Side Pocket Mandrel With Wireline-Retrievable Electric Gas Lift Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas lift systems face challenges in managing interventions for unforeseen well operations and adapting to changing production parameters due to the inability to easily adjust gas lift valves once installed, and there is a need for electrification options in gas lift systems.
Innovation Solution
A side pocket mandrel incorporating both pneumatic and electric gas lift valves, allowing for retrieval and adjustment using wireline-based tools, with the electric valve providing controllable actuation and power through a conductor connection, enabling selective operation and adaptation to well conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pneumatic gas lift valves are used in side pocket mandrels, then the system structure is simple and retrieval is straightforward, but the system cannot be easily adapted to changing production parameters and real-time control is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the gas lift valve functionality into two distinct components: a traditional pneumatic gas lift valve for basic operation and an electric gas lift valve for enhanced control and adaptability. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity where needed while adding advanced capabilities where required, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The side pocket mandrel is designed to accommodate both pneumatic and electric gas lift valves, creating a universal platform that can handle both traditional and advanced operational requirements. This multi-functionality enables the system to adapt to changing production parameters while maintaining structural simplicity through a unified design approach.
2Ease of operation
If gas lift valves are installed in laterally offset valve pockets, then tools can be deployed and retrieved through the open primary passage, but dummy valves must be installed to prevent fluid flow during completion operations
Solution Approach 1:
The electric gas lift valve is extracted as a separate, independently retrievable component from the traditional pneumatic valve configuration. This extraction allows the electric valve to be installed or removed without requiring dummy valves during completion operations, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining ease of tool deployment through the lateral offset design.
3Ease of repair
If conventional wireline-based retrieval systems are used, then the system structure remains simple, but electric gas lift valves cannot be retrieved or replaced without removing the entire mandrel
Solution Approach 1:
The electric gas lift valve is designed to be nested within the side pocket mandrel structure, allowing it to be independently retrieved using wireline-based tools without removing the entire mandrel. This nesting configuration enables easy repair and replacement of the electric valve while maintaining the overall structural integrity and simplicity of the mandrel system.
Data Source
AI summary
A side pocket mandrel for use within a gas lift system has a central body that includes a central bore and a valve pocket that is offset from the central body. The valve pocket includes a power landing in the valve pocket and configured to provide an electrical connection to the electric gas lift valve and a conductor connected to the power landing and configured to provide electric power to the power landing. The side pocket mandrel further includes a pneumatic gas lift valve installed within the valve pocket and an electric gas lift valve installed within the valve pocket. The electric gas lift valve and pneumatic gas lift valve can be installed or retrieved from the valve pocket using wireline-based tools without removing the side pocket mandrel from the well.