GAS LIFT

0 Method of lifting fluid where relatively high pressure gas is used as the lifting
medium

1 It is a mechanical process

2 250 psi minimum

3 Two methods
1. Continuous flow
A continuos volume of high pressure gas is introduced into the eductor tube to aerate or
lighten the fluid.
This occurs till there is a reduction of the bottom hole pressure which will alow a
sufficien differential pressure for the well to flow
A changing or a variable valve
HIGH PRODUCTIVITY INDEX
HIGH BHP RELATIVE TO WELL DEPTH

Fluid Production : 200 - 20,000 BPD

Casing flow incl : Excess of 80,000 BPD
Smaller volumes effectively lifted - "macroni" tubing

2. Intermittent flow
Expansion of a high pressure valve into a low pressure outlet
A valve with large port - control of gas entering tubing
Minimum slippage or
contol Liquid fallback
HIGH PI WITH LOW BHP
LOW PI WITH LOW BHP

Relative low fluid volumes

In intermittent lift , gas is ijected at regular intervals by the intermitter ( motor valve )
cycle is coincided with fluid fill in rate from production formation into the well bore

Achieved by multi point injection

Installation designed in such a way that the lowest gas lift valve open just as the bottom
slug passes each valve

Liquid slug is built up and gas is injected underneath the slug

Flowing BHP varies between period of injection of gas underneath the slug and the
escape of slug at the surface

4 Aim : Maximum fluid recovery & minimum gas injected

5 Operating valve : Deppest valve exposed to gas in casing annulus

6 Unloading valves : Valves above the operating valve which facilitates unloading well
fluids with the existing gas supply pressure