Modeling the Gas-Well Liquid-Loading Process

Liquid loading is a serious problem in maturing gas fields. Analysis shows that these wells can operate at two different rates, a stable rate at which full production is taking place and a lower metastable rate at which liquid loading affects production. A model was constructed that enhances understanding of the process of water buildup and drainage in gas wells. A metastable flow rate occurs when the water-reinjection and water-coproduction rates are equal and the water-column height stabilizes.

View a Synopsis of SPE 95282.

This article, written by Technology Editor Dennis Denney, contains highlights of paper SPE 95282, "Modeling the Gas-Well Liquid-Loading Process," by N. Dousi, Delft U. of Technology; C.A.M. Veeken, SPE, Shell E&P Europe; and P.K. Currie, SPE, Delft U. of Technology, prepared for the 2005 Offshore Europe, Aberdeen, 6-9 September. The paper has not been peer reviewed.