A case study on the application of a mechanical system in a Mexican gas well with liquid loading issues

Abstract

This work presents the application of a mechanical system to improve the flow pattern (MSIFP) in a conventional liquid-loaded well issue, located in the northern region of Mexico. The well is drilled in a reservoir of hydraulically fractured sands characterized by low permeability ranging from 0.1 to 0.01 millidarcy (mD). In this challenging environment, hydrocarbon production decreases due to liquid loading, reservoir pressure reduction, and intermittent flow patterns along the production pipeline. The methodology used integrates mechanistic models with dynamic records of pressure and temperature to estimate energy losses during fluid transport from the wellbore to the surface. The method involved installing the MSIFP and analyzing changes in flow patterns, specifically, the transition from slug flow to churn and mist flows. The geometry of the flow pattern improver system is selected based on current production conditions and fluid properties. Results showed a significant increase in gas production from 8.9 to 20.36 m³/day, alongside improved efficiency in liquid transport. As a result, production in the well increased by 128 % while preserving reservoir energy. This approach enhances well performance, prolonging the well's lifespan and providing a practical solution to common liquid-loading challenges in gas wells. These findings are based on comparing hydrocarbon production before and after installing the system at the well bottom.