Production Revival Using Hydraulic Lift Method for a Low Pressure Well: A Case Study

Abstract

While the oil and gas sector is facing one of its most significant slumps, producers have moved their focus in optimizing production of their existing wells rather than drilling new wells. Artificial Lift Systems (ALS) have played a significant part in optimizing and enhancing the production of existing assets. The primary scope of ALS is to maximize productivity; however, there are many such systems applicable, the selection of the most suitable lift system plays a vital role in cost optimization of the well.

A primary type of ALS is hydraulic lift, which has been recently applied successfully in north Iraq. A special form of hydraulic lift is the jet pump. This technology has proved to be one of the best lift types for the operator in the region, with the unique concept of no moving parts inside the downhole pump, which has dramatically reduced downtime and the need to move a workover rig to the well site. A jet pump can be installed in a well using a variety of techniques, depending upon the well completion and can be customized easily depending upon downhole conditions. However, if one does not monitor the operation and working parameters continuously, the performance of a jet pump will be reduced as well conditions change.

A jet pump was optimized as a test project for a well which was not producing naturally. This study was based on a variety of operational conditions of the well, such as injection parameters, flow restrictions and paths, surface pumping unit power, nozzle throat combinations, vessel operating pressures, and the productivity of nearby wells to calculate the reservoir potential. The evaluation, analysis, and design of a jet pump for this well were carried out on Jet Pump Evaluation and Modeling Software (JEMS). The most suitable nozzle throat combination for this well was 10D, which was used successfully to lift production to approximately 2,000 bpd.

This study describes the process and gives the results for successfully reviving production in a well with hydraulic lift. It also depicts the improvements of the optimized input power for each well depending upon the design selected. In the end, a methodology towards the selection of the best design and operating parameters of the jet pump for the mentioned well is discussed. The installation, types, and operation of the jet pump system are discussed in detail for a proper understanding of the lift method.