Mathematical model for liquid loading in natural gas well production

Thesis Abstract

Every Natural gas well ceases producing as reservoir pressure depletes. The usual liquid presence in the reservoir can cause further problems by accumulating in the wellbore and reducing production even more. There are a number of options in well completion to prevent liquid loading even before it becomes a problem. Tubing size and perforation interval optimization are the two most common methods. Although completion optimization will prevent liquid accumulation in the wellbore for a certain time, eventually as the reservoir pressure decreases more, the well will start loading. As liquid loading occurs it is crucial to recognize the problem at early stages and select a suitable prevention method. There are various methods to prevent liquid loading such as; mechanical methods (gas lift, plunger lift, pumping and velocity string installation), chemical (foamers), and mathematical simulation. This study is set out to develop a mathematical model – an improvement on previous models – ­­to prevent loading in Natural gas well production