Adaptive Gas Lift System Enables Intelligent Asset Optimization

Abstract This Paper presents the Operator Aker BP's perspective of developing, piloting and qualifying new features in adaptive gas lift system in a Field offshore Norway. A qualified system will enable Aker BP's future goal implementing the technology in multiple Fields and return value on: Increasing production with deeper injection point. Replacing conventional Gas Lift Valves (cGLV) containing inflexible Injection Pressure Operated (IPO) unloading valves and orifice operating valve pre-design requirement. Reducing cGLV fatigue in avoiding multi-pointing and chattering due to full flexibility in valve operating range. Improving integrity in gas lift valve with a two-way barrier valve design. Reducing intervention due to life of well design and durability, hence operating cost, production deferral, CO2 footprint, and Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) risk. Electrically operated gas lift systems are available on the market; however, significant new features have been included in the adaptive Gas Lift System (aGLS), which could transform the artificial lift industry. The new features developed and qualified are an aGLS that is activated via the common Down Hole Gauge (DHG) Tubing Encapsulated Cable (TEC). The aGLS consists of an adaptive Gas Lift Valve (aGLV), Side Pocket Mandrel (SPM), actuator, inductive coupler, downhole control module, and downhole network controller. The aGLV is fully retrievable with standard wireline operation and SPM is compatible with cGLV. The solution provides 10/64"-32/64" full range flexible orifice sizes controlled from surface that will ensure production system intelligent optimization. The aGLS is compatible with the current Intelligent Well Interface Standardisation (IWIS) subsea 24 watts low power systems and each valve in the installation requires less than 2 watts to operate. Based on tests, the aGLV expected lifetime is exceeding 50 years at 250 degF (121 degC). The aGLS was piloted in a Field offshore Norway. The testing objective was to qualify the system’s electrical, mechanical and integrity functions. All planned pilot tests passed the testing criteria; hence technology has reached the highest Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Thus, the aGLS will be implemented for a multi-well development on the piloting Field, where the return on value will be demonstrated.