Low cost methodologies to analyze and correct abnormal production decline in stripper gas wells

Abstract

The goal of this research program is to develop and deliver a procedure guide of low cost methodologies to analyze and correct problems with stripper wells experiencing abnormal production declines. A study group of wells will provide data to determine the historic frequency of the problem of abnormal production declines in stripper gas wells and the historic frequency of the causes of the production problems. Once the most frequently occurring causes of the production problems are determined, data collection forms and decision trees will be designed to cost-effectively diagnose these problems and suggest corrective action. Finally, economic techniques to solve the most frequently occurring problems will be researched and implemented. These systematic methodologies and techniques will increase the efficiency of problem assessment and implementation of solutions for stripper gas wells. This third quarterly technical report was to describe the data reduction and methodologies to develop decision trees, identify cost effective techniques to solve the most frequently experienced problems and then apply the methodology to a group of wells where recent problems have developed. Further, this third quarterly technical report was to describe the data reduction and methodologies to select the two wells with the greatest potential for increase and also having the most frequently occurring problem, and evaluate the results of the methodology and the implemented procedure. However, preparation and analysis of the decision trees is more complex than initially anticipated due to the combination of problems rather than identifiable individual problems. Therefore, this portion of the study is still in progress. We have requested and been granted verbal approval for a six month no cost extension to allow more time to thoroughly investigate this portion of the study. The delivery of the decision trees will be included in future technical reports. Work on the other tasks to be completed in this third quarterly report could not begin until completion of the decision trees.