Learnings from Successful Permian High Pressure Gas Lift Installations

Abstract

Making high rates reliably with low costs from unconventional wells remains challenging. In 2017, SPE 187443 asked whether there was an opportunity to do this with high pressure gas lift (HPGL). In 2019, HPGL showed rates comparable to ESP's (SPE 195180). This paper presents results/learnings from HPGL installations in production, costs vs. ESP, modelling, kickoff and operating pressure, tubular/BHA/facilities design, installing tubing day one, slugging mitigation and electric vs. gas units. Despite an estimated 3000 HPGL installations in the last 7 years, no results on field performance have been documented except those previously reported for a single well in 2019. Extensive design, modelling, and field data from 5 wells are analyzed and shared along with related economics. Additionally, general observations are provided from operations at hundreds of HPGL installations on many important aspects of HPGL design, implementation and continuing operations to help other operators to apply this useful artificial lift method more efficiently and effectively in the future. The results show that HPGL wells can be produced at high rates comparable to ESP's (dependent on well and reservoir conditions) with less complexity, failures and downtime. Also, economics for HPGL are attractive compared to ESP's. Further significant results and conclusions are that well tubulars are readily modelled to predict/optimize rates, facilities can easily be designed to allow maximum flow rates/ mitigate slugging, HPGL wells are simple to optimize using changes in injection rates while monitoring surface pressures and electric units are found to have substantial benefits when good line power is available. Field results and learnings from multiple HPGL well operations as well as detailed economic data have not been shared to date. The information presented here will extend the industry's knowledge and ability to evaluate and apply this effective artificial lift technique as well as compare its economics to ESP's.