This five-days course and workshop is designed to give trainees a thorough review and hands-on exposure to the artificial lift and related issues that are applicable to unconventional and tight oil/gas wells. Production optimization is also discussed particularly real-time measurements and optimization techniques that are required to understand and manage the dynamic production scenarios. Dynamic choke management strategies are also covered in form of hands-on exercises. Besides introducing participants to the basics of artificial lift and real-time measurements, the training focuses on specific production and lift challenges related to the unconventional wells. Artificial lift selection and life cycle analysis are also covered. Recent advances in real-time approaches to the production monitoring and lift management are discussed using field case studies. A unique feature of this training is hands-on workshop for solving problems using unique software for unconventional well hydraulics and surface choke schedule management. The course closes with a group exercise wherein each group of trainees would develop problem statement and solution plans for production from unconventional assets.
Accutant Solutions
Houston, TX, USA
Who should attend?
- Artificial lift and production personnel responsible for shale fields development and production unconventional production
- Reservoir, completion, drilling and facilities engineers working on shale development unconventional production
- Field and asset supervisors and managers interested in improving performance of their unconventional assets. Anyone interested in learning about artificial lift and unique challenges of unconventional production
Knowledge Takeaways
- Ultra-low permeability, significant pressure declines, gas-liquid separation in wellbore, significant flowrate, phase and pressure fluctuations combine to create significant challenges for operators trying to produce a shale or tight asset optimally.
- Unlike conventional production, unconventional production is highly dynamic short- as well as mediumto long-term. As a result, traditional approaches to artificial lift applications are inefficient if not unsuccessful. Artificial lift life cycle is different for unconventional wells.
- During early to middle lifecycle, most operators deploy production control measures in form of choking at the surface, and it has been found that such measures can favorably impact well economics, productivity and eventually EUR enhancement.
- Production dynamics requires us to rethink about application of real-time downhole and surface sensing. Software tools available to analyze field data are inadequate. This course will help trainees understand and appreciate these aspects while providing them applicable solution paths.
- The course will use the latest software tools developed based on the research at The University of Texas. This hands-on exposure will allow participants to understand and appreciate various production aspects while providing them applicable solution paths.
Prerequisites:
- Understanding of petroleum production concepts. Attendees should have petroleum engineering background or at least five years of working experience in the industry.
Course level:
- Intermediate to Advanced level
Course contents
Day 1:
- Pre-test
- Introduction to Artificial Lift Systems and Production Optimization: What, Why, How. What are the Production Challenges specific to Shale and tight well Development?
- Choking Practices: What, Why, How
Day 2:
- High Rate Volume Practices
- Continuous Gas-lift: Applications, Benefit/Limitations, Components, Design Considerations
- Electrical Submersible Pumping: Applications, Benefit/Limitations, Components, Design considerations
- Hydraulic Jet and Piston Pump
Day 3:
-
Choking methodology based on well constraints
- Software simulation and exercises for choking schedules based on well
- Software simulations during high to medium rate production
- Low rate Volume Practices for liquid dominant assets
- Reciprocating Rod Lift: Applications, Benefit/Limitations, Components, Design considerations
Day 4:
- Challenges of gas producing assets
- Capillary Injection: Application for lift and chemical treatment, Components, Design considerations
- Plunger Lift: Gas well deliquification, Components, Design considerations
- Role of Surface Compression
- Technologies on horizon: Downhole compression, multiphase pumping.
- Software simulations during medium to low rate production
-
Choking methodology based on field network constraints
- Software simulation and exercises for choking schedule based on network constraints
Day 5:
-
Selection of artificial lift for Shale Wells
- Variables specific to Shale Well ALS Selection
- Strengths & weaknesses of applicable lift systems
- Lift Life Cycle and Elimination process
- Application case Studies in oil and gas wells
- Emerging trends and research
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Digital oil field and production optimization
- Real-time downhole and surface measurements
- Role of software in visualization, analysis and surveillance
- Application Case Studies
- Lift Selection Aspects in Shale: Group Exercise
- Optional: Post-test