Real-Time Gas Lift Well Optimization Using Surface Read Out (SRO) System in Bunyu Field

Abstract

Gas lift optimization is required to sustain production in many oil fields. An optimum gas injection rate in each well is essential to maximize oil production by reducing the flowing bottom hole pressure (FBHP). This paper presents an effective method to optimize the production of gas lifted well by selecting an optimum gas injection rate using a real-time downhole data monitoring system.

The surface read out (SRO) system is used to evaluate the changes in FBHP to variation in gas injection rate in real-time. This system uses a downhole gauge that measures both temperature and pressure in the well from the surface to the perforation depth. When the downhole gauge reaches the perforation depth, a multi-rate test (MRT) is carried out with variation in gas injection rate to find the optimum rate.

This optimization method has been proven to be effective in determining the optimum gas injection rate and quickly increasing the well production rate. In addition, calibration of the well performance model based on actual gas lift performance curve (GLPC) from MRT result can provide more accurate production forecast.