Abstract:
The production of gas from `tight sand` deep wells has always created a challenge to gas well operators. The problem with conventional gas production methods from `tight sands` wells has been the inability to predictably adjust to the changes in the production capability of the well. The decisions to produce, and fluid removal on a predicted schedule, have been left to the experience and skill of the well tender. Quite often, the well may be overproduced; it becomes `waterlogged`, and the residual natural gas pressure is incapable of `lifting` the accumulated fluids from the well. Extended periods of `shut in` are then necessary to recover the pressure, and to force the excess fluids back into the formations; as a result, considerable production time is lost. Secondly, this shut in period is followed by exhausting, or `blowing` the well to the atmosphere, in order to remove the excess fluids and `clean up` the well. This loss of time and natural gas results in considerable loss of revenue. A more efficient production method is called for to fully utilize these untapped gas reserves. This paper describes a system for enhancing gas production from `tight sands` gas wells by the use of expansion tanks, designed to accept the discharged volume of gas and well fluids from at least one production cycle at a reduced pressure, plumbed in unique manner, and controlled by strategically located switch gauges, that allow naturally controlled fluid clean-out cycles. This method eliminates well shut-ins and gas loss, experienced with conventional gas production methods, and to allow more efficient exhaustion of predicted natural gas well reserves, with minimal well supervision and maintenance expense.
Page(s):
171-179
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Proceedings SPE-PAPG Annual Technical Conference, Volume: 0, Issue: , Year: 2008