Optimisation of the operation of a group of wells with different productive characteristics connected to a common collector

Optimisation of the operation of a group of wells connected to a single pipeline consists of the correct distribution of the pressure load between the wells, which ensures that there are no gas production losses at the group level, as well as the maximum involvement of each well in the production process. Therefore, the aim of the study was to establish the optimal technological mode of well operation, taking into account the connection of wells to a common collector with different working pressures at their mouths. This was achieved by redistributing the flow rate between wells, taking into account the gas reserves in the specific drainage volume, by installing a fitting at their mouths. The problem was solved by simultaneously solving two equations: an equation reflecting the constancy of the ratio between the well flow rate and gas reserves per unit of drainage volume, and an equation for the volumetric gas flow during adiabatic (i.e., without heat exchange with the environment) leakage through the fitting, which was described by the Saint-Venant-Wansel formula. Based on the solution of the problem and the performed calculations, it was established that three wells from the group were operated at reduced flow rates due to differences in residual specific drainage volumes, while the remaining wells exceeded the optimal gas flow rate parameters. Such a discrepancy was interpreted as evidence of inefficient utilisation of the resource potential of the field. A solution to the multi-objective problem was proposed, aimed at optimising the operating mode of a group of wells and the gas gathering network as a single integrated hydrocarbon production system. With this approach, a balance was achieved between the efficiency of hydrocarbon extraction and the uniformity of the load on the infrastructure. The outcomes of the study are expected to be useful in practice for establishing optimal technological modes of operation for wells with different production characteristics operating in a single collector