Increasing efficiency of technological processes in oil production based on innovative rheotechnologies

Numerous studies by various authors have been devoted to gas lift wells. The scientific literature has addressed issues of increasing production of both Newtonian and non-Newtonian oils. Despite these efforts, the efficiency of the gas lift method remains relatively low, necessisating novel approaches. One of the methods to increase the productivity of gas lift wells may be the use of innovative rheotechnologies. Rheotechnology laverages knowledge about the rheological properties of formation fluids to address specific technological problems. This paper describes studies of non-Newtonian oils, their rheological properties, and their impact on the technical and economic indicators of gas lift wells. The analysis showed that by studying the formation of the non-Newtonian structure of oil, it is possible to influence its relaxation properties, and thus obtain the movement of an abnormal oil (anomalous fluid), both in the bottom-hole zone of the well and in the lifting pipes. The results of experimental studies showed that viscoelastic crude oil flowing into the wellbore contains an increased volume of reservoir gas, which, along with the injected working agent, perform additional work in lifting gas-liquid mixtures to the surface. During gas lifting operations, phenomena such as breakthrough and slippage of the working agent can be observed. Addressing all these factors enables better control over gas lift well operations and, consequently, improves the efficiency of the tecnological processes.