PRODUCTION OPTMIZATION FROM A LOW-PRESSURE WELL

ABSTRACT

Movement of fluids are generally from regions of higher pressures to those with lower pressures. Movement of reservoir fluids from the reservoir to the wellbore, and finally to the surface also depends largely on this fundamental principle. Oil and gas reservoirs are driven by pressure energies. There may be instances where the well pressure energy may not be enough to flow fluids to the surface naturally. Some wells naturally have low pressure, while pressure decline in most wells over time due to continued production. Either ways, as long as the reserves is still economically large, optimal recovery options will need to be considered. A common practice is to install artificial lift systems in wells when the natural pressure energy declines. However, a review of the flow equations reveal that the well flowing pressure has diverse flow impediments to overcome. One of the major restrictions to flow is the diameter of the tubing. Since oil and gas are transported from the wellbore to the surface through the tubing, the size of this completion material greatly affects the production efficiency of the well. This work establishes the effects of tubing size on the optimal production of oil especially from a low pressure well. A model that calculates the pressure difference between the reservoir pressure and the wellhead flowing pressure was developed in the work. The work also recommends the efforts that can be put together to ensure an optimal production of oil from a low pressure well.