High Pressure Gas Lift (HPGL) Upper Completion Design Strategy

This paper explores the High Pressure Gas Lift Upper Completion Design Strategy in the Delaware Basin, focusing on optimizing gas lift design for a life-of-well approach that ensures optimal economics. Various design options are assessed to balance cost savings, reliability, and operational efficiency. A comparative analysis of different gas lift designs, including Single Point (no GLV), Side-Pocket Mandrels (SPM), High Pressure GLV, Hybrid Gas Lift Designs, Traditional GLV with 10k Check Valve, and Traditional GLV with Burst Disc, was conducted. The study evaluated economic performance, reliability, and operational feasibility. Field data from wells with annular flow periods ranging from 18 to 30 months were analyzed to determine the most cost-effective and reliable gas lift strategy. The study involved simulating production scenarios for different gas lift configurations and analyzing their performance under various well conditions. Failure rates, reliability, and overall well performance were key factors considered in the evaluation. While Single Point installations provide the highest OPEX savings, reliability concerns must be addressed. SPM designs present a competitive and balanced solution, particularly for long-term production scenarios. Strategic planning based on annular flow duration and operational constraints is critical for maximizing efficiency and cost savings. Additionally, leveraging shared compression infrastructure can further enhance cost-effectiveness and operational flexibility.