METHOD FOR OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF GAS-LIFT WELL Russian patent published in 1999 - IPC

FIELD: oil and gas production industry. SUBSTANCE: method is intended for setting and maintaining optimal gas-lift process and also for operational control of stable functioning of gas-lift wells with abnormally low bed pressures. According to method, regulated is flow rate of working gas, measured is changing of annular space, additionally measured is separation gas output. According to measurement of working gas pressure in annular space and to measurement of separation gas output, determined by means of nomographs is pressure and velocity of upward flow of gas-liquid product at pad of lift column. With that, flow rate of working gas is maintained from condition of ensuring velocity of upward flow at pad of lift column within 1.3-2.5 m/s. These values are experimentally determined by earlier performed investigations. For operational control of stable functioning of gas-lift wells and setting optimal mode of their operation, used are two nomographs which allow for meeting all requirements by direct measurement of working gas pressure in annular space and outflow of separation gas that is bed gas plus working gas. Application of aforesaid method cuts time needed for investigations and operational control of gas-lift wells at minimal working gas input and its minimal pressure at inlet points or at maximal depression. EFFECT: higher efficiency. 2 dwg