Kevin Rogers and Lucas McKernan
ChampionX Artificial Lift
OBJECTIVES/SCOPE:
As gas lift utilization increases as a form of artificial lift for many assets in the Permian Basin, optimization through gas allocation remains a challenging problem. Operators are often limited on the amount of gas that can be injected downhole due to infrastructure capabilities and added operational cost. In addition to how these constraints impact production, wells may have a higher tendency for slugging behavior. This regime can also be exasperated by high water cuts, steep natural declines, compression issues/inefficiencies, and sub-optimal gas lift injection depth and volume.
METHODS PROCEDURES, PROCESS:
This presentation provides field and production data illustrating the results of applying CHX Gas Lift Flow Improver (GLFI), an innovative chemical solution for increasing production in gas lift wells. Well selection criteria will be discussed and is critical to application success.
RESULTS, OBSERVATIONS, CONCLUSIONS:
Through downhole introduction, the gas lift flow improver helps maintain the well flow as enabling gas velocity above the critical velocity needed for gas/condensate flow out of the wellbore by reducing surface tension and apparent liquid density, resulting in a decrease in bottom-hole pressure, mitigating slugging and increasing the production.
CHX GLFIs were designed for medium to high water (>40%) cut gas lift wells, and crude API ≥ 35
An ROI* to the operator was calculated based on chemical cost and monetary gain from increased fluid production.
*Financial measure variables (i.e., $/bbl, $/Mcf/d, dosage, etc.) included in the presentation.