Systematic Approach in Extending Liquid Loaded Offshore Gas Wells Production in Natuna Sea with Partial and Full Wellbore Water Shut Off: Case Study and Method Selection

Wells which produce dry gas reservoirs usually have low bottomhole pressure. But in many instance liquid is associated with the produced gas, it can come from the liquid in reservoir or condensed production liquid. When more liquid is introduced into the wellbore, the pressure gradient along the wellbore is higher. The increased liquid fraction creates higher backpressure on the reservoir delivering gas. In high pressure gas reservoir the presence of liquid can occur in several degree of bubble and slug flow; in depleted gas reservoir the liquid can kill the well as the gas does not have enough transport energy to lift the liquid. At the point when the gas velocity is insufficient to carry out liquid, liquid will start to drop and accumulate in the bottomhole creating a restriction on the gas flow path, the phenomena is called liquid loading. This paper presents success case studies from Premier Oil Indonesia in handling and reactivating four liquid loaded gas wells in Natuna Sea offshore operation. Wellbore configuration and facility limitations in offshore operation (e.g. maximum deck load capacity, water handling capacity and crane capacity) create more complexity of the method selection in comparison to onshore operation. There are many gas well deliquification methods available in the industry, but not in instance that each method is appropriate for all conditions. The case studies presented in this paper provide description of how Premier Oil Indonesia screened several available gas well deliquification methods in the industry and came up with the water shut off proposal as the best and most proper method for its wells. The understanding of liquid loading indication, liquid source identification and operational details of gas well deliquification methods are the most important factors to determine the most effective and cost efficient method to handle liquid loaded wells. This paper also presents a general guideline in selecting the best gas well deliquification method for some specific cases under several operational conditions for onshore and offshore operations.