Assessing integrity of the gas-lift valves by analyzing annular-pressure-transient response uri icon

abstract

  • 2015 Elsevier B.V. Gas-lift valves (GLV) by definition are designed to allow influx of the annular gas into the tubing and prevent any backflow even when a pressure differential exists toward the annulus. However, elements, such as erosion, corrosion, scale, fatigue, vibration, and temperature and pressure effects may cause the GLV to leak, thereby posing a serious safety issue. Because of the well-integrity concern, suspected GLVs are often retrieved with a wireline from the side-pocket mandrel for inspection. Proactive testing is a way to minimize such costly intervention.This paper details a methodology for determining a GLV's integrity that avoids retrieving the valve and relies on examining the annular transient-pressure response. Based on the models developed, we propose a robust, nonintrusive test procedure saving time and expense. The proposed method is validated with field data from three offshore wells. We also present a forward model that helps design test methodology.

published proceedings

  • JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

author list (cited authors)

  • Rocha-Valadez, T., Hasan, A. R., Mannan, M. S., Crabtree, A., & Kabir, C. S.

citation count

  • 3

complete list of authors

  • Rocha-Valadez, T||Hasan, AR||Mannan, MS||Crabtree, A||Kabir, CS

publication date

  • September 2015