Gas Lift Increases High Volume Production From Claymore Field

Abstract

Introduction The present production operations on the Claymore A platform are the results of the cooperation of reservoir and platform are the results of the cooperation of reservoir and production personnel. Early in the development of production personnel. Early in the development of Claymore field, reservoir simulations were run to estimate the productivity indexes of the wells and to determine reserve productivity indexes of the wells and to determine reserve estimates. This work exposed the need for a pressure maintenance programme. So, during the first year. water injection into the reservoir was initiated. This was done early to eliminate (or substantially reduce) a big drop in the static reservoir pressure. Without water injection, a 20 per cent drop in static reservoir pressure was expected per cent drop in static reservoir pressure was expected during the first year, and with productivity indexes ranging from 5 to 36 bpd/psi, it was essential that an artificial lift system be selected and implemented into the completion plans as soon as possible. plans as soon as possible. Since the formation GOR of the Claymore was low, gas lift could substantially reduce the flowing bottom hole pressure and increase the Field's production rate. Even pressure and increase the Field's production rate. Even though the formation GOR was low, it was enough to supply fuel for the platform and circulated gas for lifting the wells. The gas for platform fuel needs is taken from the low pressure manifold. As make-up gas was needed for any reason, a gas line from the Piper Field was made available to furnish gas to the compressor suction gas header. At first the Piper was used only at special times. But the need for Piper gas increased each month and a daily requirement was established. In May 1978, the average daily use of Piper gas to the Claymore was about 4,200 mcf/d. The availability of Piper gas, therefore, played an important role in the selection of gas lift to played an important role in the selection of gas lift to produce the Claymore. produce the Claymore. A detailed study of the capability, of gas lift produced the conclusions and design conditions in Table 1. As seen on Table 1. 1,850 psi is the gas lift surface injection pressure at the well. Studied but not selected was 1,600 psi pressure at the well. Studied but not selected was 1,600 psi surface gas pressure.