2014 Gas Well Deliquification Workshop Page 29

2014 Gas Well Deliquification Workshop

Technical Presentations

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Session: I --- New Technologies, Challenges, General Topics / Session Chair:
Kelli Poppenhagen
Chandran Peringod
Presentation Title: I – 1
Understanding Hazardous Locations Concepts / Company(ies):
Extreme Telematics Corp.
Author(s):
Mark Scantlebury / Contact Information:

Abstract:
Major producers in the US have made a concerted effort to continue moving towards safe installations of electronics at well sites. Understanding hazardous locations terminology and principles are not always easy. This leads to confusion and uncertainty about whether an installation is compliant and safe.
We will discuss the certification organization, the standards they follow, why following the standards is important and some of the basic concepts and terminology. There is a vast array of knowledge out there and this will certainly not cover everything. It will however help clear up some common misconceptions and provide some background so that you are better equipped when It comes to making decisions that include certified equipment.
Notes:
2014 Gas Well Deliquification Workshop
Technical Presentations
Session: I --- New Technologies, Challenges, General Topics / Session Chair:
Kelli Poppenhagen
Chandran Peringod
Presentation Title: I – 2
An Extended Shut-In: A Powerful Deliquification Tool / Company(ies):
Consultant
Author(s):
Jim Hacksma / Contact Information:

Abstract:
Velocity strings, wellhead compression, intermitters, and foam are four methods commonly used to deliquify low rate gas wells. Unfortunately, all of these deliquification methods fail more often than we would like. But, why do they fail?
To improve a deliquification method and make that method more successful, one must first understand why the method is failing. However, many engineers do not understand why these methods often fail to deliver the desired results. In this presentation, the most common failure mechanism for each of the four methods will be explained in detail.
This presentation will then go on to explain how something as simple as an extended shut-in can be used to turn those failures into successes.
Notes:
2014 Gas Well Deliquification Workshop
Technical Presentations
Session: I --- New Technologies, Challenges, General Topics / Session Chair:
Kelli Poppenhagen
Chandran Peringod
Presentation Title: I – 3
Osorb® Media for Use in Gas Deliquification Applications – Offshore North Sea / Company(ies):
PWA-Prosep
Author(s):
Gregory Hallahan / Contact Information:

Abstract:
As the production of gas fields matures, the reservoir pressure declines and calls for a number of production changes to be made in order to keep the well flowing and profitable. One pronounced side effect of lower production pressure and rates is the build-up of fluids near the production perforations in the well bore that can eventually cause production to cease without intervention. There are numerous methods of well kick-off, one of which uses surfactant and formation liquids to produce a foam that then allows the water to be picked up and removed from the well bore, returning production to the formation/well in question. However, for the offshore environment, these additional chemicals, along with an increase in produced water production, can lead to logistical problems involved in dealing with this hydrocarbon and chemically contaminated water production. Several methods exist for treating or handling this water, which includes, for offshore production platforms, dumping the water overboard if the water can meet environmental and governmental regulatory specifications. Osorb® Media, from PWA-ProSep, is an organically modified silica material with high affinity for free, dispersed, and soluble organics contained within produced water, as well as for oilfield chemicals commonly used, such as foaming agents, surfactants, emulsifiers, and corrosion inhibitors. Current North Sea regulations are focused on not only removing free and dispersed oils, but also on the Environmental Impact Factor (EIF) in determining the harm that is caused during these overboard produced water discharges. PWA-ProSep have demonstrated during several offshore trials that the Osorb Media is capable of helping operators achieve near zero discharge and aid in lowering their impact on the environments in which they operate. The results from these tests will be presented in this paper as well as a general discussion and description of the Osorb Media.
Notes:
2014 Gas Well Deliquification Workshop
Technical Presentations
Session: I --- New Technologies, Challenges, General Topics / Session Chair:
Kelli Poppenhagen
Chandran Peringod
Presentation Title: I – 4
Modeling and Control for Deliquification of Shale Gas Wells / Company(ies):
ABB Corporate Research
Author(s):
Niket S. Kaisare
Arun Gupta
Naresh N. Nandola / Contact Information:

Abstract:
This contribution focuses on developing a computationally efficient model and to use it for demonstrating advanced control methods for optimizing plunger lift operation for de-watering of natural gas wells. Although simple in principle, plunger lift is a complex process to model due to interaction between various components. We will develop a generic modeling framework for the entire plunger lift process. The model consists of a reservoir flow component, which is coupled with a detailed well-bore model and a force balance for plunger (during plunger rise and fall stages). The model also accounts for interaction between fluids in tubing and annulus during flowing and shut-in periods. The physical features of the model will be discussed and the model results compared with typical plunger lift cycle data.
Each well has a feedback control to implement a control action, i.e., when to open or close the valve. The current practice is to rely on heuristic control strategies based on operators’ and engineers’ experience with the wells. More advanced solutions rely on comparing the current surface measurements with pre-defined values. However, the overall well dynamics are ignored in the current solutions. Advanced model-based control options, which account for well dynamics and aim at optimizing certain performance measures (e.g., productivity, plunger arrival speed, etc.) for plunger lift, will be discussed in this talk.
Notes:
2014 Gas Well Deliquification Workshop
Technical Presentations
Session: I --- New Technologies, Challenges, General Topics / Session Chair:
Kelli Poppenhagen
Chandran Peringod
Presentation Title: I – 5
Retrievable Hydraulic Pump System / Company(ies):
Cormorant Engineering
Author(s):
David Bolt / Contact Information:

Abstract:
A retrievable hydraulic reciprocating downhole pump designed for small bore, deep wells has been developed and represents a significant breakthrough in dewatering and specifically hydraulic dewatering.
Retrievable reciprocating hydraulic pumps are not new and have been used in the industry for several decades. Previous pumps however require expensive completions, troublesome triplex pumps, and can have very short lives when operating on water.
The new pump system addresses all of the shortcomings:
Completion is standard 2 3/8 tubing and a pump seating nipple and a standard 1.3/4 Coiled Tubing.
The new system continues to improve the cost / benefit ratio of hydraulic down hole pumps. Deployment and operating cost is reduced by a factor of 4+ vs. other designs.
Notes:
2014 Gas Well Deliquification Workshop
Technical Presentations
Session: I --- New Technologies, Challenges, General Topics / Session Chair:
Kelli Poppenhagen
Chandran Peringod
Presentation Title: I – 6
Standardized Mobile Wellhead Compressor for Onshore Gas Wells in the Netherlands / Company(ies):
NAM
Author(s):
James Donald
Marco Marino / Contact Information:

Abstract:
Mobile Wellhead Compression (MWHC), as a technique used to extend the uptime of gas wells and postpone liquid loading, is receiving increasing attention in the onshore gas well asset in NAM, Netherlands. Due to cost, equipment and plant change lead times it is often disregarded in the pursuit of alternative methods that can cure clear and present liquid loading issues. However, with its ability to produce a well down to 2 bar and maintain wellbore access it’s a desirable method to maximize well recovery. We identified that developing a standardized MWHC was key to reducing the lead times and making MWHC an economically attractive deliquification technique.
This presentation first describes analysis of our portfolio of 150 producing wells to understand where MWHC is technically and economically attractive as a deliquification method. The second part describes how we derived the design parameters for a MWHC that could serve as many of those candidates as possible while still be cost effective. Thirdly, we have investigated the attractiveness of integration with gas lift.
Notes:
2014 Gas Well Deliquification Workshop
Technical Presentations
Session: II --- Reservoir, Stimulation, Impact of Loading / Session Chair:
Rob Sutton
Jason Carmichael
Presentation Title: II – 1
Horizontal Gas Well Geometry – A Look at Industry Practices/Outcomes / Company(ies):
Sutton Consultant
Author(s):
Rob Sutton / Contact Information:

Abstract:
Horizontal wells have become commonplace as the industry moves to develop unconventional reservoirs. Technology developments have resulted in the increase in lateral length and complexity of the wells as they are drilled to access targeted intervals in the reservoir. As a result, various geometries are observed which can be classified as toe up, toe down and hybrid. Given the large numbers of wells drilled within the industry, trends can now be identified to assess well production performance for these geometry classifications. This talk examines major horizontal plays including the Austin Chalk, Barnett, Eagle Ford, Fayetteville, Haynesville, Marcellus and Woodford to examine the effect of horizontal well geometry on long term well performance.
Notes:
2014 Gas Well Deliquification Workshop
Technical Presentations
Session: II --- Reservoir, Stimulation, Impact of Loading / Session Chair:
Rob Sutton
Jason Carmichael
Presentation Title: II – 2

Horizontal Well Artificial Lift Consortium (TUHWALP) Progress and Activity Summary

/ Company(ies):
University of Tulsa
Artificial Lift R&D Council
Author(s):
Dr. Cem Sarica
Cleon Dunham
Rob Sutton / Contact Information:

Abstract:
The Tulsa University Horizontal Well Artificial Lift Project (TUHWALP) is nearing the completion of its second year of existence. The purpose is to develop an improved understanding of the issues for production of horizontal oil and gas wells, especially where application of artificial lift is required.
Currently, TUHWALP has three project lines:
·  Project-1: Investigation of Multiphase Flow Behavior in Horizontal Gas and Oil Wells
·  Project-2: Investigation of Artificial Lift Techniques in Horizontal Wells
·  Project-3: Development of Guidelines and Recommended Practices for Unloading of Horizontal Gas Wells.
Significant progress has been made since the start of TUHWALP. This presentation will give brief information on the progress and future directions of TUHWALP.
Notes:
2014 Gas Well Deliquification Workshop
Technical Presentations
Session: II --- Reservoir, Stimulation, Impact of Loading / Session Chair:
Rob Sutton
Jason Carmichael
Presentation Title: II – 3
Comparison of Lift Gas Based Deliquification Methods in Dutch Gas Wells / Company(ies):
TNO
Shell, NAM
Author(s):
Berend Brasjen
Kees Veeken
Frans Hollman
Stefan Belfroid / Contact Information:

Abstract:
Many Dutch gas wells operated by the NAM suffer from liquid loading, calling for the application of deliquification methods. To this end, high pressure dry gas is made available for injection in the well. An exploratory study is conducted into a number of available deliquification methods in order to allocate this lift gas with maximum effect.
Using steady-state analyses, five deliquification methods have been evaluated for a reference well and a number of variations. The methods were: gas lift, wellhead eductor, downhole eductor, and combinations of wellhead eductor with gas lift as well as wellhead and downhole eductor. For each of the methods, the injection rate was optimized to maximize short term production and the resulting effect on ultimate recovery, production time and total injected volume was evaluated.
From the results, it has become clear that all methods have an advantage: gas lift
requires comparatively small amount of injection gas, the wellhead eductor attains ultimate comparatively quickly, and the downhole eductor yields the largest ultimate recovery. Adding a wellhead eductor to the gas lift method yields an increase in both ultimate recovery, production time and injection volume. Using a combination of wellhead and downhole eductor yields the same ultimate recovery as using a downhole eductor alone, but in a shorter time and with a larger injection volume required.
Notes:
2014 Gas Well Deliquification Workshop
Technical Presentations
Session: III --- Compression, Gas-Lift, Velocity String / Session Chair:
Mike Wood
Scott Campbell
Presentation Title: III – 1
Innovative Gas Lift Installation For Low GOR Oil Wells / Company(ies):
Bonanza Creek Energy, Inc.
Author(s):
Steve Wolfe
Dawn Lima / Contact Information:

Abstract:
Low GOR oil wells are sensitive to liquid loading which can result in reduced, or lost, production. Liquid loading can be caused by both downhole and surface conditions, ie: line pressure. As field are in-filled with more efficient horizontal wells, the older conventional wells struggle to continue to produce in a shared gathering system where line pressures are higher. Reactive measures may be required to return wells to production, such as ‘Open to the Tank’, or swabbing, and may only prove to be a short term fix if production conditions do not remain favorable. An innovative artificial lift system was implemented that both reduces emissions and establishes a long-term solution to loaded wells.
This talk will present Bonanza Creek Energy’s Gas Lift installation project in their Wattenberg field which improved production performance on a conventional well pad by more than 100%. Typically, single conventional oil wells do not produce enough gas to successfully run a gas lift installation, or the lease of a gas lift compressor by a single well would prove to be non-economic. Two major aspects of Bonanza’s operation in Wattenberg made this project extremely successful. One, a field gathering system that ensured a continuous and reliable source of gas for efficient injection. And two, multi-well pads.
Notes:
Session: III --- Compression, Gas-Lift, Velocity String / Session Chair:
Mike Wood
Scott Campbell
Presentation Title: III – 2
The Importance of Compression and Surface Pressure in Production Optimisation --- Part I / Company(ies):
ConocoPhillips
Author(s):
Larry Harms / Contact Information:

Abstract:
Compression and surface pressure are key components in optimising production and recovery but it is unusual to see this acknowledged in the literature or discussed in general.
An explanation of how to prevent undervaluing compression and surface pressure will be presented including understanding the effect of surface pressure on:
•  Critical rate and liquid loading (Part 1)
•  Rate and Recovery (Part 1)
•  Artificial Lift (Part 2)