Flow Instability in Oil and Gas Wells
“Flow instability” refers to unsteady or fluctuating flow behavior in a production system, where the flow rate, pressure, or fluid composition continuously varies over time instead of remaining stable. The Meaning of Flow Instability in Oil and Gas Wells Common Causes of Flow Instability (1) Slug flow in pipelines or tubing: Occurs when gas and […]
How to Locate Bottlenecks in Well Performance
A “Bottleneck” is the part of the production system that causes the largest pressure loss and limits the flow rate of fluids from the reservoir to surface. Think of a pipeline system as a highway. A bottleneck is like a narrow bridge where traffic slows down, even if the rest of the road is wide […]
A Cold, Weak Well Is Telling You Something; Are You Listening?
Asphaltene is one of the heavier components of crude oil. When the pressure or temperature conditions in a well change, this substance can separate from the oil and start to deposit, like sugar crystallizing in cold tea. These deposits can block the production path, especially in critical points like the choke. What happens when blockage […]
Data analysis, field verification! (A High Water Cut Well)
A Real-Field Experience Related to an Oil Well Testing We conducted a well test using two choke sizes. At choke 16/64″, there was no water production, and the oil surface samples were dark green in color. The measured flow rates were unstable, varying each time and showing unusual production. At choke 24/64″, surface samples showed […]
Why High BHP Drawdown Is Not Always Good?
First of all, it is better to have a review of the concept of skin and formation damage and then move on to examining bottomhole pressure (BHP) drawdown. Differences Between Skin and Formation Damage “Skin” and “Formation Damage” are related but different concepts in well performance analysis. Here’s a clear breakdown of their differences, effects […]
Cyclic Production (Causes and Solutions)
Some wells in the Middle East have “Cyclic Production” behavior. For example, they produce for 10 days and then need to be shut in for 7 days so the reservoir can recharge, after which the well can be opened again. What causes this behavior? And what are the solutions for maintaining production from such wells? […]