CE-1: Gas Lift Products and

Gas Lift System Design

INSTRUCTOR :
Greg Stephenson

Schlumberger, 2001

TYPES OF ARTIFICIAL LIFT

Schlumberger, 2001

TYPES OF GAS LIFT

CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT
INTERMITTENT GAS LIFT
CONVENTIONAL & WIRELINE RETRIEVABLE
GAS LIFT EQUIPMENT

Schlumberger, 2001

APPLICATIONS OF CONTINUOUS FLOW GAS LIFT

TO ENABLE WELLS THAT WILL NOT FLOW NATURALLY TO PRODUCE

TO INCREASE PRODUCTION RATES IN FLOWING WELLS

TO UNLOAD A WELL THAT WILL LATER FLOW NATURALLY

TO REMOVE OR UNLOAD FLUID IN GAS WELLS

TO BACK FLOW SALT WATER DISPOSAL WELLS

TO LIFT AQUIFER WELLS

Schlumberger, 2001

ADVANTAGES OF GAS LIFT

Initial downhole equipment costs lower
low operational and maintenance cost
Simplified well completions
Flexibility - can handle rates from 10 to 50,000 bpd
Can best handle sand / gas / well deviation
Intervention relatively less expensive
Schlumberger, 2001

DISADVANTAGES OF GAS LIFT

Must have a source of gas

Imported from other fields
Produced gas - may result in start up problems

Possible high installation cost

Top sides modifications to existing platforms
Compressor installation

Limited by available reservoir pressure

and bottom hole flowing pressure
Schlumberger, 2001

CONTINUOUS FLOW
UNLOADING SEQUENCE

Schlumberger, 2001

TO SEPARATOR/STOCK TANK

PRESSURE PSI
0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

INJECTION GAS
CHOKE CLOSED

2000

TOP VALVE OPEN

4000

E
UR
SS

8000

RE
U
SS

E
PR

E
PR

DEPTH FTTVD

G
N
SI
CA

THIRD VALVE
OPEN

6000

NG
BI
TU

SECOND VALVE
OPEN

10000
FOURTH VALVE
OPEN

12000

14000

TUBING PRESSURE

SIBHP

CASING PRESSURE

Schlumberger, 2001

TO SEPARATOR/STOCK TANK

PRESSURE PSI
0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

INJECTION GAS
CHOKE OPEN

2000

4000

SECOND VALVE
OPEN

THIRD VALVE
OPEN

DEPTH FTTVD

TOP VALVE OPEN

6000

8000

10000
FOURTH VALVE
OPEN

12000

14000

TUBING PRESSURE

SIBHP

CASING PRESSURE

Schlumberger, 2001

PRESSURE PSI

TO SEPARATOR/STOCK TANK

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

INJECTION GAS
CHOKE OPEN

2000

4000

SECOND VALVE
OPEN

THIRD VALVE
OPEN

DEPTH FTTVD

TOP VALVE OPEN

6000

8000

10000
FOURTH VALVE
OPEN

12000

14000

TUBING PRESSURE

SIBHP

CASING PRESSURE

Schlumberger, 2001

PRESSURE PSI

TO SEPARATOR/STOCK TANK

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

INJECTION GAS
CHOKE OPEN

2000

4000

SECOND VALVE
OPEN

THIRD VALVE
OPEN

DEPTH FTTVD

TOP VALVE OPEN

6000

8000

10000
FOURTH VALVE
OPEN

12000

14000

DRAWDOWN

TUBING PRESSURE
CASING PRESSURE

FBHP

SIBHP

Schlumberger, 2001

TO SEPARATOR/STOCK TANK

PRESSURE PSI
0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

INJECTION GAS
CHOKE OPEN

2000

4000

SECOND VALVE
OPEN

THIRD VALVE
OPEN

DEPTH FTTVD

TOP VALVE OPEN

6000

8000

10000
FOURTH VALVE
OPEN

12000

14000
DRAWDOWN

TUBING PRESSURE
CASING PRESSURE

FBHP

SIBHP

Schlumberger, 2001

PRESSURE PSI

TO SEPARATOR/STOCK TANK

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

INJECTION GAS
CHOKE OPEN

2000

4000

SECOND VALVE
OPEN

THIRD VALVE
OPEN

DEPTH FTTVD

TOP VALVE CLOSED

6000

8000

10000

FOURTH VALVE
OPEN

12000

14000
DRAWDOWN

TUBING PRESSURE
CASING PRESSURE

FBHP

SIBHP

Schlumberger, 2001

PRESSURE PSI

TO SEPARATOR/STOCK TANK

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

INJECTION GAS
CHOKE OPEN

2000

4000

SECOND VALVE
OPEN

THIRD VALVE
OPEN

DEPTH FTTVD

TOP VALVE CLOSED

6000

8000

10000

FOURTH VALVE
OPEN

12000

14000
DRAWDOWN

TUBING PRESSURE
CASING PRESSURE

FBHP

SIBHP

Schlumberger, 2001

PRESSURE PSI

TO SEPARATOR/STOCK TANK

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

INJECTION GAS
CHOKE OPEN

2000

4000

SECOND VALVE
CLOSED

THIRD VALVE
OPEN

DEPTH FTTVD

TOP VALVE CLOSED

6000

8000

10000

FOURTH VALVE
OPEN

12000

14000

DRAWDOWN

TUBING PRESSURE
CASING PRESSURE

FBHP

SIBHP

Schlumberger, 2001

FIGURE 3-8: Example of the Unloading Sequence

Casing Operated Valves and Choke Control of Injection Gas
2000
1800
1600

Pressure psi

1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
12:00 AM

03:00 AM

06:00 AM

PRESSURE CA SING

09:00 AM
T ime

12:00 PM

03:00 PM

06:00 PM

PRESSURE TUBING

Schlumberger, 2001

GAS LIFT WELL KICK-OFF

Unload well carefully
50 - 100 psi (3.5 bar) per 10 min
1 - 2 bbl per min

Maximize production choke opening

Gradually increase gas injection rate
Monitor well clean up and stability
Get to target position
Perform step rate production test
Optimize gas injection rate
Note - when unloading all valves open!
Schlumberger, 2001

RUNNING AND PULLING GAS LIFT VALVES

KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES
UPON COMPLETION OF THIS SEGMENT, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

Explain the procedure for running and pulling gas lift valves from a side
pocket mandrel.
Describe the precautions that should be taken during running and
pulling operations.
Explain the operation of the OK series kickover tool.
Explain the operation of the BK-1 latch.
List and describe the different latch profiles available and explain the
importance of latch / pocket compatability.

Schlumberger, 2001

GAS LIFT VALVE CHANGEOUTS!

Methodical
Equalise pressure
Valve catcher
Latches
Running / pulling tools
Pressure tests
Experience
Risk
Schlumberger, 2001

 Schlumberger, 2001

 Schlumberger, 2001

GAS LIFT VALVE LATCHES

KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES
UPON COMPLETION OF THIS SEGMENT, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

Understand the purpose of a gas lift valve latch.

Identify key latch components.
Explain the operation of a latch.

Schlumberger, 2001

GAS LIFT MANDRELS

SIDE POCKET
MANDRELS

CONVENTIONAL
MANDREL

Schlumberger, 2001

5 1/2 MMRG-4, 1 1/2 POCKET

ROUND MANDREL DESIGN
Orienting
Sleeve

CAMCO
Tool
Discriminator

G Latch
Lug

Polished
Seal Bore

ENGINEERING DATA
PART NUMBER
SIZE
MAX O.D.
MIN I.D.
DRIFT I.D.
THREAD
TEST PRESSURE INTERNAL
TEST PRESSURE EXTERNAL
LATCH TYPE
KICKOVER TOOL
RUNNING TOOL
PULLING TOOL
MATERIAL
TENSILE STRENGTH (EOEC)

05712-000-00001
5 1/2
7.982
4.756
4.653
17 LB/FT MANN BDS B x P
7740 PSI
6280 PSI
RK, RK-1, RKP, RK-SP
OM-1, OM-1M, OM-1S
RK-1 15079
1 5/8 JDS 15155
410 S.S., 13 CR 22 HRC MAX
490,000 LBS

CAMCO 1996

Schlumberger, 2001

GAS LIFT MANDREL NOMENCLATURE

BASIC DESIGN FEATURES
KB
M
M
M
G
R
T
A
U
E
EC
W

1ST IDENTIFIER
1ST IDENTIFIER
2ND IDENTIFIER
3RD IDENTIFIER

1" POCKET
1-1/2" POCKET
OVAL BODY PIPE
MACHINED POCKET W/TOOL DISCRIMINATOR
TOOL DISCRIMNINATOR AND ORIENTING SLEEVE
CAMCO DESIGN - ROUND BODY PIPE
TRUGUIDE DESIGN - ROUND BODY PIPE
A POCKET PROFILE
REDUCED O.D. AND I.D.
STANDARD POCKET PORTING - BOTTOM EXHAUST
POCKET PORTED TO TUBING - BOTTOM EXHAUST
WATERFLOOD
BASIC DESIGN VARIATIONS

2
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
LT
LTS
V

SLIGHTLY REDUCED MAJOR O.D.

SPECIAL THREADING CONSIDERATIONS
THREAD RECUTS
EXTERNAL GUARD DEVICES
SPECIAL INTERNAL MODIFICATIONS
SPECIAL POCKET MODIFICATION
BOTTOM LATCH ONLY
PLUGGABLE OR NO PORTS
SIDEPIPE POCKET PORTING
SIDELUG TO ACCEPT INJECTION TUBE
MULTIPLE POCKET

Schlumberger, 2001

GAS LIFT VALVE MECHANICS

Schlumberger, 2001

GAS LIFT VALVE MECHANICS

3 basic types of gas lift valve, each available in 1 & 1-1/2 sizes:

Dummy valves

Orifice valves
Square edged
Venturi (nova)

Unloading valves
Injection pressure (casing)
operated valves
production pressure (fluid)
operated valves
Throttling/proportional response
valves

Schlumberger, 2001

UNLOADING GAS LIFT VALVE

Normally required during unloading phase
only
Open only when annulus and tubing
pressures are high enough to overcome valve
set pressure
Valve closes after transfer to next station
May be spring or nitrogen charged

Schlumberger, 2001

Diaphragm/
Atmospheric Bellows
Spring

Stem

Upstream/
Casing

Stem Tip
Upstream

Downstream
Port
Downstream/Tubing

Pressure Regulator

Spring Operated Gas Lift Valve

Schlumberger, 2001

VALVE OPENING & CLOSING PRESSURES

F=PXA

Pd

WHEN THE VALVE IS CLOSED

TO OPEN IT..
1
Pd x Ab= Pc (Ab - Ap) + Pt Ap

Pd
2

Pc
1

Pc

WHEN THE VALVE IS OPEN

TO CLOSE IT..
2
Pd x Ab = Pc (Ab)

Pt
UN BALANCED VALVE
Schlumberger, 2001

VALVE OPENING & CLOSING PRESSURES

CLOSING FORCE (IPO VALVE)

Fc = PbAb

OPENING FORCES (IPO VALVE)

Fo1 = Pc (Ab- Ap)

Fo2 = Pt Ap

TOTAL OPENING FORCE

Fo = Pc (Ab - Ap) + Pt Ap

JUST BEFORE THE VALVE OPENS THE FORCES ARE EQUAL

Pc (Ab - Ap) + Pt Ap = Pb Ab

SOLVING FOR Pc
WHERE:

Pb - Pt (Ap/Ab)
Pc = -------------------------1 - (Ap/Ab)
Pb
= Pressure in bellows
Pt
= Tubing pressure
Pc
= Casing pressure
Ab
= Area of bellows
Ap
= Area of port
Schlumberger, 2001

VALVE OPENING & CLOSING PRESSURES

Pc =

Pb - Pt (Ap/Ab)
---------------------1 - (Ap/Ab)

Pc =

Pb - Pt (R)
---------------------1-R

Pb = Pc (1 - R) + Pt (R)

Where R = Ratio Ap/Ab

Schlumberger, 2001

PRODUCED FLUID

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

INJECTION GAS

2000

DEPTH FTTVD

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000
DRAWDOWN

TUBING PRESSURE
CASING PRESSURE

FBHP

SIBHP
Schlumberger, 2001

GAS LIFT VALVES CLOSE IN SEQUENCE

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

2000

DEPTH FTTVD

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000
DRAWDOWN

TUBING PRESSURE
CASING PRESSURE

FBHP

SIBHP

Schlumberger, 2001

CASING P.
TO OPEN

PRODUCED FLUID

INJECTION GAS

CASING P
TO CLOSE
DOME P.

AT SURFACE

1200 PSI

? PSI

TUBING P.
@ DEPTH
VALVE # 1

1260 PSI

? PSI

VALVE # 2

1300 PSI

? PSI

VALVE # 3

1340 PSI

? PSI

560 PSI

740 PSI

890 PSI

Pd = Pc (1(1-R) + Pt (R)
NOTE : ALL VALVES 3/16 RR-20
R = 0.038 1R
=
0.962
1

Schlumberger, 2001

Pb

Pb
Dome

Dome

Chevron
Packing
Stack

Chevron
Packing
Stack

Bellows

Bellows

Stem Tip (Ball)

Pc

Square Edged
Seat

Pc

Stem Tip (Ball)

Square Edged
Seat
Pt
Chevron
Packing
Stack

Pt

Check Valve

Nitrogen Charged Bellows Type

Injection Pressure (Casing) Operated Gas Lift Valve

Chevron
Packing
Stack

Check Valve

Nitrogen Charged Bellows Type

Production Pressure (Fluid) Operated Gas
Lift Valve 2001
Schlumberger,

Dome

Pb
Atmospheric
Bellows

Spring

Chevron
Packing
Stack
Bellows

Chevron
Packing
Stack

Pc

Spring
Adjustment
Nut & Lock Nuts

Large T.C. Ball

Tapered
T.C. Seat
Chevron
Packing
Stack

Pc

Pt

Check Valve

Nitrogen Charged Bellows Type

Proportional Response Gas Lift Valve

Stem Tip (Ball)

Square Edged
Seat
Chevron
Packing
Stack

Pt

Check Valve

Spring Operated
Injection Pressure (Casing) Operated Gas Lift Valve

Schlumberger, 2001

 Schlumberger, 2001

 Schlumberger, 2001

GAS LIFT VALVE FEATURES

Bellows protection
Max dome charge
Check valve
Stem travel
Metallurgy
Elastomers
Max fluid rate

Schlumberger, 2001

OPERATING GAS LIFT VALVE

Typically an orifice type Gas lift valve
always open - allows gas across Passage whenever
correct differential exists
Gas injection controlled by size and differential across
replaceable choke
Back-check prevents reverse flow of well fluids from the
production conduit

Schlumberger, 2001

ORIFICE VALVES
THERE ARE 2 TYPES OF ORIFICE VALVE:
SQUARED EDGED ORIFICE
VENTURI (NOVA)

Valve designed for accurate gas passage

prediction.
One-way check valve for tubing integrity.

Schlumberger, 2001

NOVA VALVE

Schlumberger, 2001