Why You Should Consider Diagnostic Surface Management for Oil & Gas Wells

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Diagnosing Gas Lift Injection With Reference Recorders

The following figures demonstrate how output from a reference recorder can help diagnose problems in a stimulated well. Figures 2 through 5 show graphs of tubing and casing pressures from gas-lift injected wells. Some are operating properly and some are not. The dual-pressure graphs make the difference obvious.

Figure 2 shows a normal, continuously flowing well with tubing pressure indicating low backpressure. Provided that production levels and gas-liquid ratios are acceptable, this well needs no further optimization.

Figure 3 shows a well that is similar to that of Figure 2, but with an injection choke that freezes occasionally, a problem that may easily go unnoticed. An unattended, unmonitored well may operate this way for extended periods before it is detected. Once a technician identifies the defect, several known solutions are available.

Figure 4 shows the normal operation of an intermittently flowing well. The rapid drawdown and buildup between cycles indicates proper valve operation. The tubing pressure curve records sharp responses in pressure, indicating good slug recovery.

Figure 5 shows another intermittently flowing well. This well has an intermitter cycle that is too slow. The graph takes an indicative shape that clearly shows the change in pressure when a second valve opens.

Requirements for Tools for Surface Monitoring in Artificial Lift Operations

Extended service in an oilfield places significant demands on instruments. They must be rugged enough to operate continuously and accurately in any environment where oil and gas production takes place. The design requirements for a device intended for surface monitoring cannot be compromised. Additionally, operators are trending toward digital devices to satisfy the growing number of everchanging industry regulations. The ability to provide documentation of performed testing has become paramount.

Chart recorders and pressure gauges have been stock tools of the oil & gas trade for decades. These devices brought several advantages technicians needed, so they became common despite their drawbacks and the necessity to carry individual devices for separate tasks.

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