Gas Well Deliquification in the Presence of High Content of Condensate: From Laboratory to Field Test

Abstract

Two foaming formulations, an amphoteric surfactant (noted as Fam) and a blend of anionic-cationic-amphoteric surfactants (noted as Facam) have been prepared and tested at lab and in field in the presence of high content of condensate (60 vol% on average). Foam height with Facam are close to those with Fam. Although Fam has better foam stability without condensate, the half-life of the foam (t1/2) decreases by 50% in presence of condensate. Foam generated by Facam shows better oil resistance performance due to negative spreading coefficient (S). Liquid unloading efficiency with Facam are close to those with Fam at lab. Nevertheless in field application, Facam is more efficient than Fam for the deliquification in the gas well. The depth of gas well is 2126 m. Foaming formulations were injected respectively from casing pipe with injection amount of 1-2kg/day. The pressure difference between casing and tubing pipes (ΔPc-t) decreased from 1.0 MPa to 0.28 MPa, and the decline of gas production was slowed down after the injection of Facam in the gas well. As a contrast, both theΔPc-t and decline rate of gas production were increased with Fam. Foam resistance to condensate is a factor, while emulsion viscosity is inferred to be another crucial factor for the performance of formulations in the deliquification process.