Installing Low-Cost, Low-Pressure Wellhead Compression on Tight Lobo Wilcox Wells in South Texas: A Case History

Abstract

TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractThis paper presents a case history of twenty-one low-cost wellhead compressors on tight Lobo Wilcox wells in South Texas. These wells previously produced to area-typical lowpressure gathering systems. Overall the installations showed substantial increases in the gas production rate as well as outstanding composite economics.However, not all installations were successful and failures are examined for lessons learned to improve future applications.Production data on the results of each of the installations are provided. The decision model used to select candidate wells from the 1600 producing wells in the field is also described.Low-cost, low-pressure wellhead compression is presented as a viable artificial lift alternative and in fact the preferred and cheapest alternative in some cases.

Deliquification of South Texas Gas Wells Using Corrosion Resistant Coiled Tubing: A Six Year Case History

“…ConocoPhillips operates 1800 producing gas wells with characteristics that have been reported in previous papers (Harms 2004, Bui 2009). …”

The Rod String Loads Variation during Short-Term Annular Gas Extraction

“…In recent years, the method of separating gas from the wellbore annulus by a compressor and pumping it into the manifold line has been increasingly employed in the oil production industry [9,10]. Piston compressors are mainly used for these purposes [18,19]. The main effect of using this method is the additional oil production due to increasing the dynamic fluid level in the well and the pump's volumetric flow efficiency [20].…”

Wellhead Compression on Tight Gas Wells in the Long Run: A Follow-Up Case History on Seven Years of Success in Lobo

“…This paper is a follow-up to SPE 90550 "Installing Low-Cost, Low Pressure Wellhead Compression on Tight Lobo Wilcox Wells in South Texas: A Case History" (Harms 2004) which contains background information on the producing characteristics of the Lobo field and wells and will be subsequently referred to as the "original" paper. The number of wells that ConocoPhillips produces in the Lobo field has grown from 1600 to 1800 since the original paper and average producing rates have declined from 300 MCFD to 150 MCFD.…”