Abstract

Abstract Heading (flow instability) is a common problem in the operation of continuous flow gas-lift wells. One of the key elements, which affect the gas-lift stability, is the operating valve. Several operating gas-lift valve designs are currently used in practice. A new valve design, based on the use of a supersonic nozzle ("the nozzle-Venturi gas-lift valve"), was recently proposed in the literature. In most cases, it is very difficult to estimate apriori (at the design stage) how the type of the gas-lift valve and its design parameters affect the stability of a gas-lift system to be operated at a given operating condition. In this paper, the effect of operating valve design on gas-lift stability was studied. It is shown that the gas-lift stability maps proposed in an earlier study may facilitate the selection of the operating valve design. Different valve designs were considered: the conventional orifice and gas-lift valves, as well as the nozzle-Venturi valve. Gas-lift stability maps were constructed for each operating valve design. Advantages and disadvantages of the considered valve types are discussed from the point of view of the gas-lift stability. Based on the comparison of the gas-lift stability maps, recommendations on the selection of the operation valve type were elaborated.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.