Trailblazing and Cost Effective Approach for Activation of Inactive Oil Wells Leveraging Mindset of 100x and Single Barrel Hydrocarbon Counts

This paper introduces an innovative practice and improvised initiative developed by Company Asset to reactivate inactive wells that are unable to flow with lift gas. The solution involved fixing bullhead/rocking lines for gas lift wells. In accordance with operational conditions and production mandates, the necessity of well activation was re-evaluated and successfully executed through this innovative approach. This solution significantly reduced the costs associated with well intervention and ensured the well's readiness without causing production deferment. The commissioning of gas lift wells presents challenges in unloading the liquid column to allow lift gas from the annulus into the tubing. Occasionally, this process is unsuccessful, leading to back pressure on the gas side and preventing lift gas flow into the well. To address this issue, a 1-inch piping connection was established between the gas side and the oil side. Utilizing the available piping for rocking, rather than relying on conventional external sources, resulted in significant time and cost savings as well as timely activation of the well to enhance production. The wells have been successfully rocked. The behavior of gas lift wells was analyzed by leveraging the advantage of bullheading line availability at the wellhead, which connects the gas line with the oil production line and includes manual isolation valves. Integrity checks and the sizing of the valve and line were conducted, providing confidence for utilization. The following steps were safely executed: Commencing risk assessment for utilizing existing pipingEvaluating gas lift wellheads’ process safety protectionsDeveloping safe operating procedures, scenarios, and schematics Lessons learned highlighted the benefits of minimizing external resources and reducing time consumption in resuming production. The innovative solution of utilizing the bullheading/rocking line proved to be cost-effective. The benefits achieved from this exercise, which will continue to be advantageous in the future, include: Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (3 Metric Tons CO2 equivalent)Avoidance of intervention costs amounting to 1 million USDProduction gain of 10,000 barrels of oil, preventing production loss from gas lift wellsWell availability exceeding 98%Maintenance of inactive strings KPI below 2%Ensuring well integrityAchievement of project milestones on timeAvoidance of costs and time incurred due to prolonged downtime. The implemented solution is highly effective in ensuring continuous production, reducing GHG emissions leading to NET zero mindset and can be replicated to other existing facilities in the company and worldwide. Adding simple piping at the wellhead resulted in activating the wells without using external resources. This implementation will enhance the availability of wells in a short time span and proved helpful in contributing to the pillar of Sustainability – Reduction in flaring/GHG emissions.