TABLE OF CONTENTS Over the life of a gas well it is likely that the volume of liquids being produced will increase while the volume of gas being produced will drop off. These situations usually result in the accumulation of liquids in the wellbore until eventually the well dies or flows erratically at a much lower rate. If diagnosed early, losses in gas production can be minimized by implementing one of the many methods available to artificially lift the liquids from the well.
On the other hand, if liquid loading in the wellbore goes unnoticed, the liquids could accumulate in the wellbore and the adjoining reservoir, possibly causing temporary or even permanent damage. It is vital, therefore, that the effects caused by liquid loading are detected early to prevent loss of production and possible reservoir damage.
This chapter will discuss the symptoms that indicate when a gas well is having problems with liquid loading. Emphasis is placed on symptoms that are typically available for inspection in the field. Although some of these are more obvious than others, all lend themselves to more exacting methods of well analysis described in the following chapters.
These symptoms indicate a well is liquid loading:
Presence of recorded through the gas measuring device pressure spikes
Erratic production and increase in decline rate
Tubing pressure decreases as casing pressure increases
Pressure survey shows a sharp, distinct change in pressure gradient
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Liquid production ceases
One of the most common methods...
