Gravity Segregation and Gas Well Deliquification

Abstract When discussing "gas well deliquification" of "liquid loaded" gas wells, "gravity segregation" of gas and liquid seldom enters the conversation. However, it will be shown that gravity segregation can be an effective means of gas well deliquification. Liquid loading is a frequent problem in low-rate gas wells that are flowing below the "critical gas rate". The gas rate/velocity is so low that the liquids aren't carried out efficiently and the liquids accumulate in the bottom of the well. To increase production, those liquids must be removed. Gas well deliquification refers to the methods used to remove liquids that have already accumulated, and to prevent future accumulations of liquid. When you shut in gas wells for an extended time, they "often" force all liquid back into the formation. Gravity segregation of gas and liquid is the mechanism that forces those liquids back into the formation. The ability to force liquid back into the formation makes it much easier to unload gas wells. An "extended shut in" is a method of gas well deliquification that harnesses the power of gravity segregation to force liquid back into the formation, unload a well, and increase production. The primary focus of this paper is gas wells (not oil wells) that have no packer (tubing hanging free). However, some of the material here also applies to oil wells and some also applies to wells that have a packer.