Optimization of Intermittent Gas Lift Surface Injection Pressure in High Water Cut Oil Well

Abstract

AbstractGas lifted oil wells contributed substantially worldwide during the production life of the oil reservoir. The intermittent gas lift optimization process leads to an overall reduction of OPEX and increases the NPV from the asset. When the reservoir pressure is insufficient to produce the desired rate, consequently the oil well productivity declines and the percentage of water cut increases. The well level optimization is one of the practical strategies employs to optimize well parameters especially surface injection pressure of intermittent gas lift. A sensitivity study was implemented on surface injection pressure using IPM Prosper. Gas lifted oil rates were analyzed at several surface injection pressures from 1000-5400psi. The optimum surface injection pressure of 1300psi at an oil rate of 140 STB/day was achieved with 6 injection valves (4 operating valves and 2 safety valves) at a depth of total valves of 7316ft producing 80% water cut.