Stephen Bisset, Flowco-Inc
Tommy Hunt and Matthew Gautreau, JMI Manufacturing
Effective back-check performance is critical in gas-lift systems to prevent reverse flow during injection shut-in. As well-integrity requirements strengthen, operators require barrier solutions that do not impede unloading efficiency or gas-lift performance.
This paper presents a Patented, barrier-qualified 1-inch back-check system engineered to maximize flow capacity while delivering reliable reverse flow isolation. The design increases flow area and positions the check mechanism outside the primary flow stream during injection, protecting it from solids and erosive flow while maintaining low pressure drop and high injection efficiency.
Performance verification using CFD-based flow path optimization, HPHT qualification testing, erosion and solids-tolerance testing, extended cycling and flow endurance trials, and successful field runs. Achieved all acceptance criteria for seal integrity, pressure-drop performance, and actuation reliability.
This technology builds on the proven 1.500-inch platform originally developed for wireline retrievable applications and further development with double-barrier mandrel systems, which established the benchmark for redundant well-integrity protection in gas-lift completions. The 1-inch design utilizes that barrier-qualified back-check technology, delivering high flow efficiency and reliable isolation performance without reliance on a dual-valve mandrel configuration.
This development sets a new standard for flow-efficient, barrier-qualified gas-lift performance in modern completions.