2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Session: I Session Chairs:
Gas-Lift Valves and Barrier Testing Sten Viggo Lundbo, Statoil
Niek Dijkstra, Schlumberger
Presentation Title: I – 1 Company(ies):
Testing (Gas-Lift Valves) in a Safe International Research Institute of
Manner Stavanger (IRIS)
Author(s): Contact Information:
Jørn Carlsen Sven.Aarrestad@iris.no
Abstract:
International Research Institute of Stavanger (IRIS) has tested down hole equipment since 1983
- As described during the session “Gas Lift Valves Barrier Testing”, Houston 2010 (speakers Jørn Carlsen,
Statoil and Sven Aarrestad, IRIS)

During a test related to ISO 14310 in 2009, the anchors on a bridge plug released unforeseen.
This resulted in a projectile of 180 kg penetrating the text fixture end cap with a velocity of 65 m/s, representing a
kinetic energy of 380 kJ.

Based upon this experience, a new test pit was designed using a specific company within the Norwegian Defence – a
company with experience in “both directions:
- Penetrating the barrier to the “enemy”
- Protect against projectiles from the “enemy”.

This test pit with crash-box system in both ends, a length of 20 meters and a square of 2 x 3 meters, has capacity to
withstand a projectile of:
- Weight: 300 kg
- Velocity: 193 m/s
- Static load: 300 tons,
representing a kinetic energy of 5600 kJ

We will describe in detail the development of the new test facility from the test accident in 2009 and up to the opening
of the new facility in 2012.
Notes:
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 2

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Session: I Session Chair:
Gas-Lift Valves and Barrier Testing Sten Viggo Lundbo, Statoil
Niek Dijkstra, Schlumberger
Presentation Title: I – 2 Company(ies):
The Next Gas Lift Well Integrity and PTC
Reliability Leap Forwards: Barrier
SPM's With Retrievable Check
Author(s): Contact Information:
Alan Brodie Tom.Norland@ptc.as
Abstract:
This presentation will describe the benefits of barrier SPM's and provide details of PTC's patent pending barrier
check SPM, which incorporates two retrievable check valves.
Notes:
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 3

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Session: I Session Chair:
Gas-Lift Valves and Barrier Testing Sten Viggo Lundbo, Statoil
Niek Dijkstra, Schlumberger
Presentation Title: I – 3 Company(ies):
Seven-Year Review of Barrier Gas- Weatherford
Lift Equipment
Author(s): Contact Information:
Colin Rae colin.rae@eu.weatherford.com
Steve Long
Abstract:
Barrier-qualified side pocket mandrels and gas-lift valves have been in use since 2005 in widespread gas-lift
applications around the world. This presentation reviews field data, experience, development, and validation
techniques, and the effects on gas lift operations.

Points of interest
 Validation levels.
 Test data calibration versus CFD, FEA.
 Dimensional requirements and limitations.
 Field experience.
Notes:
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 4

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Session: I Session Chair:
Gas-Lift Valves and Barrier Testing Sten Viggo Lundbo, Statoil
Niek Dijkstra, Schlumberger
Presentation Title: I – 4 Company(ies):
Reverse Flow Check Reliability and Schlumberger
Performance Testing of Gas Lift
Barrier Valves
Author(s): Contact Information:
Jason Kamphaus TWhite@slb.com
Thomas White
Jacob Hahn
Shao Chong Oh
Abstract:
In recent years the demands placed on gas-lift valves have increased substantially. The current international
qualification standards for gas-lift valves (ISO 17078-2 and API 19G2) include reliability testing on bellows,
repeatability testing on reverse check systems, gas flow performance testing, interface testing as well as other tests
designed to ensure that any valve that meets the requirements of the standards will perform as desired to the ratings
of that valve.

In addition, recent emphasis on a requirement that the reverse check valve act as a barrier from the tubing to the
casing with significantly lower leak rate criteria than the international standards has garnered much attention by
designers, manufacturers and end-users of gas lift valves. New standards have been written and implemented by
several operators, specifically the gas lift valve portion of Statoil’s TR2385, to address this barrier requirement.

The international test standards as well as the operator specific standards have taken a significant step forward in
testing gas lift valve reliability and performance but thus far have not completely addressed the dynamic performance
and reliability of the barrier check sub-system.

A recent effort by the Schlumberger Gas-Lift New Product Development team has addressed some areas of concern
beyond the traditional leak rate sealing tests performed on barrier valves in order to characterize and improve the
reliability and performance of the reverse flow check system. Some of this effort in general design and testing
philosophy will be discussed.
Notes:
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 5

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Session: I Session Chair:
Gas-Lift Valves and Barrier Testing Sten Viggo Lundbo, Statoil
Niek Dijkstra, Schlumberger
Presentation Title: I – 5 Company(ies):
Gas Lift Performance Testing – Southwest Research Institute
Facilities and Methods (API 19G2)
Author(s): Contact Information:
Angel Wileman angel.wileman@swri.org
Abstract:
In order to qualify a gas-lift valve design to receive the API monogram, each new and existing design must be tested
for compliance to the API 19G2 specification, Flow Control Devices for Side-Pocket Mandrels. Southwest Research
Institute (SwRI), an independent, nonprofit applied research and development organization, works with gas-lift valve
manufacturers to qualify their valves by providing an independent, third party testing service to measure the
performance of new and existing gas lift valve designs. For more than 10 years, SwRI has performed the gas lift
valve testing required by API 19G2 and its predecessor document, API RP 11V2, for a variety of service providers.
These tests have included probe travel testing, gas flow performance testing, back-check testing, erosion testing, and
other custom, customer-specified tests.

Many Operator or Service Provider employees have not witnessed these standard tests and are unaware what types
of facilities and systems are required to perform the testing. This presentation shows a selection of facilities and test
fixtures used to qualify new and existing gas lift valves to the API 19G2 standard.
Notes:
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 6

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Session: I Session Chair:
Gas-Lift Valves and Barrier Testing Sten Viggo Lundbo, Statoil
Niek Dijkstra, Schlumberger
Presentation Title: I – 6 Company(ies):
Gas-Lift Valve Reliability Tracking PTC
Using the ExproSoft WellMaster
RMS Database
Author(s): Contact Information:
Alan Brodie Tom.Norland@ptc.as
Abstract:
This presentation will describe the ExproSoft WellMaster RMS well reliability data base and illustrate the various gas-
lift valve reliability analyses that can be performed as a result.
Notes:
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 7

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Session: II Session Chair:
New Gas-Lift Technology Mike Johnson, ExxonMobil
Tom Norland, PTC
Presentation Title: II – 1 Company(ies):
Advancement of Dynamic Modeling SPT Group
on Gas-Lift
Author(s): Contact Information:
Bin Hu bin.hu@sptgroup.com
Abstract:
This presentation will give a short history on the dynamic gas-lift modeling as well as its latest progress. The
presentation will show simulation examples of the following dynamic flow behaviors:

1. Gas-lift unloading
2. Gas-lift casing heading
3. Gas-lift tubing heading
4. Dual gas-lift gas robbing

The main goal of the presentation is to visualize the importance of dynamic simulation for gas-lift operation and the
added value to gas-lift design. The presentation will also emphasize the importance of the collaboration between
hardware manufacturers and software providers.
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Notes:

Session: II Session Chair:

New Gas-Lift Technology Mike Johnson, ExxonMobil
Tom Norland, PTC
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 8

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Presentation Title: II – 2 Company(ies):
Distributed Temperature Sensing Schlumberger, Vietsovprtro
Gaslift Optimization for Tiger Field
Author(s): Contact Information:
Patricio Alban – Schlumberger TWhite@slb.com
Dr. Alexey N. Ivanov
Dr. Anatoly S. Kutovov
Nguyen Quoc Dung (Vietsovpetro)
Trang Nam Nguyen
Patricio Alban
Raphael Duperrier (Schlumberger)
Abstract:
This paper presents the well modeling and optimization analysis performed for seven wells on platform MSP-10, on
Nov 2011. For the first time in Asia, Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) was used to log gas-lift wells. This
generated a very clear picture of the injection profile for all the wells, making the posterior modeling and optimization
much more accurate and reliable.

Even though all the wells intervened were flowing seemingly normal, various issues were found. These ranged from
multiple point injection, to subcritical injection, tubing heading, and sub-optimized injected gas. The main causes of
these issues included leaking valves and improper sizing of orifice ports. These issues were addressed by replacing
leaking or damaged unloading valves, changing standard orifice valves to venturi orifice valves with proper port size,
as well as adjusting the gas rates to an optimized value.

Overall, the campaign on these seven wells yielded a total production increase of 14% and a net oil increase of 15%.
These values were monitored and remained stable over a three month period. A network model was also created for
the analyzed wells, determining the optimum and maximum gas injection values and how they would affect the
overall production.
Notes:

Session: II Session Chair:

New Gas-Lift Technology Mike Johnson, ExxonMobil
Tom Norland, PTC
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 9

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Presentation Title: II – 3 Company(ies):
How Does An Unstable GLV Affect Ziebel AS
the Reservoir?
Author(s): Contact Information:
Frode Hveding Frode.hveding@ziebel.com
Vadood Azadegan
Hanne Christine Seyffarth
Rahul Saraf
Zana Pepaj
Abstract:
Distributed measurements have been around in the industry for decades. Ziebel have recently introduced a new
intervention system to the North Sea that enables multiple fiber optic cables to be safely introduced into a producing
well inside a semi-stiff carbon rod. With multiple fiber optic cables inside we are sensing the entire wellbore all the
time with both Distributed Acoustic in addition to Distributed Temperature. Pressure is also measured in real time and
can be placed wherever needed for the operation. With this technology you can see the operation and stability of the
GLV at the same time as you are observing the effect of the entire reservoir in real time. This technology enables you
to actually tune the gas injection rate in order to obtain maximum production. Or, you will get the answers needed if
the valve is operating as designed. Examples from North Sea operations will be presented.
Notes:

Session: II Session Chair:

New Gas-Lift Technology Mike Johnson, ExxonMobil
Tom Norland, PTC
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 10

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Presentation Title: II – 4 Company(ies):
Improved Gas-Lift Valve Change Out WellTec Norway
Author(s): Contact Information:
Terje Skeie tskeie@welltec.com
Abstract:
Novel thinking has resulted in an optimized way of performing gas-lift valve change-outs. The past 40 years, only few
changes have been made to the Kick-Over Tool technology, but through recent advancements it has been modified to
operate more reliably in deviated and horizontal wells. One of the improvements is the modified arm mechanism that
prevents breaking the gas-lift valve (GLV) latch when setting/retrieving them and accommodating the forces
generated by the hydraulic stroking tool. With this modified Kick Over Tool (KOT) operators are enabled to set and
retrieve GLV’s in one run for optimized operational efficiency.

The tool has been applied with great success. An operator required the ability to replace GLV’s in their completion for
increased oil production. Conventional methods had reached their limits: slickline was unable to overcome the higher
deviations while coiled tubing, with imprecise depth control, took multiple run-in-hole attempts to pull and replace the
valve. Based on previous, positive experiences with electric line, mechanical solutions, the customer chose the KOT
to be run in tandem with a tractor and a hydraulic stroking to pull the existing GLV and replace it in a single run. The
tractor conveyed the toolstring to the correct depth where the stroking tool and the upper KOT provided the pulling
force for removal. Then, the stroking tool and lower KOT successfully installed the new GLV into the mandrel.

Operators are now enabled to optimize their gas-lift design without limitations imposed by the previous, conventional
means. This allows them to place GLV’s in the high angle sections if that is the best possible location for increased oil
recovery from their reservoirs.

This presentation will describe the challenges with the planning and execution of this particular operation and the
implications for future gas-lift design.
Notes:

Session: II Session Chair:

New Gas-Lift Technology Mike Johnson, ExxonMobil
Tom Norland, PTC
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 11

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Presentation Title: II – 5 Company(ies):
Pressure Management in B Annulus Techni Norway
Author(s): Contact Information:
Morten Roll Karlsen mrk@techni.no
Abstract:
Covering sub topics;
Measurement in outer annuli by passive components
Wireless communication through casing
Pressure management and the API/NORSOK framework

The hunt for further oil and gas recovery from old wells is booming, and the industry look to new and improved
technology for adding several years of operational time. New methods like light well intervention procedures sets high
stress on old wellheads and infrastructure, and a general increase in development of marginal fields have raised
issues over safety aspects yet again.

In the arctic region, politicians struggle to set a standard for allowing oil and gas recovery due to possible
environmental impact from a major disaster. After the very unfortunate Deepwater Horizon accident, a lot of
suggested technology improvements involves better pressure management.

Aside from developing improved procedures around cementing operations, leakage detection and oil spill recovery,
additional success factors will be the ability to monitor pressure and temperature fluctuations in B annulus, as well as
finding models and produce technology to manage such pressure builds successfully.
Notes:

Session: III Session Chair:

Field Case Histories Oliver Barreto, Conoco Phillips
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 12

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Presentation Title: III – 1 Company(ies):
Gas-Lift Operations in Apache’s Apache North Sea
North Sea Region
Author(s): Contact Information:
Ross Littlewood Ross.Littlewood@gbr.apachecorp.com
Peter Sordyl
Abstract:
The Forties Field is located in the UK sector of the North Sea and has been operated by Apache North Sea Ltd. since
2003. The field consists of five production platforms and one subsea tieback. There are approximately 90 online
wells and the Field production is around 60,000 boepd. Approximately 40% of these wells are gas-lifted; the
remaining wells have Electric Submersible Pumps (ESP) installed. In December 2011 Apache took over the
operatorship of the Beryl field with its two production platforms and associated subsea tiebacks. This added a further
50,000 boepd to the region and another 44 wells. The Beryl wells are either gas-lifted or naturally producing.

Artificial lift is an essential part of Apache North Sea’s operations, however, the selection process between ESP and
gas-lift is often not clear cut and has evolved over time to meet the changing requirements of the assets; this is
particularly relevant in the Forties Field. Factors affecting the artificial lift selection include gas availability, topsides
plant constraints, sand production, well productivity, and ESP run-life. Long term planning and detailed production
forecasts are also a key requirement of the artificial lift selection strategy.

An understanding of gas-lift systems is an essential part of effectively delivering the artificial lift strategy, however, it
has been seen that this can sometimes be lacking in both onshore and offshore staff. At times this has had an
impact on operations; consequently training and coaching have been necessary to ensure that systems are properly
designed and operated in such a way to maximize production. Good record keeping and data storage are important
parts of understanding any assets gas lift wells and should not be overlooked.

In 2008 Apache began to run permanent downhole pressure and temperature gauges in selected gas-lift wells; this
approach will also be applied to the Beryl wells on the current drilling plan. The data from the downhole gauges is
continuously streamed onshore via a fiber-optic link and this has proved invaluable to the onshore engineers
especially when troubleshooting problem wells. In addition to this, a distributed temperature system (DTS) has been
installed in one Forties well which, coincidently, suffered major operating issues when the deep-set production packer
became unseated. Evaluation of the DTS data concluded that changing out the gas-lift orifice would help to optimize
the well which avoided an expensive workover.
Notes:

Session: III Session Chair:

Field Case Histories Oliver Barreto, Conoco Phillips
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 13

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Presentation Title: III – 2 Company(ies):
Inverse Gas-Lift System (IGLS) Petrowell Ltd - a Weatherford Company
Author(s): Contact Information:
Norman Strachan norman.strachan@eu.weatherford.com
Abstract:
Many wells are now reaching the stage that they may require to be gas lifted in order to both maximize the life of well
and to increase production. IGLS allows a method of gas injection via an insert string. The system is designed to
maximize both gas injection and production flow paths with no reliance on annuli and with a safety valve that fully
isolates both production and injection flow paths on closure. To date a coiled tubing string has been utilized below the
well control part of the system.

Gas injection is via a newly installed bore consisting of:

 Intermediate Spool and Concentric Hanger at surface,
 Coiled tubing or pipe from surface to Suspension Hanger and Dual Flow Safety Valve installed in the
existing safety valve profile,
 Coiled tubing to gas injection depth and gas injection valve.

Production is via the annular spaces and bores of the IGLS components and coiled tubing / pipe.
IGLS can be installed using traditional Intervention techniques therefore making this a cost effective option to any
work over program.

Components of the IGLS can be used for other applications e.g. water injection systems, in order to dissolve salt
deposits that reduce production rates, and can also be combined with some of our Renaissance System
components.

These systems offer a revival for troubled wells by expanding the productive life.
Notes:

Session: III Session Chair:

Field Case Histories Oliver Barreto, Conoco Phillips
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 14

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Presentation Title: III – 3 Company(ies):
Successful Pilot Installation of Weatherford, Marathon
Retrofit Gas-Lift System Allows
Resumed Production
Author(s): Contact Information:
Alun Whittaker – Weatherford Alun.Whittaker@eu.weatherford.com
Frank Rattray – Marathon
Abstract:
North Brae is a North Sea gas-field in which aquifer influx has resulted in liquid loading reducing, and in some cases
shutting down, production from several wells. Reservoir simulation studies and field production experience both
indicated that stranded mobile gas remained close to the shut in wells and so methods were considered to bring this
into production. A gas-lift installation similar to those normally used in oil wells was considered however it cannot
reach any deeper than the production packer and in most cases this was as much as 2000ft above the lowest
perforation.

An innovative Retrofit Deep Gas Lift (RDGL) system was designed, in a cooperative project involving Operator and
Service Company, to provide a means of allowing lift gas to access the lowest perforation. This incorporates
punching holes in the tubing directly above the packer and straddling them, using thru-tubing methods, with a two
piece straddle/crossover assembly and a tailpipe extending to the desired depth. This ISO 14310 V0 qualified
system directs lift gas from the tubing/casing annulus via a special crossover assembly to the desired depth with the
resultant production returning via the tailpipe annulus through the crossover to the tubing above. This system was
initially installed in a well with 5-1/2” tubing to provide lift gas to a point some 800 ft below the production packer and
resulted in the resumption of production from a well that had been shut in for 2.5 years.
Notes:
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 15

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Session: III Session Chair:
Field Case Histories Oliver Barreto, Conoco Phillips
Presentation Title: III – 4 Company(ies):
Testing of Gas-Lift Valves Statoil
Author(s): Contact Information:
Elen Wiig Arnesen bsli@statoil.com
Abstract:
The gas-lift wells at the Statfjord field are constructed with the gas-lift valves as part of the primary barrier. The gas-lift
valves must be tested on a regular basis to ensure no leakage above the defined criteria. Test procedures for testing
gas-lift valves have been established. The presentation will focus on the background for choosing these procedures
and how the testing is performed.
Notes:
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 16

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Session: III Session Chair:
Field Case Histories Oliver Barreto, Conoco Phillips
Presentation Title: III – 5 Company(ies):
Statoil Norne – A Case History on Schlumberger, Statoil
Long Term Barrier GLV Integrity
Author(s): Contact Information:
Niek Dijkstra (Schlumberger) ndijkstr@slb.com
Sean Dynes (Statoil)
Abstract:
Recent well integrity incidents in the oil industry have put a stronger than ever emphasis on well bore equipment
reliability. The requirements regarding admissible leak rates and erosion resistance of gas-lift valves have become
stricter and these items are now regarded as fully qualified barriers.

The latest gas-lift valve technologies can still be regarded as a work in progress; as these new barrier qualified gas-
lift valves gain exposure in wells around the world, we get a better picture of the long term reliability of these types of
valves. One such field where we have a long track record with these newer types of gas-lift valves is the Statoil
Norne field.

The Statoil Norne field is located in the Northern Norwegian sector of the North Sea; its wells are subsea completed
in a water depth of 380m, with single-point gas-lift injection systems for production enhancement. During 2005/2006
five wells were completed on Norne, with a gas-lift system based on newly designed barrier-type 1-3/4” OD gas-lift
valves. Ever since, these valves have been subjected to very high gas injection rates of up to 11 mmscf/d, with
regular well integrity testing to confirm barrier integrity.

Up to date there has been no recorded failure of any of these newer type 1-3/4” gas-lift valves on Norne, which gives
an indication of their long term functionality. Recently one valve was pulled which gives us a glimpse of the condition
these valves are in after being in the ground for extended periods. This case history will give further information of the
gas-lift operations on Norne, and overview of the long term reliability of these newer barrier qualified gas-lift valves in
one of the fields with one of the longest track records involved.
Notes:
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 17

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Session: III Session Chair:
Field Case Histories Oliver Barreto, Conoco Phillips
Presentation Title: III – 6 Company(ies):
Global Gas-Lift Opt. Using Using ExxonMobil
WellTracerTM Surveys
Author(s): Contact Information:
Tony Hord mike.k.johnson@exxonmobil.com
Mike Johnson
Abstract:
ExxonMobil has been using CO2 tracer surveys to identify problem wells, troubleshoot, design, and
optimize gas lifted wells since 2008. This presentation will describe the data collected, repairs identified,
learnings, and results from the CO2 surveys conducted during the last four years.
Notes:
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 18

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Session: III Session Chair:
Field Case Histories Oliver Barreto, Conoco Phillips
Presentation Title: III – 7 Company(ies):
Gas-Lift Optimization under Petrobras
Constraints and Limits
Author(s): Contact Information:
V. Ramos Rosa fabio.brum@petrobras.com.br
A. Furtado Teixeira
Abstract:
Most of gas-lift papers that present optimization models have two common aspects. The first one is to optimize above
a surface made by each well gas-lift performance curve. The second is to consider the total gas-lift rate to be shared
among wells as a model input.

These models work fine as long as the surface is smooth and there is no active compression system limits. Wells
which have discontinuous gas-lift performance curves perform a not smooth optimization surface. Then, the surface
optimization based on traditional gradient methods (like BFGS and Quadratic Programming) does not work. A
commercial software was tried to optimize through operational boundary conditions but no reasonable solutions were
obtained. Compression capacity should be a model input and total gas-lift rate a model variable in addition to wells
gas-lift rates.

This work describes two field-implemented methods based on Operational Research techniques, Dynamic
Programming and Mixed Integer Programming, to overcome these modeling difficulties.

The gas-lift optimization by Dynamic Programming model allows prescribing a set of wells which must be closed in
case of compression system capacity constraint at a minimum well gas-lift rate.

Optimization by Mixed Integer Programming performs a more complex model. It is possible to add operational
constraints such as capacity reduction in produced water disposal system. It defines which wells can remain opened,
their respective gas-lift rates and well head pressures. This model applies piecewise linearization to deal with non
smooth surfaces.

These models accomplish the optimization task at one offshore platform in Campos Basin, giving a fast response to
operational daily changes.
Notes:
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 19

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Session: IV Session Chair:
Status of Gas-Lift Standards, API Erling Evensen, Statoil
Gas-Lift, Other Items Alan Brodie, PTC
Presentation Title: IV – 1 Company(ies):
Gas-Lift Nonsense Liang Engineering
Author(s): Contact Information:
Cameron Laing cameron@letstrain.co.uk
Abstract:
We need to question whether or not the way we employ gas-lift technology is truly fit for purpose. Why do we:

Assume static temperature gradients for nitrogen valve pressure setting and then expect them to operate for the first
time at higher flowing temperature gradients?
“Age” valves at 5,000psig and then subject them to higher hydrostatic test pressures in service?
Locate orifice valves as deep as possible when, for most of the well’s life, it will not be possible to reach that depth?
Specify large orifice port sizes and then choke the gas injection rate, making the tubing pressure susceptible to
instability?
Not pay attention to the learning from tear down inspections?
Expect integrity from check valves so clearly subject to scale deposition?
Use very basic gas metering equipment and guess at valve temperature and casing pressure?
Use idealized gas-lift performance curves for well, network and reservoir modeling when only a limited range of rates
are truly achievable?

Many of our assumptions may be nonsense! This presentation will also examine some recent work that illustrates in
a practical way the true upper and lower limits of gas injection rate for a specific installed design and how they
change over the life of a well.

Laing has over 35 years of petroleum engineering experience, including 18 years with major international operator
Amoco. For the last 5 years they have delivered both gas-lift consulting and artificial lift training. They also helped to
develop an MSc degree in Petroleum Production Engineering for the Robert Gordon University.
Notes:
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 20

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Session: IV Session Chair:
Status of Gas-Lift Standards, API Erling Evensen, Statoil
Gas-Lift, Other Items Alan Brodie, PTC
Presentation Title: IV – 2 Company(ies):
Local Knowledge vs. International McCalvin Enterprises
Expertise
Author(s): Contact Information:
David McCalvin david@mccalvinenterprises.com
Abstract:
The complexity in the design of gas-lifted wells continues to increase and the expectations of the grand financial
returns from expenditures on gas-lift equipment are higher than ever. Unfortunately, the knowledge base of many of
the engineers assigned to specify and operate the correct equipment is diminishing as the “experts” reach the closing
of their careers. This “crew change” leaves forming the correct questions more and more elusive for subject matter
experts. Industry specifications/standards provide a source of consolidated information which has been assembled
by the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)c over time. The detailed design validation and design verification
requirements included therein can be referenced or used as a guideline for internal specifications and purchasing
requirements to aid the user in getting fit-for-purpose products installed into the valuable real-estate within a
producing well. These and related topics will be discussed and that knowledge shared at this session.
Notes:
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 21

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Session: IV Session Chair:
Status of Gas-Lift Standards, API Erling Evensen, Statoil
Gas-Lift, Other Items Alan Brodie, PTC
Presentation Title: IV – 3 Company(ies):
Update on API 19G2 for Flow Control Shell International EP
Devices
Author(s): Contact Information:
Wayne Mabry wayne.mabry@shell.com
Abstract:
When API 19G2 – “Flow-control Devices for Side-pocket Mandrels” was originally released it was an adopt-back of
the ISO 17078-2 document released in the early 2000’s. Since the original release much has changed relating to
gas-lift flow control devices in barrier applications due to the Statoil qualification requirements. The soon to be
released version of the API 19G2 document will include the testing requirements as established by Statoil and
adopted as the defacto industry barrier requirement standard. Out of this effort, it became clear, an even more
stringent level of design validation and product functional testing is required for Deep Gulf of Mexico applications in
the API 19G2 Standards.
Notes:
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 22

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Session: IV Session Chair:
Status of Gas-Lift Standards, API Erling Evensen, Statoil
Gas-Lift, Other Items Alan Brodie, PTC
Presentation Title: IV – 4 Company(ies):
Technology in Meters, Controllers, Emerson Flow Solutions
Instrumentation for Gas-Lift
Author(s): Contact Information:
Denver Smart denver.smart@emerson.com
Abstract:
Technology in meters, controllers, and instrumentation that should be used in all new installations or revisions will be
reviewed. The discussion starts with the larger system view and SCADA equipment for data accumulation and gas-
lift optimization, and then proceeds to identify points in the gas-lift system where sensing, controlling, or metering
devices should be installed. Examples of specific devices will be presented so that both the process and the
hardware are reviewed.

New technology in wireless systems, flow measurement, downhole sensors for pressure, temperature, and fluid
density, and equipment associated with testing wells will be discussed.
Notes:
2013 Gas-Lift Workshop Page 23

2013 Gas-Lift Workshop

Technical Presentations
Session: IV Session Chair:
Status of Gas-Lift Standards, API Erling Evensen, Statoil
Gas-Lift, Other Items Alan Brodie, PTC
Presentation Title: IV – 5 Company(ies):
Leak Metering Gas-Lifted Wells ScanWell AS
Author(s): Contact Information:
Luramyrvn Sandnes morten.kvernvold@scanwell.no
Abstract:
This presentation will cover experiences from leak testing gas lift valves in the North Sea.
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