API Gas-LiftSpecifications and
Recommended Practices
Prepared by
Cleon Dunham, Oilfield Automation Consulting
John Martinez, Production Associates
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 2
Importance of Gas Liftin Petroleum Industry
From 2003 International Gas Lift WorkshopKuala Lumpur, Malaysia
ExxonMobil • 49% of oil production by artificial lift• 31% by gas lift
Shell International• 39% of oil production by artificial lift• 25% by gas lift
Significant industry thrusts• Offshore, sub-sea• Horizontal, often multi-lateral completions• More and more depleting reservoirs• More focus on deliquification of gas wells
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Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 3
API 11V Gas Lift Task Groupon Gas Lift Equipment
History
Formed in 1979
34 Members from Industry− Operating Companies (11)− Service Companies (14)− Consultants (7) (5 were previously with Operating Companies)− Universities (2)− Ad-Hoc Members (Several others help on specific topics)
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 4
API Gas Lift Work Groups
Eight work groups− API Specification 11V1 – Gas lift valves, orifices, dummies− API RP* 11V2 – Gas lift valve testing, modeling− API RP 11V5 – Gas lift operations (revision in progress)− API RP 11V6 – Gas lift design− API RP 11V7 – Gas lift valve reconditioning− API RP 11V8 – Gas lift systems− API RP 11V9 – Dual gas lift (development in progress)− API RP 11V10 – Intermittent gas lift (development in progress)
* Recommended Practice
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 5
API 11V1Gas Lift Valves, Orifices
API Specification− Specifications for manufacture and functional testing of gas lift valves,
orifices, reverse flow valves, and dummy valves− Chair: Wayne Mabry, Schlumberger
Status− 2nd Edition: Feb. 1995− Reaffirmed: Jan. 2000− Document: 37 pages, $87.00− Status: Active
Future plans, recommendations− To be replaced by ISO Standards
• ISO 17078.1 (mandrels)• ISO 17078.2 (flow control devices)• ISO 17078.3 (running/pulling/kick-over tools, and latches)
− Recommend using the ISO documents in the future
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 7
API RP 11V2Gas Lift Valve Testing, Modeling
API Recommended Practice− Recommended practices for flow performance testing and development
of performance models for IPO & PPO gas lift valves− Chair: Ken Decker, Decker Technology
Status− 2nd Edition: Mar. 2001− Document: 56 pages, $80.00− Status: Active
Future plans, recommendations− To be replaced by ISO Standard
• ISO 17078.2 (flow control devices)− Recommend using the ISO document in the future
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 8
Conventional Tubing Retrievable Gas Lift Valve
IPO
Wireline Retrievable Gas Lift Valve
IPO
Wireline Retrievable Gas Lift Orifice Valve
Wireline Retrievable Dummy Valve
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 9
API RP 11V5Gas Lift Operations
API Recommended Practice− Recommended practices for unloading, kickoff, adjustment,
troubleshooting, and location of problems for gas lift operations− Chair: Cleon Dunham, OAC
Status− 2nd Edition: Jun. 1999− Document: $87.00− Status: Active
Future plans, recommendations− Currently being updated and expanded − Hope to re-publish in 2007− Recommend using this document for training gas-lift engineers,
technicians, operators− The current draft version can be obtained from www.alrdc.com,
Technical Committees, API Gas-Lift
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 10
Wireline Retrievable Gas Lift Equipment
• Side Pocket Mandrels • Gas Lift Valves• Valve Latches• Kick-over Tools• Running Tools• Pulling Tools
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 11
API RP 11V6Gas Lift Design
API Recommended Practice− Recommended practices for design of continuous flow, single string
gas lift systems using injection pressure operated (IPO) gas lift valves
− Chair: Joe Clegg, Consultant
Status− 2nd Edition: Jul. 1999− Document: $117.00− Status: Active
Future plans, recommendations− Maintain document as is− Recommend using this document as a guide for gas-lift design
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 12
PCko
Unloading PC’s
PT
UnloadingGradients
TubingDesign
Line Kick-OffSafetyFactor
MinimumSpacing
DesignMandrel Spacing
Gas Lift Design Challenges
• Must be able to kick-off the well.
• Must be able to unload the well.
• Must not damage any valves.• After unloading, must keep
unloading valves closed.• Must be able to operate:
- Deep- Stable- Optimum
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 13
API RP 11V7Gas Lift Valve Reconditioning
API Recommended Practice− Recommended practices for repair and reconditioning, testing, and
setting used gas lift valves− Chair: John Martinez, Production Associates
Status− 2nd Edition: Jun. 1999− Document: $82.00− Status: Active
Future plans, recommendations− To be replaced by ISO Standard
• ISO 17078.2 (flow control devices)− Recommend using the ISO document in the future
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 14
Gas Lift Valve Reconditioning Challenges
• Which components have failed?• Why did they fail?• Can some components be re-used?• They must be thoroughly tested before re-
use.
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 15
API RP 11V8Gas Lift Systems
API Recommended Practice− Recommended practices for designing and predicting the performance of
a gas lift system− Chair: John Martinez, Production Associates
Status− 1st Edition: Sep. 2003− Document: 79 pages, $90.00− Status: Active
Future plans, recommendations− Review status in 5 years (2008) − Recommend using this document for training gas-lift engineers,
technicians, operators
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 16
Gas Lift System LayoutSystem is only as good as the weakest link
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 17
API RP 11V9Dual Gas Lift
API Recommended Practice− Recommended practices for design and operation of dual gas lift
systems− Chair: Cleon Dunham, OAC
Status− Under development
Future plans− Hope to publish in 2007− Recommend using this document for training gas-lift engineers,
technicians, operators who are involved in dual gas-lift− The current draft version can be obtained from www.alrdc.com,
Technical Committees, API Gas-Lift
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 18
Longstring
Short string
Dual packer Short string
production zone
Long stringproduction zone.
Production packer
Gas is injected down the common annulus and into the two “dual” production strings.
Dual Gas Lift
Dual Gas Lift Challenges
• Continuously injecting in both sides of the dual
• Injecting deep in both sides• Testing and diagnosing
problems with both sides• Choosing the correct gas lift
equipment
Recommended Practice Focuses On:
• Design• Operation• Troubleshooting• Optimization
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 19
API RP 11V10Intermittent Gas Lift
API Recommended Practice− Recommended practices for design and operation of intermittent gas lift
systems
− Chair: Ali Hernandez, PDVSA
Status− Under development
Future plans, recommendations− Hope to publish in 2007 or 2008− Recommend using this document for training gas-lift engineers,
technicians, operators who are involved in intermittent gas-lift− The current draft version can be obtained from www.alrdc.com,
Technical Committees, API Gas-Lift
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 20
Intermittent Gas Lift Challenges
• Injecting gas at the correct cycle frequency to optimize production
• Injecting the correct amount of gas per cycle
• Operating each well without upsetting other wells in the system
Recommended Practice Focuses On:• Design• Operation• Troubleshooting• Optimization
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 21
Obtaining and Using API Documents
To obtain copies of the recommended API documents:− Go to the API web site− http://api-ep.api.org/filelibrary/Catalog2004_web.pdf− Go to Series 11 for Production Equipment− Page down to 11V documents− Order via: www.global.ihs.com− Or FAX an order to 1–303-397-2740
These documents are good as:− A basis for training classes− Reference documents
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 22
Developing a New API Document
Process Approx. Time (Months)New idea presented to or conceived by Task Group 11V 2 – 4Approved by API Committees 11 2 – 4New Work Group appointed (volunteers) 2 – 4Developed by Work Group 11Vx 24 - 48Approved by Task Group 11V 3 – 6Voted by Committee 11 3 – 6Reworked to address comments 3 – 6Re-voted by Committee 11 3 – 6Approved by API 3 – 6Published by API 3 – 6
Total 48 – 96
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 23
Looking to the Future
Other gas lift topics may be addressed in the future− Gas lift design using production pressure operated (PPO) gas lift
valves− Gas lift system and well automation− Surface controlled downhole gas lift systems− Standard gas lift symbols and abbreviations− Selection of artificial lift equipment− Other topics as requested by industry
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 24
Looking to the Future
To continue support of existing API gas lift documents and develop new ones, we need …..− Active interest and participation by industry gas lift personnel –
Operators, Suppliers, Others
Good news− Some members of API gas lift subcommittee have participated
since day #1 so they bring a wealth of experience (4 members)− Some are young enthusiastic engineers (4 members)− Some are from other countries outside the USA (7 members)− Several are also helping to lead and actively participate on the
ISO gas lift international standards committee, so continuity exists (9 members)
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 26
ISO (International Organization for Standards)
Purpose• ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide
federation of national standards bodies (ISO member bodies).
• International Standards are prepared by ISO technical committees.
• Each member body may be represented on these committees.
• Both governmental and non-governmental international organizations may participate.
• The task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards.
• Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting.
• Publication as an International Standard requires approval by 75 % of the member bodies that vote.
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 27
ISO Gas Lift Task Group 17078on Gas Lift Standards
HistoryFormed in 1998− Works under ISO Work Group #4 (Technical Committee)− Chair: Wayne Mabry, Schlumberger− Secretary: Cleon Dunham, Oilfield Automation Consulting− Meetings: 7 or 8 per year
33 Members from Industry− Operating Companies (10)− Service Companies (19)− Consultants (4) (3 were previously with Operating Companies)− Universities (0)− Ad-Hoc Members (Several others help on specific topics)
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 28
ISO Standards for Gas Lift EquipmentPurpose
• These International Standards are developed by a task group of users/purchasers and suppliers/manufacturers of gas lift equipment.
• This equipment is intended for use in the worldwide petroleum and natural gas industry.
• These International Standards are intended to provide requirements and information to all parties who are involved in the specification, selection, manufacture, testing, and use of gas lift equipment.
• Further, these International Standards address supplier/manufacturer requirements that set the minimum parameters with which each supplier/manufacturer shall comply, in order to be able to claimconformity with these International Standards.
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 29
ISO Standards for Gas Lift EquipmentStructure
• These International Standards are structured to allow different quality control grades to support quality control, design validation, design verification, and product functional testing.
• These variations allow the user/purchaser to select the grades that are required for a specific application.
• If the user/purchaser does not specify a specific grade for the following categories, the supplier/manufacturer shall meet the requirements of grade 3 (the lowest grade).
- Well environmental service grade- Design validation grade- Product functional testing grade- Quality control grade
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 30
ISO Gas Lift Standards
Four standards (so far)
- ISO 17078.1 --- Side-pocket mandrels- ISO 17078.2 --- Flow control devices for side-pocket mandrels- ISO 17078.3 --- Running, pulling, and kick-over tools, and
latches for side-pocket mandrels- ISO 17078.4 --- Practices for side-pocket mandrels and related
equipment
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 31
ISO 17078.1Side-pocket mandrels
Status− Published by ISO in December, 2004− Document: 48 pages, $110.00
Outline− Main clauses
1. Scope2. Normative references3. Terms and definitions4. Abbreviated terms5. Functional specification6. Technical specification7. Supplier/manufacturer
requirements
• Normative annexesA. Environmental service
requirementsB. Design validation
requirementsC. Product functional testing
requirementsD. Quality control requirements
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 33
ISO 17078.2Flow control devices
Status− Is in “Final Draft International Standard” (FDIS) status
(The document has been approved by the ISO International Committee and is ready for publication)
Outline− Main clauses
1. Scope2. Normative references3. Terms and definitions4. Abbreviated terms5. Functional specification6. Technical specification7. Supplier/manufacturer
requirements
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 34
ISO 17078.2Flow control devices
Outline (Continued)− Normative annexes
A. Design validation and product functional testing requirementsB. Environmental service classesC. Design validation gradesD. Product functional testing gradesE. Interface testing requirementsF. Insertion testing requirementsG. Probe and travel testing, and load rate determinationH. Dynamic flow testing and flow coefficient (Cv) calculationI. Back check testingJ. Open and closing pressure testingK. Bellow actuation life cycle testingL. Erosion testingM. Shelf testingN. Port/seat leakage rate testing
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 35
ISO 17078.2Flow control devices
Outline (Continued)− Informative annexes
O. Performance testing – test facility recommendationsP. Performance testing – prediction correlations
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 36
ISO 17078.2Flow control devices
Flow Control Device Group Flow Control Device Types
I IPO, Balanced IPO, IPO with choke
II PPO, PPO with choke
III Pilot, Differential
IV Orifice, Nozzle Venturi, Shear Orifice, Dump/Kill
V Dummy
VI Chemical Injection, Chemical Injection Spring Loaded
VII Surface Controlled Hydraulic, SurfaceControlled Electric, “Smart”
VIII Liquid Injection
IX Other
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 37
Wireline Retrievable Gas Lift Valve
IPO
Wireline Retrievable Gas Lift Orifice Valve
Wireline Retrievable Dummy Valve
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 38
ISO 17078.3Running, pulling, and kick-over tools, and latches
Status− Is in Draft International Standard (DIS) status
(The document has undergone one round of review by the International ISO Committee and is ready for a second round)
Outline− Main clauses
1. Scope2. Normative references3. Terms and definitions4. Abbreviated terms5. Functional specification6. Technical specification7. Supplier/manufacturer
requirements
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 39
ISO 17078.3Running, pulling, and kick-over tools, and latches
Outline (Continued)− Normative annexes (tentative)
A. Purpose of annexes and device classesB. Environmental service gradesC. Design validation gradesD. Product functional testing gradesE. Interface testing requirementsF. Functional testing requirementsG. Slick line testing requirementsH. Pre-trigger testing requirementsI. Tension testing requirementsJ. Jarring testing requirementsK. Erosion testing requirementsL. Kick-over tool activation testing requirementsM. Kick-over, flow control device, etc. catcher testing requirements
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 40
Wireline Retrievable Gas Lift Equipment
• Running Tools• Pulling Tools• Kick-over Tools• Latches
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 41
ISO 17078.4Practices for side-pocket mandrels and related
equipmentStatus− Is in Committee Draft (CD) status
(The document has been drafted and is ready for review by the International ISO Committee)
Outline− Main clauses
1. Scope2. Terms and definitions3. Symbols and Abbreviated terms4. Guidelines for application of side-pocket mandrels and related
equipment
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 42
ISO 17078.4Practices for side-pocket mandrels and related
equipmentOutline (Continued)− Informative annexes
A. User/Purchaser functional specification templates for side-pocket mandrels and related equipment
B. Supplier/Manufacturer product data sheets for side-pocket mandrels and related equipment
C. Guidelines for setting up and calibrating flow control devices
D. Guidelines for test sites for flow control device performance testing
E. Guidelines for setting up reconditioning shops and selecting shop personnel for side-pocket mandrels and related equipment
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 43
ISO 17078.4Practices for side-pocket mandrels and related
equipmentOutline (Continued)− Informative annexes
F. Guidelines for pre- and post-installation inspection and testing of side-pocket mandrels and related equipment
G. Guidelines for reconditioning side-pocket mandrels and related equipment
H. Guidelines for selecting and training gas-lift User/Purchaser personnel
I. Guidelines for understanding interface compatibility issuesJ. Engineering units conversion
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 44
Obtaining and Using ISO Documents
To obtain copies of these documents:− Go to the ISO web site, www.iso.org− Use the “search” feature on the top of the page, enter 17078− Select the specific document desired− Currently, only 17078.1 is available for purchase− Price is 130.00 CHF (US $110.00)− Drafts may be obtained from www.alrdc.com, Technical
Committees, ISO Gas-Lift
These documents are good for:− Specifying the quality of device required for an application− Assuring the quality of the manufactured product
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 45
Developing a New ISO Document
Document Approx. Time (Months)ISO 17078.1
First meeting Feb. 1998First draft completed July 2001 42 monthsDocument published Dec. 2004 83 months
ISO 17078.2First meeting May 2001First draft completed Sept. 2004 41 monthsDocument published Est. mid 2007 74 months
ISO 17078.3 and 17078.4First meeting Oct. 2003Documents published Est. end 2008 63 months
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 46
Looking to the Future
Other gas lift topics may be addressed in the future− New topics may be proposed for the future− This will depend on “pull” from the user/purchaser companies
and some “push” from the supplier/manufacturer companies
Feb. 6, 2007 2007 Gas-Lift Workshop 47
Looking to the Future
To continue support of existing ISO gas lift documents, complete the ones in draft form, and develop new ones, we need …..− Active interest and participation by industry gas lift personnel –
Operators, Suppliers, Others
Good news− Some members of ISO gas lift task group have participated since
day #1 so they bring a wealth of experience (5 members)− Some are young enthusiastic engineers (2 members)− Some are from other countries (7 members)− Several are also helping to lead and actively participate on the
API gas lift recommended practices committee, so continuity exists (9 members)