Developing a complex of measures for liquid removal from gas condensate wells and flowlines using surfactants

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to consider the complications that arise while operating gas condensate wells, in particular, the accumulation of hydrocarbon condensate, formation and condensation water at wells and flowlines, to develop a method for removing liquid from wells and flowlines before it entering a gas treatment unit and being treated with surfactants and to develop a method for the foam destruction in the gas-liquid flow. Design/methodology/approach: The operational parameters of gas-condensate wells of the Yuliivske oil and gas condensate field (OGCF) have been analysed. Wells have been identified that are operated in difficult conditions due to the accumulation of the liquid at the bottom hole and in flowlines. The volume of the liquid accumulated at the bottom hole of gas condensate wells is estimated. The quantity of surfactants, the volume and concentration of the solution required to remove the liquid were calculated individually for each well. The program of experimental researches has been made. The efficiency of the application of surfactant solution was experimentally determined and a positive result was achieved in the form of an increase in production by 10%. A new approach to the use of surfactant solution, as well as the foam destruction, has been proposed. The studies were performed within the framework of research and development work by the specialists of the Ukrainian Scientific Research Institute of Natural Gases. Findings: Comprehensive measures are proposed to increase the efficiency of gas condensate wells operation. They are monitoring of operational parameters of wells by pressure and temperature gauges installed at the wellhead and at the inlet gas pipelines of the gas treatment unit; calculation of the volume of accumulated fluid in the wellbore and flowline; installation of a complex of automated feeding a surfactant solution of both in the annulus of the wells and in the flowline. For this purpose, two options for the complex and arrangement are proposed. The proposed options involve the use of various equipment and have a different principle of operation. To prevent foam from entering the gas treatment unit, a method of its destruction has been proposed. The implementation of the proposed comprehensive measures will allow controlling the well operation mode, timely liquid removal from the well and the flowline and ensure stable hydrocarbon production. Research limitations/implications: The obtained results of laboratory and experimental studies have shown that using a surfactant solution is reasonable to remove the liquid from gas condensate wells. To increase the efficiency of the measure, a new method of feeding surfactant solution was developed by installing a unit for automated feeding (UAF) of a surfactant solution at the mouth. Practical implications: The results of laboratory tests allow using a surfactant solution reasonably in order to remove the liquid from gas condensate wells, as well as possible further destruction of foam in the gas-liquid flow for increasing both the efficiency of the extraction and production volume. Originality/value: On the basis of previously performed experimental research, it has been established that it is advisable to use a surfactant solution to remove the liquid from gas condensate wells and flowlines. A new method of removing liquid from gas condensate wells and flowlines has been developed, as well as a method of destroying foam in a gas-liquid flow, which are original and can be implemented.