Designpro V3 - Gas Lift Design Tutorial: Return To Main - Next

DesignPro V3 - Gas Lift Design Tutorial
6/22/2007
INTRODUCTION
DesignPro is a single-well analysis (Nodal analysis) program. Its function is to analyze the
behavior of petroleum fluids in wells. This behavior is modeled in terms of the pressure
and temperature of the fluids, as a function of flow rate and fluid properties. The program
takes as its input a description of the reservoir, of the well completion (i.e. the hardware
of the well), and of the surface hardware (i.e. pipelines etc…). This is combined with fluid
properties data (PVT). A well is modeled with a series of nodes from the reservoir to the
separator and the program then performs calculations to determine the pressure and
temperature of the fluids at each node. Different modes of operation can be employed to
either solve for flow rate given controlling pressures or solving for pressure drops given
measured flow rates.
DesignPro calculations are based on Nodal Analysis. There are two main types of
analysis. The first is the determination of flow rates from pressures and the second is the
Schlumberger Private
determination of pressures from flow rates. The determination of flow rates is concerned
with deliverability calculations and the determination of pressure is concerned with
monitoring or diagnostic applications. The main purpose of a gas lift design is to optimize
the deliverability of the well for a given gas injection rate under the well conditions and
profile provided. To do this a model must be built and then analysis must be performed to
optimize the design.
The gas lift engineer must be concerned about how the spacing of each individual gas lift
valve station and sizing of the unloading and orifice valve ports will affect the
deliverability of the well under the envelope of conditions supplied by the customer.
Justification for the inclusion of an additional station will hinge on what it will bring to the
overall design in the future. Analysis will provide feedback on how a gas lift design will
operate under the expected conditions.
© Copyright Statement This document remains the property of Schlumberger and is Confidential and Trade
Secret. Do not disclose, use, or reproduce without written approval from Schlumberger
Return to Main • Next

2 of 81
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this user manual is to provide a walk-through of the DesignPro Version 3.0
Gas Lift Design screens and an explanation of the usage of them for the DesignPro Gas Lift
Application Mode.
OPENING DIALOG
The first screen (FIG 1) is the opening dialog screen in DesignPro Gas Lift.
FIG 1
The green button with the arrow in the Workflow Menu indicates the open screen. Note
that most of these are not activated yet. The input has to be sequentially submitted to the
program. As the input is filled in, the next dialog icon will be activated. The Workflow
entries that have an X next to them must be completed in order to move on to the System
Design section. Red boxes, arrows, buttons in the program indicate data that must be
completed to do a design. The program opens to the Well Reference screen, but the
Preferences, Options and Correlations should be set or possibly changed for the specific
© Copyright Statement: This document remains the property of Schlumberger. It is Confidential and Trade Secret
and not to be disclosed, used, or reproduced without written approval from Schlumberger.
Back • Return to Main • Next

3 of 81
application. The choice to create a new file or open a saved file is available when File is
selected from the Top Menu. File also gives the options to Save or Save As for the current
open file. Most importantly, remember to save your file regularly.
PREFERENCES
Preferences screen is in FIG 2.
FIG 2
The Basic Preferences include a choice of Unit System, and the Application Mode preferred
for startup of the application.

4 of 81
FIG 3
Dropdowns using the right side arrow give the options that can be selected.
The Advanced Tab offers more flexibility for unit systems. The users can build their own unit
systems using, for example, some parameters in Metric and others in Oilfield through the
choices available in Advanced (FIG 4). The plus button builds a new system with the current
parameters. The user can give it a name and then change some of the units. The Apply
Modifications button will save the new units to the user built system. The minus button can be
used to delete these unique systems. This does not lock in the units that must be used
throughout the input screens. As will be illustrated later, each input parameter offers a units
tab, which enables changing only that parameter’s units for input. On the Basic screen there
is a button to Save As Default the settings so that each time the program opens, these settings
will be used unless they are changed again.

5 of 81
FIG 4
For this example oilfield units will be used. On this screen there is the option to have the
program check if the data entered is reasonable. The user must check this as shown for this
option to activate. It enables minimum and maximum value checking for the program on all
parameters. This could keep the user from making ridiculous data errors.

6 of 81
CORRELATIONS
FIG 5
The Fluid or PVT correlations may or may not have those available that the user has had in
other software. Some of the properties have a drop-down table of correlations that can be
selected. These correlations can have quite an impact on the design. Some customers may
dictate the correlations that best fit their fluids. Kartoatmodjo’s correlations are recommended
for viscous applications. This exercise is viscous with low API oil. For this exercise the
correlation choices in FIG 10 will be used. Again different ones may show initially when the
software is first opened.

7 of 81
FIG 6
The user can save selections as the default to be used each time the program is opened. If at
any time changes are made to these and previous defaults forgotten, they can be restored
with the Restore Default button. The Flow Correlations screen is illustrated in FIG 7.

8 of 81
FIG 7
Here there is more than one choice of library source: Baker Jardine or Tulsa University.
There is a correlation for vertical flow and one for horizontal flow with the entry of the angle
from vertical (Swap angle) where the user wishes to have the correlation change. There is an
advanced feature (Advanced Tab FIG 7A) where the user can enter the Friction factor and
Holdup factor if there is access to this type of information for the well although these are not
necessary parameters to enter.
As in the Fluid correlations, the user can save as default and the program will always open
with these selected. And, if the user begins making changes here and cannot remember
where he or she originally started they can restore the default. The Advanced tab is featured
in FIG 7A.

9 of 81
FIG 7A
Also, on this screen are entries for the separator conditions. This can impact results for
correlations and should be duly noted especially when doing modeling of applications and
attempting to match surface measured quantities.
Note: Based on the field experience of Schlumberger engineers, the Hagedorn & Brown
(mod) and Beggs & Brill (mod) correlations are generally recommended for the vertical
and horizontal sections respectively, irrespective of the wellbore. In the absence of
better information to the contrary, these are considered to offer reasonably accurate
predictions of pressure drop for the purpose of the gas lift design. Where possible the
accuracy of the chosen correlation and the model should be checked against measured
data. This can be in the form of flowing gradient surveys or multi-rate tests.

10 of 81
OPTIONS
FIG 8
This screen offers the option of Heat Transfer in both Wellbore and Flowline calculations. If
this is selected, the parameters necessary for the calculations must be filled in. If it is not
selected for the wellbore, the temperature is considered linear from the given bottom hole
temperature at the perforation (or Datum) depth to the given wellhead temperature. The Heat
Transfer option could have considerable impact on cold, hot and viscous wells.
Note: If the user is taking temperature and pressure from a downhole monitoring tool and that
is the datum for the Inflow Performance Relationship (IPR), then the user should enter the
datum temperature here as the reservoir temperature. If Advanced is selected, then even
more detail must be supplied to the program (FIG 9).

11 of 81
FIG 9
In this example the Heat Transfer will be turned off.

12 of 81
FIG 9A
If the user selects to model the Flowline (see figure 9B), this is where they will indicate this
usage. Note the Workflow adds Flowline in the Model Setup. On this application the flowline
will not be modeled.

13 of 81
Fig 9B
If the user selects to model the Flowline, this can be enabled in Model Data (above) or in the
Options (see figure 8). The Model Data feature will also enable the user to choose
Correlations, Choke, Fluid, Wellbore and Inflow set-ups.

14 of 81
FLOWLINE
FIG 9C
The Flowline dialog is similar to the casing/tubing dialog, which is covered under Wellbore. If
the user designates that they want to do a heat transfer and enters the U value on the
OPTIONS screen there will be a column here for them to enter it. If they elect to have the U
value calculated in the OPTIONS then the necessary information would be required in the
screen provided here and in the Environment screen. The screens will change depending on
the selection of the Heat Transfer and the U value designation in the OPTIONS screen.

15 of 81
FIG 9D
The Elevation Survey for the Flowline Data is similar to the Wellbore Deviation Analysis
covered later in this tutorial.

16 of 81
FIG 9E
This is the Environment screen that is no longer grayed out if activation of U calculation is
designated in the OPTIONS. If further help is needed on these screens, check Quick Help.

17 of 81
OPTIONS (Continued)
FIG 10
Returning to the OPTIONS dialog, the user has control over the use of the considering the
Joule-Thompson Effect (or temperature effect) on the Reservoir. There is also a feature that
allows the user to consider the effect of friction in the casing as the injection flow rate
increases. This can be used for predicting the effect on down-hole casing pressures in cases
where the annular flow area is dramatically restricted. The user has some control over the
rigorousness of the calculations in the multiphase flow pressure traverse correlations here,
too. If the segment length is made smaller or the number of segments larger, more accuracy
may be obtained but there will be longer calculation time. The option to Create Dump Files is
a valuable source of detailed calculation information. Again the settings on this screen can be
saved as the Default settings to be loaded on the creation of each new file. The Restore
Defaults button is to be used when changes have been made on the screen but not Saved as
Default yet and the user wishes to return to the last set of default values saved. The Workflow
Menu Correlations screen is shown in FIG 11.

18 of 81
CORRELATIONS
FIG 11
The Fluid or PVT correlations may or may not have those available that the user has had in
other software. Some of the properties have a drop-down table of correlations that can be
selected. These correlations can have quite an impact on the design. Some customers may
dictate the correlations that best fit their fluids. Kartoatmodjo’s correlations are recommended
for viscous applications.

19 of 81
FIG 12
The user can save selections as the default to be used each time the program is opened. If at
any time changes are made to these and previous defaults forgotten, they can be restored
with the Restore Default button. The Flow Correlations screen is illustrated in FIG 13.

20 of 81
FIG 13
Here there is more than one choice of library source: Baker Jardine or Tulsa University.
There is a correlation for vertical flow and one for horizontal flow with the entry of the angle
from vertical (Swap angle) where the user wishes to have the correlation change. There is an
advanced feature (Advanced Tab FIG 13A) where the user can enter the Friction factor and
Holdup factor if there is access to this type of information for the well although these are not
necessary parameters to enter. As in the Fluid correlations, the user can save as default and
the program will always open with these selected. And, if the user begins making changes
here and cannot remember where he or she originally started they can restore the default.
The Advanced tab is featured in FIG 13A.

21 of 81
FIG 13A
Also, on this screen are entries for the separator conditions. This can impact results for
correlations and should be duly noted especially when doing modeling of applications and
attempting to match surface measured quantities.
The Well Reference screen is featured again in FIG 14.

22 of 81
WELL REFERENCE
FIG 14
At the top of the Workflow Menu in the right corner is a “pin” that can be used to close the
Menu (FIG 15).

23 of 81
FIG15
Clicking on the Workflow side tab will reopen the Menu. On the Reference Page the user
should fill in the appropriate information for the application. The up and down arrows on the
keyboard or the tab key can be used as well as swiping the mouse to highlight for making
changes. It is a recommended practice that the user saves the file before moving from screen
to screen. It can save considerable time and frustration if the program crashes at some point
in data entry.

24 of 81
FLUID
FIG 16
Note that the user has the ability to change the units for a specific parameter. If the parameter
is entered before putting the proper units label with it, holding down the SHIFT key on the
computer as the units are changed will keep the value from changing in the parameter. The
tab key can be used to move between parameters. There are two entry options for both Water
and gas-oil-ratio/gas-liquid-ratio (GOR/GLR). The bubble point can be entered directly or it can
be calculated using a correlation based on the surface GOR or GLR. If the user has a bubble
point for an application, it should be entered directly because a calculated bubble point from a
GOR/GLR is not likely to be as accurate. To enter a specific Bubble Point the checkbox next to
bubble point must be selected and then the value entered. This is the first place to enter the
reservoir temperature unless the Heat Transfer Option was selected, and this temperature
goes with the datum location for establishing the IPR. For this exercise these parameters will
be used: 35 API oil, a gas specific gravity of 0.65, a water specific gravity of 1.03, 10% water
cut and a GOR of 400 scf/stb and a reservoir temperature of 200 degrees F. No bubble point
has been provided, so no check will be placed in the bubble point box. The program will
calculate the bubble point using the GOR and a correlation.

25 of 81
FIG 17
The Run Calculations button in the left corner of the screen will cause the calculations to be
made without leaving the screen.

26 of 81
FIG 18
In this case the bubble point has been calculated after the Run Calculations button was
clicked. The bubble point calculation depends on the correlation selected previously in the
Workflow Getting Started Correlations screen. No gas impurities have been given for this
exercise but this input feature is available also in this screen. The Lab Data screen is
illustrated in FIG 19.

27 of 81
FIG 19
The user can enter just one parameter with the pressure or any number of them. When a
single point is given, then the selected correlation for that parameter is shifted so that it goes
through that point. Multiple points at a set lab temperature can be entered for any or all of the
parameters. Note the 3 partitions: below bubble point, at bubble point and above bubble point.
For this exercise there is no Lab Data, but if a customer provides such data it will make the
design more accurate to enter it. The user should be very careful of the units given on Lab
Data. The unit buttons in this dialog again offer many options. The user does not have to enter
all the properties. When the user does have actual laboratory data, the program uses it and
the selected correlation to calculate the property at the measured pressure and temperature
and then for each point a correction factor is calculated and is used for other temperatures
with the correlation. In other words, it is a means of adjusting or calibrating for all
temperatures. FIG 20 features the Viscosity Data screen.

28 of 81
FIG 20
In this Viscosity Data screen emulsion selection is available. The user indicates the inversion
point and a methodology for handling the emulsion. Although this example is not an emulsion,
make note that there is at this time a “REDA” methodology or a Woelflin correlation that can
be used to impact the viscous properties of the fluid. The “REDA”or Compsel methodology
correlates somewhat to Brinkman model with Taylor corrections
The Wellbore screen is featured in FIG 21.

29 of 81
WELLBORE
FIG 21
The Wellbore dialog requires all of the data that describes the tubing, casing, datum depth,
and temperatures in the Well Data tab. There is a Directional Survey tab to define Deviation
and a Downhole Equipment tab to define completion equipment that can influence the
multiphase flow characteristics of the Gas Lift System. Note that all of the depths to be
entered on this dialog are measured depths (MD). Also, a Well Schematic panel has opened
on the right hand side of the dialog. This schematic closes with the “pin” just as the Workflow
Menu does. As the data for this example is entered in the dialog, a portrayal of the wellbore
will show in this Well Schematic panel. This application has 9 5/8 inch 47 # casing down to a
MD of 14400 feet. The casing dropdown button can be utilized to enter casing to the table (FIG
22).

30 of 81
FIG 22
The user enters the length of the casing and double clicks on the highlighted selection to fill in
the data on the table. To close the dropdown the user can click anywhere else on the screen.

31 of 81
FIG 23
It is not necessary to close the dropdown if more casing sections are to be added. To add a
second string of casing, for example, with a length of 500 feet, the user puts the length of the
new string and double clicks on the appropriate size (FIG 24). The user can have any number
of sections in the casing string.

32 of 81
FIG 24
If the casing schematic does not appear to be complete (one-sided casing in the drawing for
example), then widen the Well Schematic side panel box by grabbing on to the left-hand side
of it with the mouse and pulling it left to see if that corrects the drawing. There are two ways
to delete an entry. A right click on the row enables the delete menu. To delete a section the
user highlights the section in the Schematic and clicks on the red X Delete button. Double
clicking on the tubing size will select and update the table. Note the Schematic also updates.
The tubing dropdown button can be utilized to enter tubing size to the table (FIG 25). Here we
are choosing 3-1/2” 9.2 ppf tubing to 14,600’ MD. We are also defining the perforation depth at
14,600’ MD and the packer depth at 13,800’ MD. It is important to note that most gas lift
applications contain a production packer typically located above and near the top of the
perforations. However there are applications that do not have packers so the user is
required to enter the packer depth.

33 of 81
FIG 25
Flow type selection, tubular or annular, is available from the dropdown at the right side of the
tubing entry. Flow path can be different from one section of tubing to another. The pressure
data that will be used for the Inflow Performance was taken at 14,600 feet MD for this example
and may or may not be the actual perforation depth or mid-perforations depth. If the user’s
pressure data for the Inflow Performance Relationship (IPR) is taken from a downhole
monitoring tool, then the depth of that tool should be used as the datum depth on this screen.
The bottomhole or reservoir temperature should also correlate to the datum depth that has
been given. The wellhead temperature given in this dialog may at this point be a guess or data
given by the well operator. If the Heat Transfer Option has been selected, the wellhead
temperature will be calculated and thus cannot be entered here. In this case the Run
Calculations button must be pressed to calculate the wellhead temperature. The given
bottomhole temperature is 200 degrees F and the wellhead temperature is 135 degrees F for
this example. The Directional Survey tab is illustrated in FIG 26.

34 of 81
FIG 26
This exercise is for a deviated well, so the data that correlates the measured depths (MD) with
the vertical depths (VD) in the wellbore has to be entered here. In this example the program
will calculate the angle from vertical. If the user has the angle and either MD or VD, the
program can solve for the other parameter. Note the new Trajectory tab that has opened a
panel on the right side of the screen. As points are entered, the Trajectory curve will be
drawn. The very first entry into this table should be no deeper than the kick-off point where the
MD and the VD are equal (angle near 0). The more entries into the table, the more accurate
the design will be. The tab key can be used to enter the data points.
If the user has tabular data that can be copied, then it can be pasted in to the DesignPro
Directional Survey. FIG 27A illustrates the buttons for Copy, Paste and Delete to be used in the
Directional Survey.

35 of 81
FIG 27
The Trajectory Curve panel can be closed with the “pin”. The boxes at the top support the
ability to copy, paste and delete rows and columns into and from the survey. Values can be
brought in to this table from another file as illustrated or taken from this table to another file.
Highlighting turns on the red X to delete. Other features to note are the zoom in, zoom out,
copy to clipboard, print, legend and mouse tracking icons on the Trajectory panel. The
Downhole Equipment tab is illustrated in FIG 28.

36 of 81
Fig 28
There is an option to include additional downhole equipment including Sub-surface Safety

Valves (SSSV), Mandrels and Chokes. The Work Flow Menu Inflow Data screen is featured in
FIG 29.

37 of 81
INFLOW DATA
FIG 29
There are a number of options for Inflow Performance. FIG 30 illustrates the dropdown
selection.

38 of 81
FIG 30
Under Model Type the user has the option to select Well PI (Productivity Index), Vogel’s
Equation, Fetkovich’s Equation, Jones’s Equation or Pseudo Steady State. In all cases a Static
Pressure (Bottom Hole Pressure) (box in red) must be supplied. In Figure 33 a value for PI (box
in red) must be entered to allow calculations. Sometimes all the well operator will give is a PI.
In many cased the well operator will supplied detailed reservoir and sandface completion data
to allow the user the select the other Model Types. FIG 31 features the Well PI option with
the entered data of a Static Pressure of 3,500 psig, a PI of 5.00 STB/d/psi and the resulting IPR
plot after the Run Calculations feature has been selected.

39 of 81
FIG 31
By this time into the design, the user should have saved and named the application file.
Meaningful names are important for locating them at a later date. There is a LOG Window,
which can be opened and closed with the pin or left open but running below the dialog screen
or open over the dialog screen. It reports what the program is doing and gives important
messages. The most important or current advisement runs continually next to the Run
Calculations button. If there is a need to really go back through the processes, then the Log
Window should be opened. Messages in red are critical (FIG 32).

40 of 81
FIG 32
Two clicks on the Log Window pin will give the above appearance. The Log Window is the
first place for a warning that something may not be as expected or that making changes to the
input or choices should be considered. The Workflow Menu Design Criteria is featured in FIG
33.

41 of 81
DESIGN CRITERIA
FIG 33
Design Criteria allows the user to enter the primary data required to perform a gas lift analysis
and design. The Injection Parameter section includes the Target Injection Rate which is
defined is the gas injection rate required to gas lift the well. This is normally the maximum gas
injection rate available to the individual well from the surface compression system. The
Operating Injection Pressure is the sustainable wellhead surface gas injection pressure. The
Injection Gas Gravity is the specific gravity of the injected gas. The surface injection
temperature is the gas temperature at the wellhead. The Operation section contains the
Flowing Wellhead Pressure and is defined as the sustainable and constant flowing production
pressure at the wellhead. Unloading Parameter contains the required data to facilitate the
design of the unloading of the completion fluid located in the tubing and the casing tubing
annulus. Unloading Wellhead Pressure is defined as a pressure that is either the same or
different than the sustainable Flowing Wellhead Pressure. The Unloading Fluid Gradient is the
actual gradient of the completion fluid or well fluid and is expressed in psi/ft. The Kick-Off
Pressure is defined as highest injection pressure at the wellhead before actual gas injection

42 of 81
occurs. This is a temporary pressure that can be sustained until the well is unloaded to the
first mandrel depth. Under Specification the Maximum Allowable Injection Depth is defined as
the deepest point that a gas lift valve can be installed in a well and/or the production packer
depth. Injection Delta Pressure is the data that defines the upstream and downstream
pressure difference across a gas lift valve at the deepest point of gas injection in the wellbore.
Under normal design input the user should check the injection DP box. This will enable the
default Minimum Injection Delta Pressure of 150 psi which is considered the minimum
pressure difference required to successfully inject gas into the well. The red boxes indicate
necessary parameters to enter.
FIG 38
A new right side panel labeled Edit/View Information will show a table of operating status
information. This table can be closed again with the “pin” in the right corner. FIG 38A
illustrates this new Workflow.

43 of 81
Gas Lift Operations
Deepest Injection Point analysis. The user must enter the required input data and press
Calculate. The program then, by clicking Run Calculations, calculates a deepest injection
point for the given injection gas rate, surface pressure and other parameters (Fig 39). If the
DIP TVD is greater than the maximum allowable injection TVD, then it is set to 50 feet above
the maximum allowable injection TVD.
FIG 39
Once this point is found, DesignPro generates a pressure versus depth curve for the
calculated flow rate (Fig 39A).

44 of 81
Fig 39A
Bracketing is an optional feature that allows the user to look at two flow rates for a single
design. The user can look at current and future conditions and determine the deepest point of
injection required for each rate. This allows the user the option to find the minimum spacing
required to space valves for both rates. The minimum spacing is known as the bracket, which
encompasses the equal spacing to create an operating envelope for the two selected flow
rates. (see Fig 40)

45 of 81
Fig 40
Bracketing is an optional feature that allows the user to look at two flow rates for a single
design. The user can look at current and future conditions and determine the deepest point of
injection required for each rate. This allows the user the option to find the minimum spacing
required to space valves for both rates. The minimum spacing is known as the bracket, which
encompasses the equal spacing to create an operating envelope for the two selected flow
rates.

46 of 81
Lift Gas Response makes it possible to plot a graph with a range of gas injection rates. This
enables a designer to have a visual representation of how the gas injection rate will affect the
production performance. (See Figures 41, 41A and 41B)
Fig 41

47 of 81
Fig 41A

48 of 81
Fig 41B
Using the Input Data (Fig 41A) the user can calculate various performance curves for this well
with regard to increasing water cut, decreasing PI and reservoir pressure etc. The first task
for the design engineer is to determine the optimum gas injection rate by comparing varying
gas injection rates with sensitivity to water cut, PI and reservoir pressure. The optimum gas
lift rate is at the point where the performance curve changes from a positive slope to zero or a
negative slope. Most companies operate with a threshold that is calculated by the slope of
stb/d/mmscf. This threshold is in place for economic reasons, e.g. for one operator an
increase of 1mmscf injection can only be justified if an extra 50-100 BOPD is produced.
Therefore, for each step of 1mmscf a prediction in the increase of oil produced is made to
justify the subsequent step up in injection rate. Now the designer has selected the optimum
injection rate. If the gas injection rate increases to a level where the gradient becomes
negative, the gas injected is making the well inefficient by injecting too much gas that takes up
the well fluid volume.

49 of 81
GAS LIFT DESIGN
Having built the well model the analysis can begin. The most difficult part of a gas lift design is
deciding what factors are likely to vary over the life of the well and thus require a more
detailed investigation. It is important to note that considerable Gas Lift experience helps
identify the areas that will need consideration.
The gas lift designer must consider the following:
Maximize Oil Production

The objective of a good gas lift design is to maximize oil production over the life of the well,
achieved by ensuring a mandrel spacing that will always allow the deepest injection point to
be accessed whatever the well conditions. As stated previously, this may entail running
initially redundant mandrels to allow transfer deeper at a later time or visa versa.
Minimize Well Intervention
By careful design considerations, mandrel spacing and the correct port size selection it is
possible to design gas lift systems that will automatically transfer the depth of injection to
match changes in well conditions. However, there are drawbacks to this design technique
and it is generally reserved for subsea wells where minimum wireline intervention is intended.
Maximize Depth of Injection

Gas injection is designed to be as deep as mechanically possible by firstly taking into account
the well’s completion components (e.g. annular packer, gauge mandrels, PBR’s, chemical
injection valves, etc.) on this basis the maximum injection depth is decided. Secondly, the
designer must bear in mind the valve differential pressure. This value is the theoretical
minimum pressure drop through the gas lift valve to allow gas injection. The valve differential
is normally set to 100 - 200 psi per the standard gas lift valve design practice. The final, and
most obvious, constraints are the casing and tubing pressure ratings; if a casing pressure was
to exceed the casing or tubing pressure rating this could lead to either burst or collapse failure
of the tubulars.
Stability
The designer must ensure the well is stable by inspection of the inflow/outflow curves for each
design. If the inflow (straight line/curved) curve is intersected by the outflow curve with a
positive gradient then the well is stable. If the inflow curve is dissected by an outflow curve
with a gradient equal to zero or negative the system is said to be ‘Unstable’. Examples of
stable and unstable flow are provided in Appendix 4 for closer analysis.

50 of 81
Uncertainties in Reservoir Performance

Over the life of the well, reservoir performance is probably the hardest item to predict with any
certainty. It is therefore essential that any well analysis covers the likely range in pressures
and PI’s to be encountered in the producing life of the well. These will have a big impact on
the production and thus the flowing gradient of the well. All of these factors will influence the
mandrel spacing and maximum depth of injection.
Worst Case Design

With the above considerations in mind for the particular well the next step is to initially design
the well at the worst-case conditions for gas lift.
The worst-case conditions for gas lift design are:

High reservoir pressure
High productivity index
High water cut percentage
With these factors in mind, the user will enter the values as described earlier and calculate a
pressure traverse.

51 of 81
Fig 42
The Gas Lift Design function enables the use of the Design Control, Design Parameters and
Design Bias features which are configured with all of the attributes necessary to perform the
final gas lift design. This final design becomes the recommended solution for the desired and
calculated oil production rate.

52 of 81
Fig 42A
Under Design the drop down menu to the right of Spacing allows the user to decide on a New
Spacing design, for wells that do not currently have gas lift stations installed, a Current
Spacing, for wells that already have gas lift station installed, and an Edit Design feature that
allows the user to edit existing designs. For this example we will choose a New Spacing.

53 of 81
Fig 42B
To the right of ‘Method’ a drop down menu allows the user to decide which type of gas lift
design logic to use for the chosen Design Spacing case. The method is predicated on the
specific application and the user should be familiar with the different methods before
determining the best option. The choices include the IPO (injected Pressure Operated)
Surface Close method, the IPO PT (Pressure Tubing) Min/Max (Minimum / Maximum) method,
the XLift method (High Pressure gas Lift System for surface injection pressures greater than
2,500 psi) and the PPO (Production Pressure Operated) method. The chosen method will also
determine the type of gas lift valves to be used for the design. For the following example the
IPO Surface Close method will be illustrated. The same steps are used for the IPO PT Min/Max
and PPO methods. The XLift method will be illustrated in section

54 of 81
Fig 42C
Valve Selection allows the user to select specific gas lift valves for the chosen method. The
valve manufacturer, if other than SLB-Camco, along with the type, size (outside diameter),
series and minimum port size can be selected. These choices help to determine the gas lift
valve operating characteristics with respect to the chose design logic. Other user features
include the Top Valve Location well liquid assumptions and the Valve Setting temperature (lab
or shop calibration temperature). The user also has the option to select the Unloading
Temperature scenario that best suits the case for the top valve in the design and the
subsequent unloading valves. These options can be found in the drop down menus directly
below the Unloading Temperature. Options include using the calculated Unloading,
Production, Ambient or Injection temperatures. The user should be familiar with this process
as the selected temperature scenario will determine the actual down-hole opening and
closing pressures of the IPO valves (if selected).

55 of 81
Fig 42D
Design Parameters allow the user to select a solution point production rate based on either a
calculated value, using the Reservoir Pressure previously input into the model, or the user can
specify the liquid production rate to be used for the design. The user can also chose to use
the Bracketing feature which will allow for an equal spacing of additional gas lift valve to a
predetermined depth below the calculated deepest point of injection.

56 of 81
Fig 42E
The Design Bias feature allows the user to fine tune the design and to control specific aspects
of the type of valve used for the deepest point of injection (typically the operating valve) and
the relative pressures used for the final placement of all valves.

57 of 81
Fig 42F
The Valve for Operating Location is chosen based on the user’s requirement for the specific
type of operation. The valve choices are the Default Valve (the same valve type as the chosen
unloading valves), the Standard Orifice (most commonly used as the operating valve at the
deepest injection depth) and the Venturi Orifice (used specifically for applications where
achieving critical gas flow is problematic). The user should be familiar with the difference
between the Standard Orifice (squared edged orifice) and the Venturi Orifice (nozzle venturi
orifice) as the decision to use one over the other will impact the performance of the gas lift
design. The Discharge Coefficient is a calculated value based on the chosen valve and is used
in the final calculations that determine the gas flow capacity (gas flow rate) of that particular
valve.

58 of 81
Fig 42F
The Pressures in the Design Bias feature are specific to the depth placement of the gas lift
valves during the design spacing calculations and the IPO valve closing pressures (closing
pressure drop sequence). The Locating DP (differential pressure) at Valve Location is normally
50 psi (default value) is used to ensure that there is 50 psi differential pressure at each gas lift
valve depth. This allows for initial gas injection or gas flow to occur during the unloading
process.
For positioning the second and subsequent valve depths the user must decide upon a
Transfer Factor (transfer pressure margin) to ensure the second valve will be uncovered if
the well’s vertical lift curve over performs. For conservative designs this is 10% of the
pressure differential between the tubing pressure and the casing pressure at the depth of
valve one. For known reservoirs, where vertical lift performance (VLP) is known not to
over-perform, the safety margin added should be in the range of 50 – 100 psi. Secondly,
the user must select a casing pressure drop (15 psi default for IPO valves) safety margin
to ensure valve number one and all subsequent valves close during the unloading phase.

59 of 81
Fig 42G
Once the Design Control data values have been set and to perform the Gas Lift design the
User can click on the Run Calculations button. The appropriate valve type and port size is
automatically selected from the valve database for the initial design. This can be modified
as desired by changing the initial design and then performing redesign.
Please note that changes in reservoir characteristics (vertical lift performance) alter the
amount of gas injection required for deeper valves when unloading; therefore, the gas lift
passage calculations are carried for the worst well performance (deepest injection) to
ensure the design will operate at these conditions. The entire valve port sizing is then
checked to ensure they will operate throughout the predicted well performance
conditions. In short, a cross-section of well conditions is taken to represent the range of
well parameters in which these valves must perform. The bottom valve, the orifice, must
pass the optimum injection rate decided on earlier.

60 of 81
Fig 42H
The appropriate valve type and port size is automatically selected from the valve database
for the initial design. This can be modified as desired by changing the initial design and
then performing redesign.
Please note that changes in reservoir characteristics (vertical lift performance) alter the
amount of gas injection required for deeper valves when unloading; therefore, the gas lift
passage calculations are carried for the worst well performance (deepest injection) to
ensure the design will operate at these conditions. The entire valve port sizing is then
checked to ensure they will operate throughout the predicted well performance
conditions. In short, a cross-section of well conditions is taken to represent the range of
well parameters in which these valves must perform. The bottom valve, the orifice, must
pass the optimum injection rate decided on earlier.
Calculations are performed using the Thornhill-Craver method to size the appropriate
orifice to pass the required injection gas rate through the valve. Remember that
unloading valves and Orifice valves have different coefficients of discharge and this must
be specified in the gas passage program.

61 of 81
Fig 42I
The user can select the Venturi Orifice option for the same design by going to the Design
Bias menu and changing the Valve for Operating Location type. Note: The user must be
familiar with the proper applications of the Venturi Orifice. Once this choice is made the
user must click on the Run Calculations button.

62 of 81
Fig 42J
Under the Results Tab the recalculated design shows the Venturi Orifice in place of the
Standard Orifice.

63 of 81
Fig 42K
Under the Venturi Orifice Plot Tab a performance plot for the calculated valve is
displayed. This view also allows the user to explore various plot options.
GAS LIFT DESIGNS - XLift
Design logic has been included in this DesignPro program that allows the user to model
and design XLift High Pressure gas lift systems. XLift has been designed for applications
where the surface injection pressure will be greater than 2,200 psi. This is a fit-for-
purpose system that addresses deep water and subsea gas lift applications. The user
should follow the previous steps for building a model and analyzing the gas lift system.
Once the model data is entered and calculated the following steps should be followed to
create the XLift design and valve calculations.

64 of 81
Fig 43
Click on Design under the Gas Lift Operations menu and select XLift from the Method drop
down menu. This choice will automatically default to the XLift design logic and will
choose the XLift valves under Valve Selection. Click on Run Calculations
Note: The XLift design logic has been developed specifically to handle high pressure gas
lift applications and should not be used for standard gas lift applications. The user is
required to be familiar with the proper applications for XLift and should also be familiar
with the XLift gas lift valves and side pocket mandrels.

65 of 81
Fig 43A
When the calculations are completed the XLift design spacing and valve calculation will
be completed. The XLift valves incorporate the venturi orifice. The orifice performance
can be viewed under the Venturi Orifice Plot tab.

66 of 81
ANALYSIS OPERATIONS
This section of DesignPro allows the user to perform Nodal Analysis operations and to
construct flowing gradient and temperature profiles
CASE COMPARISON
The Case Comparison feature allows for multiple cases to be analyzed simultaneously
giving the user the capability to sensitize on numerous values that affect flow rate and
productivity.
Fig 44
Case Comparison can be utilized for multiple cases and data variables by adding the
number of cases to be considered. Selecting the ‘Plus’ icon on the lower right hand side
of the screen allows the user to add additional cases.

67 of 81
Fig 44A
For each case added to the analysis the data will be duplicated and the user then chooses
which value to change. This can be done by editing the selected value in Case 2. For this
example the Water Cut is changed in Case 2. By clicking on the Run Calculations button the
results of two cases will be compared in the plot window.

68 of 81
Fig 44B
After the calculations are complete the selected cases are plotted. The related plots can be
viewed under the Well System and Flowing Temperature tabs.

69 of 81
PROFILES
The Profiles feature allows the user to construct flowing pressure and temperature gradients
for various gas lift conditions.
Fig 45
The Profiles feature can plot a single case or numerous cases. The user can see the results of
the plots by choosing either the Pressure or Temperature tabs in the plot window. To add
additional profiles click on the icon in the upper right hand corner of the screen.

70 of 81
PLOTS
GAS LIFT
Gas Lift summary plots are available by clicking on Gas Lift under the Plots menu. The user
can choose Design (shown below in Fig 46), Deepest Injection Point, Bracketing, Lift Gas
Response, or Venturi Orifice plots by clicking on the appropriate tab.
Fig 46

71 of 81
CASE COMPARISON
Case Comparison summary plots are available by clicking on the appropriate section under the
Plots menu. The user can choose Well Systems (shown below in Fig 47) or Flowing
Temperature plots by clicking on the appropriate tab.
Fig 47 Schlumberger Private

72 of 81
REPORTS
Reports are available by clicking on Gas Lift Design Reports under the Reports menu. The user
can choose to Preview the report (shown below in Fig 48), download the Report or decide on
Report Options by clicking on the appropriate tab.
Fig 48
SUMMARY
The user can only become proficient with DesignPro through practice. DesignPro is going to
be undergoing constant enhancement for some time to come and is not without “bugs”.
Improvement of the software is dependent on its users and their vigilance in reporting
problems and needs. Enjoy!

73 of 81
Appendix 1: Multiphase Flow Historical Developments
Use of Multiphase Flow Pressure Loss Calculations
The application of multiphase flow correlations to predict the pressure loss in tubing is
extremely important to the petroleum industry. Some of the uses are design of slim-hole
completion, artificial lift installation design, gathering and separation system design, sizing of
surface flow lines, sizing of transmission lines, sizing of gas lines, tubing design in deviated
wells, surface design for inclined flow, heat exchanger design, condensate line design and
many others.
Summary of Historical Development

Author Date Type of work Pipe size Fluids Comments
Poettmann & Carpenter 1952 Semi-empirical method using field 2”, 2.5” Oil, water, gas a) GLR < 1500 scf/bbl
data b) Rates > 350 bbl/day
Baxendell & Thomas 1961 Field data by Poettmann & 2.5”, 3.5”, Oil, gas Used Lake Maracaibo field data
Carpenter method 4” with Poettmann & Carpenter
correlation for higher rates
Duns & Ros 1961 Laboratory experimental data All All Correlation for all ranges of flow
Fancher & Brown 1963 Field experimental 2” Gas, water Extended correlation of
Poettmann & Carpenter for low
flow rates and high GLR
Dukler (horizontal) 1964 Laboratory and field data All All For all ranges of G/L’s and rates
and only for horizontal flow
Hagedorn & Brown 1965 1500 feet experimental well 1” , 1.25”, Oil, water, gas (air) Flow through small conduits
1.5”
Orkiszewski 1967 Review of all methods plus own All Oil, water, gas Utilized work of Ros and Griffith &
correlation Wallis to prepare own general
correlation to predict pressure
losses for all ranges of flow
Aziz, Govier & Fogarasi 1972 Laboratory and field data All All Presented correlations developed
mechanistically and tested
against field data
Beggs & Brill 1973 Laboratory data 1”, 1.5” Air, water Generalized correlation to handle
all ranges of multiphase flow for
any pipe angle
Mukherjee & Brill 1983 Experimental well using 1.5” steel 1.5” Air, water Generalized correlation to handle
pipe at various inclinations all ranges of multiphase flow for
any pipe angle

74 of 81
Categories of Flow Correlations

Correlation Dependence on flow Basis for flow patterns Slippage and friction
pattern losses treated
separately
Poettmann & Carpenter No Slug No
Baxendell & Thomas No Slug No
Fancher & Brown No Slug No
Hagedorn & Brown No Slug No
Hagedorn & Brown revised Yes Bubble, slug, transition, mist Yes
Duns & Ros Yes Bubble, slug, transition, mist Yes
Beggs & Brill Yes Bubble, slug, transition, mist Yes
Orkiszewski Yes Bubble, slug, transition, mist Yes
Aziz et al. Yes Bubble, slug, transition, mist Yes
Mukherjee & Brill Yes Bubble, slug, transition, mist Yes
Range of Contribution of Pressure Drops in the Tubing
Component Oil Wells Gas Wells

HYDROSTATIC 70% - 90% 20% - 50%
Friction 10% - 30% 30% - 60%
Acceleration 0 – 10% 0 – 10%
NODAL Analysis Approach 1
The NODAL analysis approach, sometime referred to as “systems analysis”, has been applied
for many years to analyze the performance of systems composed of interacting components.
Electrical circuits, complex pipeline networks and centrifugal pumping systems are all
analyzed using this method. Its application to well producing system was first proposed by
Gilbert in 1954 and discussed by Nind in 1964 and Brown in 1978.
1
"Production Optimization Using NODAL Analysis" by H. Dale Beggs, OGCI Publication

75 of 81
The procedure consists of selecting a division point, often referred to as “node”, in the well
and dividing the system at this point. The locations of the most commonly used nodes are
bottomhole, wellhead and separator.
All the components upstream of the node comprise the inflow section, while the outflow
section consists of all of the components downstream of the node. A relationship between the
flow rate and pressure drop must be available for each component in the system. The flow
rate through the system can be determined once the following requirements are satisfied:
• Flow into the node equals flow out of the node;
• Only one pressure can exist at a node.
At a particular time in the life of a well, there are always two pressures that remain fixed and
are not a function of flow rate. One of these pressures is the average reservoir pressure and
the other is the system outlet pressure. The outlet pressure is usually the separator, but if the
well is controlled by a surface choke, the fixed outlet pressure may be the wellhead pressure.
Once the node is selected, the node pressure is calculated from both the directions starting at
the fixed pressures.
Inflow to the node: Preservoir - ΔPupstream = Pnode
Pseparator + ΔPdownstream = Pnode
Outflow from the node:
The pressure drop, ΔP, in any component varies with flow rate. Therefore, a plot of node
pressure versus flow rate will produce two curves, the intersection of which will give the
conditions satisfying requirements as mentioned above.
Figure 1: Systems Analysis Graph

76 of 81
Appendix 2: NODAL Analysis Summary 2
The NODAL systems analysis approach is a very flexible method that can be used to improve
the performance of many well systems. To apply the systems analysis procedure to a well, it is
necessary to be able to calculate the pressure drop that will occur in all the system
components. These pressure drops depend not only on flow rate, but on the size and other
characteristics of the components. Unless accurate methods can be found to calculate these
pressure drops, the systems analysis can produce erroneous results.
The NODAL analysis requires most accurate methods for calculating the relationship between
flow rate and pressure drop for all the components. This in turn requires a thorough
understanding of:
• reservoir engineering concepts to determine reservoir inflow performance;
• multiphase flow in pipes to calculate tubing and flowline performance;
• procedures to determine the performance of perforated completion, gravel-packed
completion and damaged or stimulated wells;
• artificial lift-systems.
Once procedures are presented to analyze each component separately, the systems analysis
approach will be applied to many different wells to demonstrate the procedures to optimize
well performance.
NODAL Applications 3
The NODAL systems approach may be used to analyze many producing oil and gas well
problems. The procedure can be applied to both flowing and artificial lift wells, if the effect of
the artificial lift method on the pressure can be expressed as a function of flow rate. The
procedure can also be applied to the analysis of injection well performance by appropriate
modification of the inflow and outflow expressions.
List of possible applications follows:
• Solution point (P,Q) for a producing well
• Gravel pack design;
• Analyzing effects of perforating density;
• Well stimulation evaluation;
2
3

77 of 81
• Selecting tubing size;

• Selecting flowline size;
• Surface choke sizing;
• Subsurface safety valve sizing;
• Analyzing an existing system for abnormal flow restrictions;
• Artificial lift design;
• Determining the effect of compression on gas well performance;
• Predicting the effect of depletion on producing capacity;
• Allocating injection gas among gas lift wells;
• Analyzing a multi-well or multi-lateral producing system;
• Relating well production system performance to time (material balance data shall be used
in conjunction with NODAL)

78 of 81
Appendix 3: Selection Criteria for Black Oil Models
• Water Viscosity by McCain

100 < Temperature ( F) < 400
Pressure (psi) < 15000
• Water viscosity by Meehan

Temperature ( F) > 45
• Bubble Point Pressure (psi) by Kartoatmodjo

14.4 < API < 59.0
14.4 < Pressure (psi) < 6054.7
75. < Temperature (F) < 320.
14.7 < Separator Pressure (psi) < 1414.7
38. < Separator Temperature ( F) < 294.
• Bubble Point Pressure (psi) by Lasater

3. < Soln GOR at Pb < 2905.
17.9 < API < 51.1
0.574 < Gamma Gas < 1.223
• Bubble Point Pressure (psi) by Standing

100. < Temperature (F) <258.
20. < Solutions GOR at Pb < 1425.
16.5 < API < 63.8
0.59 < Gamma Gas < 0.95
• Bubble Point Pressure (psi) by Vasquez and Beggs

70. < Temperature ( F) <295.
20. < Solution GOR at Pb < 2070.
16. < API < 58.
0.56 < Gamma Gas < 1.18
• GOR by Kartoatmodjo
14.4 < API < 59.0
14.4 < Pressure (psi) < 6054.7

79 of 81

38. < Separator Temperature (F) < 294.
• GOR by Lasater
17.9 < API < 51.1
0.574 < Gamma Gas < 1.223
• GOR by Standing
16.5 < API < 63.8
0.59 < Gamma Gas < 0.95
GOR by Vasquez and Beggs
16. API < 58.
0.56 < Gamma Gas < 1.18
• Oil FVF by Kartoatmodjo

14.4 < API < 59.0
14.4 < Pressure (psi) < 6054.7
38. < Separator Temperature ( F) < 294.
• Default Oil FVF

400. < Pressure (psi) < 5000.
0.59 < Gamma Gas < 0.95
16.5<API < 63.8
• Oil Compressibility by Kartoatmodjo

14.4 < API < 59.0
14.4 < Pressure (psi) < 6054.7

80 of 81
• Oil Compressibility by McCain

Pressure (psi) < 5300.
Temperature (F) < 330
• Dead Oil Viscosity by Beggs and Robinson

32. < Pressure (psi) <5265.
20. < Solutions GOR at Pb <2070.
16. < API < 58.
• Dead Oil Viscosity by Kartoatmodjo

14.4 < API < 59.0
14.4 < Pressure (psi) < 6054.7
Separator Temperature (F) < 38. < Separator Temperature (F) < 294.
• Dead Oil Viscosity by Ng Egbogah

5. < API < 58.
• Saturated Oil Viscosity by Beggs and Robinson:

132. < Pressure (psi) <5265.
16. < API < 58.
• Saturated Oil Viscosity by Chew & Connally

132. < Pressure (psi) <5645.
• Saturated Oil Viscosity by Kartoatmodjo

14.4 < API < 59.0
14.4 < Pressure (psi) < 6054.7
75. < Temperature (F) < 320. <

81 of 81
• Saturated Oil Viscosity by Khan

100. < Pressure (psi) <4315.
14.3 < API < 44.6
• Unsaturated Oil Viscosity by Kartoatmodjo

14.4 < API < 59.0
14.4 < Pressure (psi) < 6054.7
• Unsaturated Oil Viscosity by Vasquez and Beggs
141. < Pressure (psi) < 9515.
9.3 < Solutions GOR at Pb <2199.
15.3 <API < 59.5
0.511 < Gamma Gas < 1.351
• Gas Viscosity by Carr

0.55 < Gamma Gas <1.55
• Gas Tc,Pc by Kay

3000. < Gamma Gas < 0.75
Back • Return to Main

Designpro V3 - Gas Lift Design Tutorial: Return To Main - Next

Uploaded by

Document Informationclick to expand document informationgood

Document Informationclick to expand document information

Copyright:

Available Formats

Designpro V3 - Gas Lift Design Tutorial: Return To Main - Next

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Designpro V3 - Gas Lift Design Tutorial: Return To Main - Next

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

DesignPro V3 - Gas Lift Design Tutorial

Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Preferences screen is in FIG 2.

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

In this example the Heat Transfer will be turned off.

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

There is an option to include additional downhole equipment including Sub-surface Safety

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Gas Lift Operations

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

Back • Return to Main • Next

GAS LIFT DESIGN

The gas lift designer must consider the following:

Maximize Oil Production

Minimize Well Intervention