Insert Chamber Lift Experiences in Mara-La Paz Field, Venezuela

Abstract

Abstract Several types of fluids and well depths can be found within Mara-La Paz field. Different artificial lift methods have been used depending on the well characteristics. Gas lift is one of the most widespread methods used in the area, and gas compression facilities are used for artificial lifting many wells. The injection pressure is around 900 psi. Continuous gas lift injection is not always profitable, particularly for very low reservoir pressure. In this case, and depending on the well depth, intermittent gas injection may be used to decreased gas consumption and optimize the field. Most of the wells on this field are too deep for a conventional intermittent gas lift installation. Chamber and plunger lift are alternative applications to improve the profitability of the wells. The purpose of the chamber is to accumulate more liquid volume per bottom hole flowing pressure increase and then, to produce more fluids per cycle compared to a conventional intermittent gas lift system. Although chamber lift technology has been used for more than 4 decades, little information can be found in the literature about the intrinsic problems and statistics of success of this type of artificial lift system. This paper describes the performance of the chamber lift installations in Mara-La Paz field and the methodology used for design, diagnostic, and optimization of the systems.