A Case Study in Production Enhancement Through Installation of Optimum Artificial Lift Technology

The well, Halini X1, was initially tested at an average rate of 1,750 BOPD, with 26-degree API gravity and produced gas at 1.27 MMscfd. The production history showed that the well head parameters were at continous decline due to natural depletion of reservoir. Based on the observation, a complete nodal analysis of multiphase flow was conducted. The results indicated that the natural flow of well will cease when the reservoir pressure decline below 3,000 psig. Therefore, a suitable artificial lift was selected and designed to improve the vertical lift performance of well, making the production sustainbale even at low reservoir pressures. The high gas content of the reservoir fluid, deep reservoir zone, and adequate bottom hole pressure of Halini X1 favored gas lift to be more viable compared to other ALS methods both technically and economically. The results of the gas lift simulation showed enhancment in production; however by changing the tubing size from 3-1/2 inch to 4-1/2 inch further magnified the performance of gas lift injection in terms of production. Based on design, gas lift equipment was installed through workover and the well was put on gas lift injection. The detailed comparison was drawn between natural flow and the flow on gas lift. The outcomes were found with remarkable increase in the life span of well over natural flowing period and led to higher recovery of production.