GAS LIFTING FOR PRODUCTION OPTIMIZATION USING EXTRA-HIGH-PRESSURE (XHP) GAS FROM NATURAL GAS WELLS WITHOUT COMPRESSION

Abstract

Artificial lift techniques are used when reservoir pressure drops below the fluid hydrostatic column weight in the well. A compressor station supplies high-pressure gas for the gas lift system, which includes a gas distribution manifold, gas lift lines to the well heads, and gas lift valves. Gas lift has many benefits, but the source of gas and the number of compression stages needed to lift reservoir fluid to the surface are major drawbacks. This paper critically examined this drawback and found a steady source of high-pressure gas that eliminates the need for compression. This study used PROSPER to determine the depths at which gas lift valves will be installed, the maximum gas injection rate of 0.81761 MMscf/day, the maximum oil production rate of 1183.4 STB/D, and the best valve type. Although the extra-high pressure gas (XHP) gas pressure needed to be reduced to properly aerate the fluid hydrostatic column as the gas lift valves (GLVs) opens, this pressure reduction (gas expansion) caused gas cooling/freezing, which is a critical concern on the lift gas path. Therefore, a heat exchanger and water bathe heater preheated the XHP gas to reduce the J-T phenomenon and ensure flow.