf 1 + 
 40000 
psurf = 915 psi

(B). Point of injection

ql = 0.39(pav – pwf).
500 = 0.39(3050 – pwf).
pwf = 1770 psi

 H inj 
pinj = psurf 1 + 
 40000 
 H inj 
psurf 1 +  − 100 = pwf − 0.33(8000 − H inj )
 40000 
Hinj = 5490 ft
 H inj   5490 
pinj = psurf 1 +  = 9151 +  = 1040 psi
 40000   40000 

 H inj   5490 
pinj = psurf 1 +  = 9151 +  = 1040 psi
 40000   40000 
Pressure inside the tubing = 1040 –

100 = 940 psi
GLR=0
Now calculate the gas injection rate.
The intersect between p = 940 psi,

and Hinj =5490 ft is at GLR = 340
SCF/STB.
qg = ql (GLR2 − GLR1 )
= 500 (340 − 300 ) = 2 10 4 SCF / d

Power for Gas Compressors
The horsepower requirements for gas compressors:
 psurf 
0.2

HP = 2.23 10  q g 
−4
 − 1
 pin  
Here, pin is the inlet compressor pressure. The qg is SCF/d.

HP is horse power.
Power for Gas Compressors
Example 4:
Suppose that the gas injection rate is 1.2 x 105 SCF/d, psurf is 1330
psi, and the compressor inlet pressure is 100 psi. Calculate the
horsepower requirements.
 psurf  0.2 
HP = 2.23 10 − 4  q g   − 1
 pin  
−4

5  1330 
0.2

= 2.23 10  (1.2 10 )   − 1
 100  
= 18.4 hp
Increase of Gas Injection Rate
▪ Increase of gas injection rate means increase of GLR in the wellbore.

▪ Increasing the gas injection rate allows the injection at a lower point
in the tubing without increasing the injection pressure.
pwf = ptf + H inj   + (H − H inj ) 

 dp   dp 
 dz  a  dz  b
▪ When Hinj increases [with smaller (dp/dz)a] and (H-Hinj) decreases
and since (dp/dz)b remains constant, then pwf will necessarily
decrease.
▪ Larger oil production rates are likely to be achieved with higher
GLR and a lower injection point.
▪ While reservoir pressure depletes, the pwf must be lowered to
sustain a production rate.
▪ To accomplish this, lower the injection point and increase the
gas injection rate.
▪ Example 5: Effect of injection rate and

injection point on the flowing bottomhole
pressure:
▪ Assuming that figure represents a gas-lift

graph, calculate the pwf at 8000 ft for the
injection points described by the intersection
of the gas injection curve and the pressure
traverse curves for GLR values equal to 500,
600, and 700 SCF/STB, respectively. The
flowing gradient below the injection point is
0.33 psi/ft (GLR = 300 SCF/STB)
▪ Solution: From the fig wellhead pressure is

100 psi.
The intersection of the gas injection and

pressure traverse curves, gives a table:
GLR Injection pt. Pressure at Inj. pt.

GLR=0
500 6250 960 psi

600 6800 970 psi
700 7050 975 psi
Pressures at inj. point (in the tubing) are

obtained from Eq. using psurf = 915 psi,
and subtracting 100 psi. (dp gas lift
valve)
 dp   H inj 
pwf = pinj + ( H − H inj )  pinj  p surf 1 + 
pwf calculated from:  dz  b  40,000 
 dp 
pwf = pinj + ( H − H inj ) 
 dz  b
▪ Pwf are found to be: 1538, 1366,

1288 psi for GLRs 500, 600 and
700 SCF/STB respectively.

Example 6: Sustaining a production rate while the

reservoir pressure depletes.
Initial reservoir pressure is 3050 psi. The production rate

is 500 STB/day. The well depth is 8000 ft. The IPR is
described by ql = 0.39(pav –pwf).
The surface injection pressure is 915 psi. Where should
the injection point be after the reservoir pressure drops by
500 psi? What should be the gas injection rate to sustain
a liquid production rate equal to 500 STB/d? Use figure
next slide.
Solution: Pav = 3050 – 500 = 2550 psi.

500
p wf = 2550 − = 1268 . psi
0.39
The injection point must be obtained
from the solution:
 H inj 
9151 +  − 100 = 1268 − 0.33(8000 − H inj )
 40,000  GLR=0
Hinj = 7120 ft
From figure at Hinj of 7120 ft and

calculated pinj = 978 psi (pressure inside
the tubing), GLR is equal to 750 SCF/STB
Gas injection rate:
q g = (750 − 300 )500 = 2.25  10 5.SCF / d

Maximum Production Rate with Gas Lift
▪ Flowing gradient is a combination of the

hydrostatic pressure head and friction pressure
drop.
▪ For GLR values that are larger than the
minimum, the flowing gradient begins to
decrease.
▪ With the increase of GLR from small values,
there is fluid density reduction with friction
pressure increase.
▪ Limit GLR is that value at which the increase in
friction pressure will offset the decrease in the
hydrostatic pressure.
▪ A larger well size would lead to a larger limit
GLR, with a larger gas injection rate. Limit GLR
increases as production rate decreases.
▪ For each liquid production rate, there is a limit
GLR with a minimum pwf.
Gas Lift Performance Curve
▪ Optimized gas-lift performance – a different

from natural well performance.
▪ For each liquid production rate, there exists
a limit GLR where min. pwf will be observed.
▪ Optimum gas-lift performance curve is of
min. pwf pressures (min. pressure intake
curve).
Maximum production rate is at the limit

GLR.
Larger or smaller values of limit GLR will
result in smaller production rates.
Each gas-lift performance curve in the
vicinity of max production rate will result in
larger pressure intake (larger pwf) and
lower production rate.
Gas Lift Performance Curve
Liquid production rate versus GLR.

Limit GLR corresponds to maximum
liquid production rate.
Liquid production rate versus Gas injection

rate is the gas-lift performance curve.
Max. production rate corresponds to the
gas injection rate for the limit GLR.
Time dependency: For later times, a new
gas-lift performance curve must be
4 September 2023
produced. PETROENG 3020 43
Example 7: Development of Gas Lift Performance
Australian School of Petroleum Curve
ql = 0.39( p − pwf )
With the IPR curve described by the above equation and a well at
8000 ft depth gradient curves for 800 and 500 STB/d were given in
figures, develop a gas-lift performance curve assuming that the gas
injection valves are at the bottom of the well. The average reservoir
pressure is 3050 psi, and the natural GLR is 300 SCF/STB.
Solution:
For each liquid production rate there exists a limit GLR where
minimum pwf will be observed. From the gradient curves, note the
limit GLRs and pwf , and plot pwf versus ql, which is the optimum gas-
lift performance curve (for two liquid flow rates: 800 and 500 STB/d).
See the graph of the intersection of the IPR and the optimum gas-lift
performance curve.

psi
From the plot,

Limit GLR = 4000
SCF/STB
From the plot,

pwf at 8000 ft =
950 psi (about)

psi
From the plot,

Limit GLR = 7000
SCF/STB
From the plot,

pwf at 8000 ft =
800 psi (about)

The intersection of the IPR and
the optimum gas-lift
performance curve shows
optimum production rate of 825
STB/d,
which corresponds to a limit
GLR of 3800 SCF/STB
(gradient curves not shown for
this rate)
What is the gas injection rate

for this liquid production?
qg = 825 (3800 – 300) = 2.89 x 106 SCF/d

The figure is also a gas-lift

performance curve for this
well. For production rates
other than the maximum
(825 STB/d), the gas
injection rate could be
larger or smaller.
This performance curve will
change with time.

Example 8: Near Wellbore Damage and Gas-Lift
ql = 0.39( p − pwf )
The above is the IPR curve with s = 0. Suppose that the wellbore
damage (s = +9) would reduce the IPR curve to ql = 0.22( p − pwf )
What would be the maximum production rate and the associated

gas-lift requirements? Consider the optimum gas-lift curve from
previous example. H = 8000 ft.
Solution
It should be remembered always that for a given

production rate there is always one specific limit
GLR.

Example 8: Near Wellbore Damage and Gas-Lift
The intersection shows 500 STB/d at

pwf of 780 psi.
From previous example, at 500 STB/d,

the gas injection rate is about 3.3 x 106
SCF/d.
For undamaged well, optimum ql = 825

STB/d and qg = 2.89 x 106 SCF/d.
If you want to produce 500 STB/d at

2.89 x 106 SCF/d, then the GLR is:
qg2.89 10 6
GLR2 = + GLR1 = + 300 = 6100 SCF / STB
q/ 500
Now from gradient curves, find the pwf at 500 STB/d, H=8000ft and
6100 SCF/STB, that is 800 to 810 psi. (approx)

Now from gradient curves, find the pwf at

500 STB/d, H=8000ft and 6100
SCF/STB, that is 800-810 psi.
At 8000 ft, pwf of about 780 psi, the
required GLR2 can be found from the
gradient curves. Then, required qg can
also be calculated. (Need more info
from the gradient curves )
This example shows that optimized gas lift

not only cannot offset wellbore damage but
will require a larger gas injection rate (larger
GLR) to lift the maximum possible liquid
production rate.
Matrix stimulation is a continuous concern of the production engineer.

Example 9: Limited Gas Supply; economics of gas lift
In one of previous examples, the gas injection rate for the maximum
production rate of 825 STB/d and limit GLR of 3800 SCF/STB is 2.89
x 106 SCF/d. That is, the required gas injection for the maximum
production was the corresponding to the limit GLR. This would
assume unlimited gas supply. Since this is frequently not the case,
repeat the well deliverability calculation for 5x104, 1x105, and 5 x 105
SCF/d gas injection rates, respectively.
If the cost of gas injection is $0.5/HHP/hr, the cost of separation is

$1/(MSCF/d), and the price of oil is $30/STB, develop a simple
economic analysis (benefits minus costs) versus available gas rate.
The average reservoir pressure is 3050 psi, natural GLR is 300
SCF/STB. Use the IPR curve: ql = 0.39( p − pwf )
Consider the 5 x 104 SCF/d injection rate as a base case and

compare with other cases.
ql = 0.39( p − pwf )
Based on above equation, plot IPR curve.
For ql = 500, qg = 5x104, the GLR2 would

be:
qg 5 10 4
GLR2 = + GLR1 = + 300 = 400 SCF / STB
q/ 500
For GLR 400 SCF/STB and 8000 ft,

find the pwf from the figure for ql=500,
and the pwf is 1500 psi.
Similarly, with the gradient curves for the other flow rates, find pwf (qg =
5x104 ). Then plot pwf versus ql.
Repeat the same with other qg = 1 x 105, and 5x105 SCF/STB

The IPR and gas-lift performance

curves are shown in figure.
Intersections with the IPR curve
would lead to the expected
production rates and pwf.
pinj = pwf + 100.
Then calculate the psurf from:

 H inj 
pinj  p surf 1 + 
 40,000 
and HHP from (pin = 100 psi),
 psurf 
0.2

HHP = 2.23 10  q g 
−4
 − 1
 pin  
The results are shown in the table.
Economic Comparison: 5 x 104 SCF/d as the base case

Comparing with 1 x 105 SCF/d,
Incremental benefits from oil production = (660 – 615)x$30=$1350/d.
Incremental costs: ΔHHP x 24 x $0.5 = (14.5 – 7.5) x 24 x $0.5 = $84/d

Δqg x $1/Mscf = (1x105 - 5x104)x($1/1000) = $50/d
Incremental benefits = $1350 – $84 – $50 = $1220 /d

Economic Comparison: 5 x 104 SCF/d as the base case

when comparing with 5 x 105 SCF/d,
Incremental benefits are: $2900/d
When comparing with limit GLR (qg = 2.89 x 106 SCF/d), the
incremental benefits are - $720/d; that is, the incremental
production rate cannot compensate for the incremental
compression and separation costs.
--- depends local costs/ oil price, etc.

Example 10: Tubing size versus gas-lift requirements
The IPR for a high-capacity reservoir with producing water-oil ratio

equal to 1 is: ql = 1.03( p − pwf )
If the average reservoir pressure is 3550 psi and the natural GLR is
300 SCF/STB, calculate the required rate of gas to be injected at
the bottom of the well (H = 8000 ft) for three different tubing sizes
(2.5-in., 3.5-in., and 4.5-in., respectively) in order to produce 2000
STB/d of liquid. The wellhead pressure is 100 psi.
Solution: ql = 1.03( p − pwf )
ql = 2000 STB/d, av. p = 3550 psi.
So, pwf = 1610 psi.
See three figures of gradient curves for ql of 2000 STB/d (50%

water and 50% oil) for three tubing sizes.
Tubing size: 2.5-in.
From this figure, at 8000 ft

and pwf = 1610 psi, read the
GLR.
This is 800 SCF/STB.
The natural GLR is 300

SCF/STB.
qg = 2000 (800 – 300) =

1 x 106 SCF/d


GLR.

SCF/STB.
qg = 2000 (350 – 300) =

1 x 105 SCF/d


GLR.

SCF/STB. So natural GLR
would be sufficient to lift the
liquid production rate.
Gas-lift is not required.

Gas-Lift Requirements versus Time
An appropriate method for forecasting gas-lift requirements versus

time is as follows:
1. Establish an optimum gas-lift performance curve for the given
tubing and reservoir fluid.
2. For each average reservoir pressure, develop a new IPR
curve.
3. The intersection of the IPR curves with the optimum gas-lift
performance curve is the maximum production rate.
4. This maximum production is at the limit GLR, which is also
associated with the minimum pwf.
5. Reservoir pressure decline interval (Δp) with production can
be estimated from material balance calculations.
6. The production rate within this interval and the calculated
cumulative production easily allow the calculation of the time
required for this pressure decline.
7. Well performance and gas injection rate requirements versus
time can then be forecasted.
Example 11: Maximized production rate
Australian School of Petroleum with gas-lift in depleting reservoir
What would be the average reservoir pressure for a maximized
production rate of 500 STB/d. Use the IPR curve described by
equation: ql = 0.39( p − pwf )
Calculate the flowing bottomhole

pressure.
Use the optimum gas-lift
performance curve as established
in previous example. Figure
shows the IPR and optimum gas-
lift performance curve.
Solution:
The maximum production 500
STB/d must be at the intersection of
the new IPR curve and the optimum
gas-lift performance curve
Example 11: Maximized production rate
with gas-lift in depleting reservoir
The vertical line at 500 STB/d will
intersect the gas-lift curve. At this
intersection, read the pwf and draw
an IPR curve parallel (for av.P=??) to
earlier IPR curve (for av.P=3050 psi).
From figure, pwf = 770 psi.

ql = 0.39( p − pwf ) ql = 500 STB/d
p = 2050 psi

Gas Lift Design
▪ The key conditions to be

considered in designing a
gas lift completion include:
– Depth of Injection
– Injection Pressure
– Horsepower of compressor
– Gas Gradient in the Casing
– Gas lift valve orifice spacing
– Tubing size
A typical gas lift system
(Courtesy API)

Orifice and Tubing Sizes
▪ Orifice size
– Size of the orifice in the injection valve is selected such that
it will give a 50~200 psi pressure drop
▪ Tubing size
– The tubing size for gas lift must be identified pre-
completion as cannot be retrofitted without re-completion
– Gas lift capability may avoid tubing workover as a
consequence of declining reservoir pressure, increasing
water cut and declining production rates

.
Gas Lift Valve Components
▪ Side Pocket Mandrels (SPMs)

– The most common method of controlling lift gas flow
– SPMs do not obstruct the tubing ID, so plugs and BHP surveys etc.
can be run without disturbance
– A wide variety of valves or control devices can be installed, eg.
Gaslift valve Sensitive to casing pressure
Sensitive to tubing pressure
Orifice valve to control rate of gas flow
Installed while running / pressure testing and prior to installing a
Dummy valve
gaslift valve
Chemical injection valve
Differential Kill Valve
Electronic pressure / temperature gauges
.
Gas Lift Valve Types
▪ Casing Pressure Sensitive

– Called ‘injection’ pressure sensitive, operated by casing gas pressure
acting on bellows against N2 pressure inside the valve
– Installed with the highest pressure valves nearest to the surface, with
an orifice ‘working’ valve installed at the bottom
– Upper valves are used to ‘unload’ the column of fluid in the well only
and then shut in as the casing pressure drops
▪ Dummy Valves
– Used to blank off communication through the SPM as well as during
the completion phase to enable pressure testing
– Remain in place until gaslift valves are required to be installed

.
Gas Lift Valve Types
▪ Tubing Pressure Sensitive

– Called ‘production’ pressure sensitive, operated by tubing pressure acting against
the spring through a ‘crossover seat’
– When tubing pressure exceeds the spring force the valve opens and permits gas
from the casing to enter the tubing, note casing pressure will not open these
valves
– Different to casing pressure sensitive, the lowest pressure valves are nearest to
the surface
– All the valves should be open when installed to depth
▪ Orifice Valves
– Installed in the SPM for continuous gaslift applications, often below a sequence of
casing or tubing pressure sensitive valves
– Available with fixed orifices within the range of 1/8" to 3/8" (in 1/16" increments) with
a check valve to prevent back flow from tubing to casing
Choice of Gas

Gas Lift Lift
Advantages Disadvantages
1. Gas availability (must) – air, exhaust gases,
(1) Initial downhole equipments cost is and nitrogen can be used, but they are
low expensive; and it is difficult to deal with them
compared to locally produced natural gas
(2) Very flexible and available with
2. Wide well spacing may limit the use of a
various options (i.e. can be centrally located source of high pressure gas.
designed to lift from one to many
3. Corrosive lift gas can increase the operations
thousands of barrels per day) cost if it is necessary to treat or dry the gas
before use.
(3) Long service life, and relatively low
4. Installations of gas lift systems including
operating cost
surface equipments need longer lead time
(4) Easy to maintain the surface compared to other pumping; and it could be
expensive too.
handling equipments (such as
5. Conversion of old wells to gas lift requires
compressor
higher level of casing integrity compared to
pumping well.

Determination of gas lift performance
▪ The performance of gas lifts substantially depends on mainly:

– Gas injection rate
– Gas Liquid Ratio (GLR)
▪ The injection rate should be such that:
– It provides maximum efficiency, i.e. minimum amount of gas for a
given amount of liquid
– Maximum liquid rate possible at the optimum or favourable GLR for a
given depth of injection
▪ Optimum or favourable GLR 2– GLR 1 for which the tubing
intake pressure is minimum, and thereby maximum production
at a given well head pressure is maximum
Continuous Flow Unloading Sequence
Gas Lift Design And Technology

@Schlumberger1999
step 1


@Schlumberger199
Step 2


@Schlumberger1999
Step 3


@Schlumberger199
Step 4

Shut-in bottomhole pressure (SIBHP): The pressure at the bottom of a well when
the surface valves on the well are completely closed.

@Schlumberger1999
Step 5


@Schlumberger199
Step 6


@Schlumberger1999
Step 7


@Schlumberger1999
Step 9

End of Gas Lift Performance

Chapter 9. Artificial Lift Methods - Gas Lift - SV2019

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Australian School of Petroleum

4 September 2023 Copyright © 2007 The University of Adelaide PETROENG 3020/7003 1

4 September 2023 Copyright © 2007 The University of Adelaide PETROENG 3020 2

Over time .......... Reservoir Pressure

Artificial Lift is a means of furnishing the

Gas Lift (Intermittent) ESP-PCP Progressive Cavity Pump

4 September 2023 Copyright © 2007 The University of Adelaide PETROENG 3020/7003 4

▪ Gas lift is one of the artificial lift methods.

4 September 2023 Copyright © 2007 The University of Adelaide PETROENG 3020 6

Australian School of Petroleum

– Gas pumped down through

enters tubing through valves

– Injected gas reduces fluid

4 September 2023 Copyright © 2007 The University of Adelaide PETROENG 3020 7

Two considerations for design:

Gas lift concept and gas lift-

For continuous gas lift,

4 September 2023 Copyright © 2007 The University of Adelaide PETROENG 3020 9

1. Reduction of produced fluid density

Intermittent flow: If a well has a low reservoir pressure or a

4 September 2023 Copyright © 2007 The University of Adelaide PETROENG 3020/7003 11

For intermittent gas lift: Single injection point

4 September 2023 Copyright © 2007 The University of Adelaide PETROENG 3020 12

For intermittent gas lift: Multiple injection

4 September 2023 Copyright © 2007 The University of Adelaide PETROENG 3020 13

Gas lift video

GLR2 = GLRoperating , GLR1= GLRformation

Suppose the well (with qo = 400 STB/d,

(A). For 8000 ft and GLR1 300, the required pwf

But the present pwf is 1500 psi. Go to the figure

4 September 2023 Copyright © 2007 The University of Adelaide PETROENG 3020/7003 18

▪ In addition to the artificial GLR, two other variables must be

4 September 2023 Copyright © 2007 The University of Adelaide PETROENG 3020 19

Ignoring changes in KE and friction pressure drop in casing (for

Here, g is gas gravity and 28.97 is the molecular weight of air.

Pinj = 1100 psi (assumed)

From figure, Z = 0.86

pinj = 900  e ( 0.018750.78000) /( 0.86580) = 1110 psi

The above equation is expanded as a Taylor series and if common

The pinj in the production tubing must be reduced by an additional

4 September 2023 Copyright © 2007 The University of Adelaide PETROENG 3020 23

pwf = ptf + H inj   + (H − H inj ) 

The downhole gas injection pressure, pinj, and the pressure in

With the available pwf and

The higher the required ptf, the

The actual point of injection is

4 September 2023 Copyright © 2007 The University of Adelaide PETROENG 3020/7003 26

4 September 2023 Copyright © 2007 The University of Adelaide PETROENG 3020/7003 27

Inject gas as deep as reasonably possible

▪ Depth of injection is governed by: GLR1

– Available compressor discharge pressure GLR2 Pwf1

– Tubing head pressure depth

– Pressure loss through gas lift valve pressure

There is a balance in setting parameters

system for which maximum production

▪ Suppose that the well at a depth of 8000 ft and a

▪ (A). What should be the surface gas injection

▪ (B). What should be the point of gas injection

▪ Figure shows the tubing performance curve for

pinj – pvalve = 1000 psi

pinj = pvalve + 1000 psi = 1100 psi

psurf = 915 psi