A method for selecting a well for a plunger lift process
By analyzing the historical production data of the target well and performing simple operations, the problem of accurately locating the target well in existing technologies has been solved, enabling rapid well selection and efficient implementation of the plunger gas lift process.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL CORP
- Filing Date
- 2021-09-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing well selection methods for plunger gas lift technology cannot accurately locate target wells and cannot achieve large-scale target well selection, affecting the timely implementation of plunger gas lift technology.
By reviewing the historical production data of the target well, we can determine its gas production potential, gas production difference, and instantaneous gas production. Combined with simple practical operations, we can determine whether the target well is suitable for the plunger gas lift process, thus avoiding complex theoretical calculations.
It enables accurate location and rapid assessment of target wells, improves well selection efficiency, and ensures the timely implementation of the plunger gas lift process.
Smart Images
Figure CN115874989B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of oil and gas technology, and in particular to a well selection method using a plunger gas lift process. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, the most common drainage and gas production technology used in gas wells is the foam drainage and gas production technology. After several years of exploration, the foam drainage technology has achieved good results. However, as a chemical agent, long-term injection of the foam drainage agent can damage the reservoir. Furthermore, when the foam drainage agent and the wellbore fluid are stirred by high-speed flowing gas, they will form an emulsion, which will block the orifice and hinder the discharge of the wellbore fluid.
[0003] The plunger gas lift process, which utilizes the high-pressure gas energy of the gas well itself to drive the plunger in the tubing to discharge fluid, has the advantage of low energy consumption and does not damage the reservoir. However, the plunger gas lift process requires that the gas well itself produces enough gas to push the plunger to complete the process stroke along the wellbore. Therefore, before implementing the plunger gas lift process, it is necessary to analyze the production status of the target well and determine whether the target well meets the requirements of the plunger gas lift process. If it does not meet the requirements, the plunger gas lift process cannot be effectively implemented.
[0004] Existing well selection methods for plunger gas lift technology are mostly based on complex theoretical calculations. However, actual production conditions are relatively complex, and theoretical calculations cannot accurately identify gas wells that can implement the plunger gas lift technology. Moreover, for large-scale target well selection, theoretical calculations take too long and cannot enable the timely implementation of the plunger gas lift technology.
[0005] Therefore, a technical solution is needed to address the technical problems that existing theoretical calculations of plunger gas lift well selection methods cannot accurately locate target wells and cannot achieve large-scale well selection for plunger gas lift processes, thus affecting the timely implementation of the plunger gas lift process. Summary of the Invention
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to address the technical problems of existing theoretically calculated plunger gas lift well selection methods, which cannot accurately locate target wells and cannot achieve large-scale well selection for the plunger gas lift process, thus affecting the timely implementation of the plunger gas lift process. This invention provides a plunger gas lift process well selection method.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:
[0008] A well selection method using a plunger gas lift process includes the following steps:
[0009] S1: Review the historical production data of the target well to determine its gas production potential, as condition a;
[0010] S2: View the historical production data of the target well and determine the difference between the gas production of the target well when there is a drainage gas production measure and the gas production of the target well when there is no drainage gas production measure, as condition b.
[0011] S3: Determine the instantaneous gas production after the target well's pressure storage restarts, as condition c;
[0012] S4: Integrating conditions a, b, and c, if the target well has gas production potential, the difference is positive, and the instantaneous gas production meets the requirements of the plunger gas lift process, it is determined that the target well is suitable for the plunger gas lift process, and the plunger gas lift process can be applied to the target well.
[0013] This invention discloses a well selection method for plunger gas lift technology. When the target well has gas production potential, it is necessary to implement fluid drainage measures to increase the gas production of the target well. If the gas production of the target well with fluid drainage measures is higher than that without fluid drainage measures, it indicates that the gas production of the target well is limited by the accumulated fluid. After shutting down the pressure storage of the target well, the target well is reopened, and the gas production of the target well is checked to ensure that the plunger can be driven by the energy of the target well to lift the fluid after being deployed. This method does not require complex theoretical calculations. It only requires historical production data of the target well and simple practical operation to determine whether the target well is suitable for the plunger gas lift technology. It can not only accurately locate the target well, but also is simple and fast, improving the well selection efficiency of the plunger gas lift technology.
[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, condition a includes viewing the historical production data of the target well over the past year, where the highest daily gas production is greater than 10,000 m³. 3 At that time, it was determined that the target well had gas production potential. It was necessary to implement fluid drainage measures to increase the gas production of the target well.
[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, condition a includes viewing the production data of the target well and adjacent wells in the river channel, wherein the daily gas production of the adjacent well is greater than 10,000 m³. 3 To determine if a target well has gas production potential, it is necessary to implement drainage measures to increase the gas production of the target well. When the target well data is abnormal or production is stopped, and the production data of the target well cannot be directly viewed, the production potential of the target well can be indirectly reflected by neighboring wells in the same river channel as the target well.
[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, condition c includes the target well pressure storage time being less than 6 hours and the target well instantaneous gas production reaching 20,000 m³. 3 The gas production rate of the target well is determined to be sufficient for plunger gas lift, and the pressure is maintained for at least 30 minutes per day. Without affecting normal production, the maximum pressurization time for the gas well is 6 hours. After 6 hours of pressurization, the gas well is opened, and the gas pressure inside the well drives the plunger upwards. The instantaneous production rate can be maintained for more than 30 minutes to ensure that the plunger can move from the lowered position to the wellhead of the target well.
[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it further includes S5: checking the real-time production data of the target well, if the casing pressure is greater than the oil pressure, and the difference between the casing pressure and the oil pressure is ≥0.5MPa, it is determined that the downhole fluid accumulation is severe, as condition d. Condition d is used to determine the start time of applying the plunger gas lift process to the target well. When there is fluid accumulation in the target well, lowering the plunger can quickly increase the gas production of the target well.
[0018] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it further includes condition e: when reviewing historical production data of the target well, if the gas production of the target well increases with the increase of the liquid production, it is determined that the gas production of the target well is limited by the accumulation of liquid. This indicates that the gas production of the target well is affected by the accumulation of liquid, and the gas production is limited when the target well is filled with liquid.
[0019] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, condition f is further included: before deploying the plunger in the target well, the target well structure diagram is examined to determine whether a downhole limiter needs to be deployed to the target well. After determining that the target well is suitable for the plunger gas lift process, it is determined whether a downhole limiter needs to be deployed to improve the efficiency of the plunger gas lift process.
[0020] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, condition f includes viewing the target well structure diagram. When the angle between the gas well axis at the circulating sleeve of the target well and the direction of gravity is less than 50°, the plunger can be directly lowered into the target well. The angle between the gas well axis of the target well and the direction of gravity is called the well inclination angle. The well inclination angle gradually increases from the wellhead downwards. In order to ensure that the plunger can return to the wellhead after entering the target well, the well inclination angle of the plunger's lowering position should be less than 50°. However, the plunger cannot be positioned by itself downhole and needs to be limited by the circulating sleeve of the gas well itself or by a downhole limiter. When the well inclination angle at the circulating sleeve of the gas well itself is less than 50°, it is not necessary to lower a downhole limiter.
[0021] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, condition f includes viewing the target well structure diagram. When the angle between the gas well axis at the circulating sleeve of the target well and the direction of gravity is greater than 50°, a downhole limiter is lowered at a position where the angle between the gas well axis and the direction of gravity is 50°. When the well inclination angle at the circulating sleeve of the gas well structure is greater than 50°, the downhole limiter needs to be lowered to a position where the well inclination angle is 50°, thereby limiting the plunger in a position where it can move upwards.
[0022] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:
[0023] 1. This method determines the target well suitable for the plunger gas lift process by judging whether the target well has production potential, whether the gas production of the target well is limited by the accumulated liquid, and whether the target well can achieve plunger propulsion.
[0024] 2. This method does not require complex theoretical calculations. It only requires historical production data of the target well and simple practical operation to determine whether the target well is suitable for the plunger gas lift process. It can not only accurately locate the target well, but also is simple and fast, improving the well selection efficiency of the plunger gas lift process. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the judgment process of a well selection method using a plunger gas lift process according to the present invention.
[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the target well described in this invention. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.
[0029] Example 1
[0030] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this embodiment of a plunger gas lift well selection method includes the following steps:
[0031] S1: Review the historical production data of the target well to determine its gas production potential. As condition a, it is necessary to implement drainage measures to increase the gas production of the target well.
[0032] S2: Check the historical production data of the target well and determine the difference between the gas production of the target well when there is a drainage gas production measure and the gas production of the target well when there is no drainage gas production measure. As condition b, when the gas production of the target well when there is a drainage gas production measure is higher than the gas production of the target well when there is no drainage gas production measure, it means that the gas production of the target well is limited by the accumulation of liquid.
[0033] S3: Determine the instantaneous gas production after the target well restarts its pressure storage. As condition c, determine whether the instantaneous gas production of the target well can drive the plunger to lift the fluid, ensuring that the plunger can be driven by the energy of the target well to lift the fluid after it is deployed into the target well.
[0034] S4: Integrating conditions a, b, and c, if the target well has gas production potential, the difference is positive, and the instantaneous gas production meets the requirements of the plunger gas lift process, it is determined that the target well is suitable for the plunger gas lift process, and the plunger gas lift process can be applied to the target well. This method does not require complex theoretical calculations; it only requires historical production data of the target well and simple practical operation to determine whether the target well is suitable for the plunger gas lift process. It can not only accurately locate the target well, but also is simple and fast, improving the well selection efficiency of the plunger gas lift process.
[0035] Specifically, condition a includes viewing the historical production data of the target well over the past year, where the highest daily gas production exceeds 10,000 m³. 3 If the target well is determined to have gas production potential, it is necessary to implement fluid drainage measures to increase the gas production of the target well.
[0036] Specifically, condition c includes the target well pressure storage time being less than 6 hours and the target well instantaneous gas production reaching 20,000 m³. 3 / day, and can be maintained for at least 30 minutes. Without affecting normal production, the maximum pressure storage time of the gas well is 6 hours. After 6 hours of pressure storage, the gas well is opened, and the gas pressure in the gas well drives the plunger to move upward. Instant production can be maintained for more than 30 minutes to ensure that the plunger can move from the lowered position to the target wellhead.
[0037] Example 2
[0038] In this embodiment, the difference from Embodiment 1 is that condition a includes viewing the production data of adjacent wells in the same river channel as the target well, where the daily gas production of the adjacent well is greater than 10,000 m³. 3 It is necessary to implement drainage measures to increase the gas production of the target well;
[0039] When the target well data is abnormal or production is stopped, and the production data of the target well cannot be viewed directly, the production potential of the target can be indirectly reflected by neighboring wells in the same river channel as the target well.
[0040] Example 3
[0041] In this embodiment, the difference from Embodiment 1 is that it also includes S5: viewing the real-time production data of the target well, the casing pressure is greater than the oil pressure, and determining the downhole fluid accumulation as condition d. Condition d is used to determine the start time of applying the plunger gas lift process to the target well. When there is fluid accumulation in the target well, lowering the plunger can quickly increase the gas production of the target well.
[0042] Example 4
[0043] In this embodiment, the difference from Embodiment 1 is that it also includes condition e: when viewing the historical production data of the target well, when the gas production of the target well increases with the increase of the liquid production, it is determined that the gas production of the target well is limited by the liquid accumulation, the correlation between the gas production and the liquid production of the target well is judged, the degree of limitation of the gas production of the target well by the liquid accumulation is judged, and the urgency of applying the plunger gas lift process to the target well is determined.
[0044] Example 5
[0045] In this embodiment, the difference from Embodiment 1 is that it also includes determining whether a downhole limiter needs to be lowered before the plunger is deployed in the target well. After determining that the target well is suitable for the plunger gas lift process, it is determined whether a downhole limiter needs to be lowered to improve the implementation efficiency of the plunger gas lift process.
[0046] Specifically, condition f includes viewing the target well structure diagram. When the angle between the gas well axis at the circulating sleeve of the target well and the direction of gravity is less than 50°, the plunger can be directly lowered into the target well. The angle between the gas well axis of the target well and the direction of gravity is called the well inclination angle. The well inclination angle gradually increases from the wellhead downwards. In order to ensure that the plunger can return to the wellhead after entering the target well, the well inclination angle of the plunger's lowering position should be less than 50°. However, the plunger cannot be positioned by itself downhole and needs to be limited by the circulating sleeve of the gas well structure itself or by the lowered downhole limiter. When the well inclination angle at the circulating sleeve of the gas well structure itself is less than 50°, it is not necessary to lower the downhole limiter.
[0047] Example 6
[0048] In this embodiment, the difference from Embodiment 5 is that condition f includes viewing the target well structure diagram. When the angle between the gas well axis and the gravity direction at the circulating sleeve of the target well is greater than 50°, the downhole limiter is lowered at a position where the angle between the gas well axis and the gravity direction is 50°. When the well inclination angle at the circulating sleeve of the gas well structure is greater than 50°, the downhole limiter needs to be lowered to a position where the well inclination angle is 50°, so that the plunger is limited in a position where it can move upward.
[0049] Example 7
[0050] This embodiment of the plunger gas lift process well selection method uses the actual parameters and production data of target well X1 and its adjacent well B1, target well X2 and its adjacent well B2, and target well X3 and its adjacent well B3 as examples to illustrate the well selection method of this embodiment:
[0051] The production data for the past year for target well X1 and its adjacent well B1, target well X2 and its adjacent well B2, and target well X3 and its adjacent well B3 are shown in the following table:
[0052]
[0053] According to step S1 of a plunger gas lift well selection method, target wells X1, X2, and X3 are evaluated. X1 and X2 both meet the requirement of a maximum daily gas production greater than 10,000 m³. 3 The target well X3 and its adjacent well B3 both have gas production potential and meet condition a; their maximum daily gas production is less than 10,000 m³ / s. 3 Therefore, target well X3 does not have gas production potential.
[0054] The gas production of target wells X1 and X2 under the conditions of having and not having liquid drainage and gas production measures is compared as follows:
[0055]
[0056]
[0057] According to step S2 of a plunger gas lift well selection method, target wells X1 and X2 are judged. The gas production of target well X1 with drainage gas production measures is higher than that without drainage gas production measures. The gas production of target well X2 with drainage gas production measures is higher than that without drainage gas production measures. Therefore, target wells X1 and X2 both meet condition b.
[0058] The instantaneous gas production data for target wells X1 and X2 are shown in the table below:
[0059]
[0060] According to step S3 of a plunger gas lift well selection method, target wells X1 and X2 are judged. Target well X1 has a pressure buildup of less than 6 hours and an instantaneous gas production of 20,000 m³. 3 / day, and can be maintained for at least 30 minutes, the target well X1 meets condition c, that is, without the application of other external forces, the plunger in the target well X1 can be lifted by gas production.
[0061] The following table shows the oil pressure and casing pressure data during the production process of target well X1:
[0062]
[0063] Based on condition d of a well selection method using a plunger gas lift process, it is determined that target well X1 has severe fluid accumulation in June, and the oil pressure of target well X1 in June is greater than the casing pressure, with the difference between the two being greater than or equal to 0.5 MPa. Therefore, the plunger gas lift process should be applied to target well X1 starting in June.
[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the angle between the gas well axis and the direction of gravity at the circulating sleeve of the target well X1 is 39°. Therefore, the plunger can be directly lowered into the target well X1, and the plunger can be limited by directly passing through the circulating sleeve of the target well X1.
[0065] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A well selection method using a plunger gas lift process, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Review the historical production data of the target well to determine its gas production potential, as condition a; S2: View the historical production data of the target well and determine the difference between the gas production of the target well when there is a drainage gas production measure and the gas production of the target well when there is no drainage gas production measure, as condition b. S3: Determine the instantaneous gas production after the target well's pressure storage restarts, as condition c; S4: Integrating conditions a, b, and c, if the target well has gas production potential, the difference is positive, and the instantaneous gas production meets the requirements of the plunger gas lift process, it is determined that the target well is suitable for the plunger gas lift process, and the plunger gas lift process can be applied to the target well.
2. The well selection method using the plunger gas lift process according to claim 1, characterized in that, Condition a includes viewing the historical production data of the target well over the past year, where the highest daily gas production is greater than 10,000 m³. 3 At that time, it was determined that the target well had gas production potential.
3. The well selection method using the plunger gas lift process according to claim 1, characterized in that, Condition a includes viewing the production data of adjacent wells in the same river channel as the target well, where the daily gas production of the adjacent well is greater than 10,000 m³. 3 The target well was determined to have gas production potential.
4. The well selection method using the plunger gas lift process according to claim 1, characterized in that, Condition c includes the target well pressure buildup being less than 6 hours and the target well instantaneous gas production reaching 20,000 m³. 3 / day, and can be maintained for at least 30 minutes, to determine that the instantaneous gas production of the target well meets the requirements of plunger gas lift.
5. The well selection method using the plunger gas lift process according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes S5: View the real-time production data of the target well. If the casing pressure is greater than the oil pressure and the difference between the casing pressure and the oil pressure is ≥0.5MPa, it is determined that the downhole fluid accumulation is serious, which is used as condition d. Condition d is used to determine the start time of applying the plunger gas lift process to the target well.
6. The well selection method using the plunger gas lift process according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes S6: viewing the historical production data of the target well, where the gas production of the target well increases with the increase of the liquid production, as condition e, which is used to determine that the gas production of the target well is limited by the liquid accumulation.
7. The well selection method using the plunger gas lift process according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes condition f: Before deploying the plunger in the target well, check the target well structure diagram to determine whether it is necessary to deploy a downhole limiter in the target well.
8. The well selection method using the plunger gas lift process according to claim 7, characterized in that, The condition f includes viewing the target well structure diagram. When the angle between the gas well axis at the circulating sleeve of the target well and the direction of gravity is less than 50°, the plunger can be directly lowered into the target well.
9. The well selection method using the plunger gas lift process according to claim 7, characterized in that, The condition f includes viewing the target well structure diagram. When the angle between the gas well axis and the gravity direction at the circulating sleeve of the target well is greater than 50°, the well limiter is lowered at a position where the angle between the gas well axis and the gravity direction is 50°.