Lecture on Artificial Lift Technology

Introduction

PhD in Petroleum Production Engineering (specializes in artificial lift and production engineering)
Current positions:
- Staff member at Future University
- Head of Petroleum Technology Dept. at New Cairo Technological University
- Global Technical Director of Artificial Lift Systems for United Lift Technologists
Over 34 years experience in the oil and gas industry
Expertise in artificial lift design, operation, troubleshooting, optimization
Extensive experience in practical training for field staff and engineers
Published over 55 technical papers
Active with the Society of Petroleum Engineering (SPE)

What is Gas Lift?: Major artificial lift technique, especially for deep fields with high gas-to-oil ratios
Economic Advantage: Often the most economical artificial lift for specific applications
Fluid Dynamics Concept: Gas lift works by injecting high-pressure gas into the annulus space between casing and tubing to lift fluids to the surface
Common Gas Source: Generally, natural gas is used which can be produced from the same well or nearby wells

Continuous Flow Gas Lift: Gas is continuously injected; used for wells with good productivity
Intermittent Flow Gas Lift: Gas is injected intermittently; used for low productivity wells

Mechanism: Gas is injected continuously to reduce the density of the fluid column, aiding in lifting it to the surface
Injection Point: Only one gas lift valve (operating valve) is open at a time

Mechanism: Fluid builds up when well stops, then gas is injected to push accumulated fluid to the surface
Efficiency: Not as economical or efficient as continuous flow, often used for shallow or low productivity wells

Advantages:
- No moving parts, handles sand, suitable for deviated/horizontal wells
- Flexible and highly optimizable
- Allows for well operations without pulling the completion
- Multiple wells can be operated from a single compressor
Limitations:
- Requires high-pressure gas or a compressor
- Not economical for single wells
- Less efficient with high-viscosity fluids
- Sensitive to bottom hole pressure changes and back pressure

Types:
- Injection Pressure Operating Valve (IPO): Opens based on annulus gas pressure
- Production Pressure Operating Valve (PPO): Opens based on tubing pressure
Installation: Valves are installed in gas lift mandrels, making them retrievable by wireline
Usage: Only one operating valve is used at a time, others are 'unloading' valves

Unloading Sequence: Gradually reduces hydrostatic head pressure to optimize gas lift operations
Manual Design Method: Static gradient calculation, gas availability, and required production rates
Software Design Tools: More accurate than manual methods, consider various factors like temperatures, gas properties, etc.
API and ISO Standards: Guidelines available for designing and operating gas lift systems

Use in high viscous fluid: Not recommended due to gas slippage
Low productivity wells: Generally not efficient, may require combination with other methods like plunger lift
Liquid level falls below designed valve depth: Yes, possible; design should accommodate reservoir depletion