Gas Well Deliquification : Solutions to Gas Well Liquid Loading Problems

by Lea; Nickens; Wells

• ISBN13: 9780750677240
• ISBN10: 0750677244
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-07-21
• Publisher: Elsevier Science & Technology

Summary

No other book on the market offers such a turnkey solution to the problem of liquid interference in gas wells. Gas Well Deliquification contains not only descriptions of the various methods of de-watering gas wells, but also compares the various methods with a view toward explaining the suitability of each under particular circumstances. The material is presented as practical information that can be immediately applied, rather than a theoretical treatment. And, includes useful historical methods, but focuses on the latest techniques for de-watering gas wells. * Only book on market to offer a turnkey solution to the problem of liquid interference in gas wells * Contains descriptions of the various methods of de-watering gas wells, as well as comparing the various methods with a view to explaining the suitability of each under particular circumstances * Introduces material as practical information that can be immediately applied, rather than a theoretical treatment.

Table of Contents

Preface	xiii
Introduction	1	(12)
Introduction	1	(1)
Multiphase Flow In A Gas Well	2	(2)
What Is Liquid Loading?	4	(1)
Problems Caused By Liquid Loading	5	(1)
Deliquefying Techniques	6	(2)
Source of Liquids In A Producing Gas Well	8	(5)
Water Coning	8	(1)
Aquifer Water	8	(1)
Water Produced from Another Zone	8	(1)
Free Formation Water	9	(1)
Water of Condensation	9	(1)
Hydrocarbon Condensates	9	(2)
References	11	(2)
Recognizing Symptoms of Liquid Loading in Gas Wells	13	(14)
Introduction	13	(1)
Presence of Orifice Pressure Spikes	14	(1)
Decline Curve Analysis	14	(1)
Drop in Tubing Pressure with Rise in Casing Pressure	15	(3)
Pressure Survey Showing Tubing Liquid Level	18	(3)
Well Performance Monitoring	21	(1)
Annulus Heading	21	(4)
Heading Cycle without Packer	21	(2)
Heading Cycle Controls	23	(2)
Liquid Production Ceases	25	(1)
Summary	25	(2)
References	26	(1)
Critical Velocity	27	(16)
Introduction	27	(1)
Critical Flow Concepts	27	(11)
Turner Droplet Model	27	(3)
Critical Rate	30	(1)
Critical Tubing Diameter	31	(1)
Critical Rate for Low Pressure Wells---Coleman Model	31	(3)
Critical Flow Nomographs	34	(4)
Critical Velocity at Depth	38	(2)
Critical Velocity in Horizontal Well Flow	40	(3)
References	41	(2)
Systems Nodal Analysis	43	(18)
Introduction	43	(2)
Tubing Performance Curve	45	(1)
Reservoir Inflow Performance Relationship (IPR)	46	(3)
Gas Well Backpressure Equation	47	(2)
Future IPR Curve with Backpressure Equation	49	(1)
Intersections of the Tubing Curve and the Deliverability Curve	49	(3)
Tubing Stability and Flowpoint	52	(1)
Tight Gas Reservoirs	53	(1)
Nodal Example---Tubing Size	54	(1)
Nodal Example---Surface Pressure Effects: Use Compression to Lower Surface Pressure	55	(1)
Summary Nodal Example of Developing IPR from Test Date with Tubing Performance	56	(4)
Summary	60	(1)
References	60	(1)
Sizing Tubing	61	(18)
Introduction	61	(1)
Advantages and Disadvantages of Smaller Tubing	61	(1)
Concepts Required to Size Smaller Tubing	62	(5)
Critical Rate at Surface Conditions	65	(1)
Critical Rate at Bottomhole Conditions	65	(1)
Summary of Tubing Design Concepts	66	(1)
Sizing Tubing without IPR Information	67	(2)
Field Example No. 1---Results of Tubing Changeout	69	(1)
Field Example No. 2---Results of Tubing Changeout	69	(2)
Pre- and Post-Evaluation	71	(1)
Where to Set the Tubing	72	(2)
Hanging Off Smaller Tubing from the Current Tubing	74	(2)
Summary	76	(3)
References	76	(3)
Compression	79	(16)
Introduction	79	(1)
Nodal Example	80	(1)
Compression with a Tight Gas Reservoir	81	(1)
Compression with Plunger Lift Systems	82	(2)
Compression with Beam Pumping Systems	84	(1)
Compression with Electric Submersible Systems	85	(1)
Types of Compressors	85	(5)
Rotary Lobe Compressor	86	(1)
Re-Injected Rotary Lobe Compressor	86	(1)
Rotary Vane Compressor	86	(1)
Liquid Ring Compressor	87	(1)
Liquid Injected Rotary Screw Compressor	87	(1)
Reciprocating Compressor	88	(1)
Sliding Vane Compressor	89	(1)
Gas Jet Compressors or Eductors	90	(2)
Summary	92	(3)
References	93	(2)
Plunger Lift	95	(52)
Introduction	95	(2)
Plungers	97	(2)
Plunger Cycle	99	(1)
Plunger Lift Feasibility	100	(8)
GLR Rule of Thumb	101	(1)
Feasibility Charts	102	(3)
Maximum Liquid Production with Plunger Lift	105	(1)
Plunger Lift with Packer Installed	106	(1)
Plunger Lift Nodal Analysis	107	(1)
Plunger System Line-Out Procedure	108	(8)
Considerations Before Kickoff	109	(2)
Kickoff	111	(1)
Cycle Adjustment	112	(1)
Stabilization Period	113	(1)
Optimization	113	(2)
Monitoring	115	(1)
Problem Analysis	116	(20)
Motor Valve	118	(3)
Controller	121	(2)
Arrival Transducer	123	(1)
Wellhead Leaks	124	(1)
Catcher Not Functioning	124	(1)
Pressure Sensor Not Functioning	125	(1)
Control Gas to Stay on Measurement Chart	126	(1)
Plunger Operations	126	(7)
Head Gas Bleeding Off Too Slowly	133	(1)
Head Gas Creating Surface Equipment Problems	134	(1)
Low Production	135	(1)
Well Loads up Frequently	135	(1)
New Plunger Concept	136	(2)
Operation with Weak Wells	138	(6)
Casing Plunger for Weak Wells	138	(4)
Plunger with Side String: Low Pressure Well Production	142	(2)
Plunger Summary	144	(3)
References	144	(3)
Use of Foam to Deliquefy Gas Wells	147	(30)
Introduction	147	(1)
Liquid Removal Process	148	(2)
Surface De-Foaming	150	(1)
Foam Selection	150	(3)
Foam Basics	153	(10)
Foam Generation	153	(1)
Foam Stability	153	(2)
Surfactant Types	155	(3)
Foaming with Brine/Condensate Mixtures	158	(5)
Operating Considerations	163	(11)
Surfactant Selection	163	(1)
Bureau of Mines Testing Procedures	163	(3)
Unloading Techniques and Equipment	166	(3)
Determining Surface Surfactant Concentration	169	(4)
Instrumentation	173	(1)
Chemical Treatment Problems	173	(1)
Summary	174	(3)
References	175	(2)
Hydraulic Pumps	177	(14)
Introduction	177	(5)
Advantages and Disadvantages	182	(3)
The 1 1/4-Inch Jet Pump	185	(3)
System Comparative Costs	188	(1)
Hydraulic Pump Case Histories	188	(1)
Summary	189	(2)
References	189	(2)
Use of Beam Pumps to Deliquefy Gas Wells	191	(24)
Introduction	191	(2)
Basics of Beam Pump Operation	193	(2)
Pump-Off Control	195	(4)
Design Rate with Pump-Off Control	196	(1)
Use of Surface Indications for Pump-Off Control	197	(2)
Gas Separation to Keep Gas Out of the Pump	199	(4)
Set Pump Below the Perforations	200	(1)
``Poor-Boy'' or Limited-Entry Gas Separator	201	(1)
Collar-Sized Separator	202	(1)
Handling Gas through the Pump	203	(4)
Compression Ratio	204	(2)
Variable Slippage Pump to Prevent Gas-Lock	206	(1)
Pump Compression with Dual Chambers	206	(1)
Pumps that Open the Traveling Valve Mechanically	206	(1)
Pumps to Take the Fluid Load Off the Traveling Valve	206	(1)
Inject Liquids Below a Packer	207	(2)
Other Problems Indicated by the Shape of the Pump Card	209	(4)
Summary	213	(2)
References	214	(1)
Gas Lift	215	(24)
Introduction	215	(2)
Continuous Gas Lift	217	(1)
Basic Principles of Continuous Gas Lift	217	(1)
Intermittent Gas Lift	217	(1)
Gas Lift System Components	218	(2)
Continuous Gas Lift Design Objectives	220	(1)
Gas Lift Valves	221	(3)
Orifice Valves	222	(1)
IPO Valves	222	(1)
PPO Valves	223	(1)
Gas Lift Completions	224	(11)
Conventional Gas Lift Design	224	(3)
Chamber Lift Installations	227	(2)
Horizontal Well Installations	229	(2)
Coiled Tubing Gas Lift Completions	231	(3)
Gas Pump Concept	234	(1)
Gas Circulation	235	(1)
Gas Lift without Gas Lift Valves	235	(1)
Summary	236	(3)
References	237	(2)
Electric Submersible Pumps	239	(12)
Introduction	239	(1)
ESP System	240	(3)
What Is A ``Gassy'' Well?	243	(2)
Completions and Separators	245	(3)
Injection of Produced Water	248	(1)
Summary	248	(3)
References	250	(1)
Progressive Cavity Pumps	251	(20)
Introduction	251	(2)
PCP System Selection	253	(4)
Rotor	253	(1)
Stator	254	(3)
Surface Drive	257	(1)
Selection and Operational Factors	257	(6)
Important Factors for Sizing the System	257	(2)
Steps to Size the PCP	259	(4)
Ancillary Equipment	263	(3)
Flow Detection Devices	264	(1)
Rod Guides	265	(1)
Gas Separators	265	(1)
Tubing Anchor/Catcher	266	(1)
Troubleshooting PCP Systems	266	(2)
Summary	268	(3)
References	268	(3)
Other Methods to Attach Liquid-Loading Problems	271	(12)
Introduction	271	(1)
Thermal Methods for Water of Condensation	271	(7)
Thermal Lift	273	(3)
Thermal Liner	276	(1)
Thermal Coatings/Liners	277	(1)
With Packer Installed, Draw a Vacuum on the Annulus	278	(1)
Cycling	278	(1)
Tubing/Annulus Switching Control	279	(1)
Tubing Flow Control	280	(1)
Tubing Collar Inserts for Producing Below Critical Velocity	281	(1)
Summary	282	(1)
References	282	(1)
Appendix A: Development of Critical Velocity Equations	283	(6)
A.1 Introduction	283	(3)
A.1.1 Physical Model	283	(3)
A.2 Equation Simplification	286	(1)
A.3 Turner Equations	287	(1)
A.4 Coleman Equations	287	(2)
References	288	(1)
Appendix B: Development of Plunger Lift Equations	289	(4)
B.1 Introduction	289	(1)
B.2 Minimum Casing Pressure	289	(2)
B.3 Maximum Casing Pressure	291	(1)
B.4 Summary	291	(2)
Reference	292	(1)
Appendix C: Gas Fundamentals	293	(16)
C.1 Introduction	293	(1)
C.2 Phase Diagram	293	(1)
C.3 Gas Apparent Molecular Weight and Specific Gravity	293	(2)
C.4 Gas Law	295	(1)
C.5 Z Factor	296	(2)
C.6 Gas Formation Volume Factor	298	(1)
C.7 Pressure Increase in Static Column of Gas	299	(1)
C.8 Calculate the Pressure Drop in Flowing Dry Gas Well: Cullender and Smith Method	300	(2)
C.9 Pressure Drop in a Gas Well Producing Liquids	302	(1)
C.9.1 Calculated Result with Dry Gas and Gas with Liquids	303	(1)
C.10 Gas Well Deliverability Expressions	303	(6)
C.10.1 Backpressure Equation	303	(2)
C.10.2 Darcy Equation	305	(2)
References	307	(2)
Index	309