Hybrid Model for Determining Dual String Gas Lift Split Factor in Oil Producers

Abstract

Upstream oil production using dual string completion, i.e., two tubing inside a well casing, is common due to its cost advantage. High pressure gas is employed to lift the oil to the surface when there is insufficient reservoir energy to overcome the liquids static head in the tubing. However, gas lifting for this type of completion can be complicated. This is due to the operating condition where total gas is injected into the common annulus and then allowed to be distributed among the two strings without any surface control. High uncertainties often result from the methods used to determine the split factor—the ratio between the gas lift rate to one string over the total gas injected. A hybrid model which combined three platforms: the Visual Basics for Application programme, PROSPER (a nodal analysis tool) and Excel spreadsheet, is proposed for the estimation of the split factor. The model takes into consideration two important parameters, i.e., the lift gas pressure gradient along the annulus and the multiphase pressure drop inside the tubing to estimate the gas lift rate to the individual string and subsequently the split factor. The proposed model is able to predict the split factor to within 2% to 7% accuracy from the field measured data. Accurate knowledge of the amount of gas injected into each string leads to a more efficient use of lift gas, improving the energy efficiency of the oil productions facilities and contributing toward the sustainability of fossil fuel.