Technology Driven Natural Flow Production Restoration in Low Pressure Oil and Gas Wells

Today’s industry challenge is to produce hydrocarbons while ensuring safe operating conditions and in the most economical manner possible. Time plays a crucial factor in the ever-changing lifecycle of a well. Low pressure wells have a unique challenge related to liquid loading, especially in the cases when the wells are unable to self-produce above the critical lift velocity (Turner’s velocity). These wells require solutions like lifting liquids on a periodic basis or whenever a well has to be activated after shut-in operations. Although, few proven technologies such as nitrogen lift, capillary tubing, etc. exist in the industry, however they have their own technical or operational limitations along with cost implications. In an endeavor to explore cost effective alternatives to the conventional nitrogen lift operations multiple technologies were given in depth technical and economical consideration. Coiled tubing conveyed Downhole Jet Pump technology stands-out in such given well conditions. The DH jet pump technology is primarily used as a method of artificial lift (temporary as well as permanent installations) but was also evaluated for the purpose of finding an alternative to the currently used nitrogen lift operations for well kick-off / activation. The DH Jet pump works on the principle of generating drawdown using the venturi effect created inside the working components of the Jet Pump (the nozzle, throat and diffuser), when any fluid is pumped through it. The technology passed through extensive technical evaluation and has opened many doors for multiple applications. This paper discusses the technology, process and its application in low pressure wells. The paper also sheds light on the candidate selection criteria, operational details and results of three candidate gas wells. It will also provide an insight on challenges, solutions and recommendations during the design, execution and post deployment well performance. After successful implementation of the jet pump technology, production of three wells was restored to historical production potential without involving the requirement of nitrogen lift. The results of the trial test not only proved the technology to be efficient but also proved it to be a cost-effective alternative to the conventional nitrogen lift operations. The jet pump eliminates the requirement for liquid nitrogen, personnel and equipment which further leads to a smaller footprint, hence enhancing safety on location. In addition to the above, the technology may unlock other technical prospects of implementation such as installation of the jet pumps along with velocity string to intermittently unload wells with frequent liquid loading tendencies.