Abstract
BackgroundLiquid loading of gas wells causes production difficulty and reduces ultimate recovery from these wells. Several authors proposed different models to predict the onset of liquid loading in gas wells, but the results from the models often show discrepancies. Turner’s et al. (J Pet Technol, 1969) critical model was developed based on the assumption that the droplet is a sphere and remains spherical all through the entire wellbore. On the other hand, Li’s model was developed based on the assumption the liquid droplets are flat in shape and remains same all through the wellbore. However, it is a well-known fact that the droplet alternates between spherical and flat during production operation. Invariably, the Turner’s model and the Li’s model would not be able to predict correctly the critical rate required to lift that droplet which is because the droplet deformation was not taken into account during the development of the models.Materials and methodsIn this work, a new improved model is developed and incorporated into Ms-Excel program to predict liquid loading in gas wells. In the new model, a deformation coefficient “C” is introduced to cater for the deformation of the liquid droplet along the wellbore and in turn be able to predict correctly the critical rate when the droplet varies from the spherical shape to the flat shape.ResultsResults from the analysis carried out revealed 35% error on from Turner’s model, 26% error on Li’s model, whereas the new model yielded 20% error.ConclusionThe new developed software and model proved to be more accurate in predicting onset of liquid loading.
Highlights
Background of studyNatural gas can be defined as a naturally occurring mixture of light hydrocarbons consisting mainly of methane and contains varying amounts of heavier alkanes and other impurities such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, helium, nitrogen and water
Natural gas consumption in Nigeria is quite small compared to some countries such as the US, natural gas production is faced with variety of challenges one of which is the issue of liquid loading
This study aims at developing a new model for predicting critical velocity rate for gas wells building on the premise of Turner et al (1969) and Li et al (2001)
Summary
Background of studyNatural gas can be defined as a naturally occurring mixture of light hydrocarbons consisting mainly of methane and contains varying amounts of heavier alkanes and other impurities such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, helium, nitrogen and water. Li’s model was developed based on the assumption the liquid droplets are flat in shape and remains same all through the wellbore. It is a well-known fact that the droplet alternates between spherical and flat during production operation. A deformation coefficient “C” is introduced to cater for the deformation of the liquid droplet along the wellbore and in turn be able to predict correctly the critical rate when the droplet varies from the spherical shape to the flat shape. Conclusion The new developed software and model proved to be more accurate in predicting onset of liquid loading
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
