SPE-169456-MS

Assessment System First Gas Artificial Lift by Using (Coiled Tubing) in

Punta de Mata District Production Executive East
J. Almendras, J. Torrealba, R. Tineo, and L. Arcia, PDVSA

Copyright 2014, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE Latin American and Caribbean Petroleum Engineering Conference held in Maracaibo, Venezuela, 21–23 May
2014.

This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents
of the paper have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect
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consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may
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Abstract
Carito field is located in Punta de Mata, Monagas state, in the East of Venezuela. This field is exploited
since 1.993, and assisted by gas injection as a secondary recovery mechanism from 1996. The well
CRC-19 started its activity in July 2005, with 744 STB/D; 0,617 MMSCF/D; GOR⫽ 829 SCF/STB;
°API⫽ 23.8; %Water⫽ 0 and 6.900 psi of initial reservoir pressure.
In May the 13th 2013, after a stimulation treatment, the last production test showed that the well
CRC-19 was producing 580 STB/D, 0.1 % Water, with 350 psi of WHP and 6.200 psi of static Bottom
Hole Pressure (BHP).
According to the drawdown of the well, using an additional lift artificial method was evaluated. A low
Gas Relation Oil (GOR) and the availability of a high pressure surface gas source were the main factors
to define Gas Lift Systems (GLS) as the best lifting method for this well.
In July 2.013, CRC-19 was the first well of Punta de Mata District completed with artifcial lift. This
configuration includes a coiled tubing positioned inside the hole at 12.000 feet to provide the gas from the
injector wells at 7.500 psi.
This technique was suitable to avoid both the rig and the 3 months production shutting necessary to
instal the conventional gas lift mandrels.
During one month the well CRC-19 has been producing 1.600 STB/D, assisted by 2,3 MMSCF/D,
which means a 175% of oil production rate increment, besides the benefit of not needing a rig to clean
the well, since the coiled tubing is retriable.

Introduction
The deposits of northern Monagas (compositional fields) have 30 years of continuous production, which
has caused the decrease of the energy conditions of the deposits, also exacerbating the problems of
precipitation of asphaltenes these factors adversely affect the production wells. Because of this the use of
an external source of energy in producing oil wells in order to achieve the desired production levels is
necessary, this is the case of the CRC -19 well which was the first well in the artificial lift district Punta
de Mata, increasing production by 175 % from 580 to 1.600 STB/D.
2 SPE-169456-MS

Figure 1—Schematic of the fluid column Carito Mulata Field.

The method used was gas lift using (coiled tubing) concentrically in the wellbore for gas supply line,
this in order not to interfere with the well bore and production differ for 3 months to lower mandrels. The
pipeline was established at 12.000 feet deep, on the power source, the injection gas injection wells. This
method is ideal for deep wells and asphaltene precipitation problems because it does not present any
complications when performing an activity of cleaning.
Statement of Theory and Definitions
Compositional Reservoir
Deposits are generally thick where a variation of the composition of crude depth there, this variation
ranges from gas condensate at the top to a light volatile oil at the base of the sand. Also from oil in medium
to heavy oil crest on the base. Compositional variations in the deposits are mainly due to the forces of
gravity and temperature changes with depth.
The deposits of Mulata field fluids have a column of about 4.000 feet in thickness showing variation
of composition with depth, specifically, in the center of the structure (NAR MUC-1, MUC-1 CRE, NAR
MUC-3 Y CRE MUC-3) going from a zone of gas condensate at the top of the anticline to a crude black
area at the base, posing a gas-oil contact depth of -14.040 feet TVDSS. In Figure 1, the fluid distribution
is sketched. The original pressure of 11.200 @ 14.040 feet TVDSS, these deposits are defined as
undersaturated deposits with gas cap. The content of the fluid column is downstream, gas condensate,
volatile, light oil and a medium spray pressure ranging from 9.200 psi to 7.000 psi (area of gas) and bubble
pressure of between 3.000 and 7.000 psi (oil zone). In contrast to the flanks of the anticline behavior
undersaturated black oil is observed. This fluid distribution indicates considerable volumes of reserves in
areas of medium crude from volatile compared to the volumes of condensates the top of the field.
According to the model fluid distribution have been evidenced multiple contacts water - oil at different
structural levels. Which have tried to be explained among other variables analyzing the sealing nature of
faults. However, the information provided on the results of analysis of pressures and tracers have shown
no evidence of the nature of these failures sealant.
Figure 2 shows the areal and vertical characterization of the saturation pressure in the fluids present
in the Carito-Mulata Field.
In Figure 3, one can see a column of fluid compositional for MUC-1 and MUC-3 deposits areas Carito
Central and West respectively, said pressure reservoir enjoy low bubbling towards the base of the structure
and increase in with decreasing depth for MUC-2 and SBC-10 reservoir fluid column consisting Medium
crude oil and possessing black bubble pressures below 4.000 psi is presented.
SPE-169456-MS 3

Figure 2—Variation of saturation pressure with depth Carito Mulata Field.

Figure 3—Distribution Fluid Vertical and Areal, Carito-Mulata Field.

Asphaltenes
It is defined as a solubility class in the raw:
● Insoluble fraction are paraffin oil, low molecular weight, such as propane, butane, pentane, hexane
and heptane.
● Soluble in aromatic compounds such as benzene, toluene, xylene.

The main causes of asphaltene precipitation listed below

● Composition of the fluid.
● Temperature.
● Pressure.
Since there is no analysis of the fluid sample CRC-19 well was taken as reference an offset well, which
is 600 meters and completed in the same reservoir, Figure 4 Seagull curve is shown for this fluid The
curve represented by Asphaltene% in the liquid phase mole fraction vs pressure, the CRC-9 Carito field
allows for the following scenarios:
4 SPE-169456-MS

Figure 4 —Curve gull well CRC-09.

● For a constant temperature (177 °F) we have for pressures from 8.000-6.200 psi are within the
stable phase for flocculation of asphaltenes, called “onset” or flocculation threshold, which
increases with proximity to the bubble pressure.
● When there is a decrease in pressure from 6.000 psi to 3.000 psi begins a gradual precipitation of
asphaltenes, for this reason this compound begins to exhibit instability.
● High flocculation and / or precipitation of asphaltenes is reached when gets to the Bubble Pressure
(Pb) 3.000 psi.
According to the history of cleaning the CRC-9 is a thermodynamically stable fluid because it has 3
cleanings in 12 years, so the CRC-19 must behave similarly, also we hope the string of coiled tubing inside
the pipe is like a string play speed and not allow the formation asphaltene
In fluid reservoirs are subject to the action of various forces Natural energy: pressure forces, viscous
friction forces of gravity and capillary forces of energy, which act on the movement of fluid into the wells,
or to retain them in the reservoir.
When these energies are sufficient to promote the movement of fluids from the inside to the bottom of
the well and from there to the surface, said the well flows naturally.
Production by natural flow is not the method that guarantees profiTable production levels throughout
the life of the reservoir. To obtain the maximum economic benefit of the site, you need to select the
method of optimum lifting, this is what keeps production levels in the most cost-effective manner.
When performing the operation of the deposit of this pressure decreases, which implies that the
production of fluid drops to the point at which, the well ceases to produce itself. Hence arises the need
to extract reservoir fluids using an external power source, here comes what is called artificial lift.
There are various methods of artificial lift among which are the following:
● Conventional mechanical pumping, (CMP).
● Pumping electro submersible, (ESP).
● Progressive Cavity Pump, (PCP).
● Hydraulic Pump.
● Gas lift system (GLS).

Gas lift Systems (GLS)

The gas lift is very simple since in its streaming version is similar to the method of production by natural
flow with the difference that the gas - liquid ratio in the column of fluid is altered by the injection of
compressed gas. The gas reduces the weight of the column so that the energy of the reservoir will be
SPE-169456-MS 5

sufficient to raise the yield to the surface. It is necessary to inject the gas deepest possible to substantially
reduce the weight of the column and inject the appropriate rate of gas to the friction of multiphase current
does not annul the weight reduction. There are currently three (3) known to carry the gas downhole
configurations.
Conventional: involves injecting the reducing gas piping system for valves on mandrels spaced along
the production tubing, being in an operating valve operation this valve system is installed in the well
completion phase, and hence requires intervention by a drill.
Coiled Lift: It consists of a concentric coiled tubing down the tubing with a gas lift valve connected
at the tip, allowing the injection of gas, this configuration allows a stable gas injection and no drilling is
required to download this completion however an additional carreto is required to remove the pipe at the
time of cleaning activity or gunfire in the well
Tubing Punch: Consists of open holes on the tubing, so injecting gas for artificial lift from the ring to
the tubing. Importantly, these two latter alternatives unconventional offer the advantage that require no
drilling and consequently minimizing deferred production, however the latter alternative results in
communication between the well casing and tubing.
Importantly, the disadvantage of this system is that the corrosion problems affecting the tubing and
casing as they are exposed to fluid produced by the well, in addition to the behavior of injection in most
cases is cyclic.

Advantages of gas lift

● Flexibility to produce at high rates.
● Nitrogen induction would be eliminated in any Coiled tubing interventions.
● It can be used in deviated wells using special chucks.
● Efficient gas wells moderate relationship - liquid and sand production.
● The computer underground is simple and inexpensive.
● No change required Gas Lift Valve (GLV) hole.
● You can perform the cleaning and routine maneuvers stimulation without problem.

Disadvantages of gas lift

● High initial investment for infrastructure surface.
● The gas injection should be treated and be available at high pressure in the field.

Nodal Analysis
In its general manner, the nodal analysis is to find the unique flow that a hydraulic system can handle, if
the pressures at the inlet and the outlet thereof are known.
The fundamental objective of nodal system analysis is to combine the components of a producer (or
injector) of oil, water or gas well, to predict flow rates and optimize the performance of your. Moreover,
the main scope of the complete analysis of well-reservoir system ranging from reservoir boundaries to the
face of the holes, passing through them and then going up the production tubing string, including any flow
restriction as safety valves and surface choke.

Damage to the Reservoir (S)

Any restriction to fluid flow in the porous medium, caused by the reduction of the permeability in the
vicinity of the well, causing an additional pressure drop in the fluid flow which results in a decline in
production.
6 SPE-169456-MS

Cleaning of wells
Consists of cleaning solvent perforated intervals that are not injected into the formation for them units that
allow continuous pipes and chemical treatments are used washing perforations.

Reducer
Mechanical device positioned downstream of a well head, for controlling the flow of production fluids.

Well potential
Represents the maximum stable production level that could be reached by a well, under ideal operating
conditions optimally using all available technologies and complying with environmental regulations.

Description and Application of Equipment and processes

To choose the right candidate for the pilot tets some premises that meet the operational realities of the
District were raised, which are mentioned below:
● Wells preferably black oil reservoirs.
● Wells with low pressure bubble.
● Wells with low RGL.
● Wells with AyS% ⬍50%.
● Wells with low energy level (Well Heat Pressure (WHP) ⬍600 psi)
● No statement Well
● Pozo low input history cleaning (not limiting).
● Wells near injection gas source and / or electrical current preferably in a common surface area.
The wells North of Monagas have an average depth of 16.000 feet, this results than any method of
lifting driven rebar (PCP and CMP) is discarded if you want to put a equipment at these depths as well
as considering that the flow rates required are high, and these rates for these methods are limited, so
subtract 3 evaluate the feasibility ESP methods, GLS and Hydraulic Pump.
Experience with hydraulic pumping on PDVSA is short and requires a large surface infrastructure to
implement this method because the oil produced water ratio is 2:1, in addition to that we have the driving
fluid which in this case would water is not available in 85% of the collection stations.
That said we have finally just 2 artificial lift methods to be evaluated, the ESP is a very effective
method to produce high volumes of fluid when you install an ESP at these depths one of the critical issues
is the background temperature that ultimately will affect motor life line, more specifically in the stator,
but the variable percentage of free gas at the pump also complicates this completation, to better explain
this we focus on the pressure bubble CRC- 19 well that is in the order of 2870 psi, this would force us
to lower the equipment to more than 10,000 feet weakening from the operational point of view in case of
an eventual blocking gas this results in cycles of equipment start negatively affecting the pump life,
another equally important point is the high amperage required for startups generating weak point joints
become more vulnerable this type of completion, plus you do not have power at the periphery of the well.
The second equally important limitation is the production of asphaltenes, as is known this is
precipitated by sudden changes in pressure and this is what provides a ESP in a shorter length of 100 feet
is what measures the pump depending on the steps, but what matters is that a fluid is received at a pressure
2.870 psi and discharged over 4.100 psi, this increases the risk of failure and poke a hole in the well to
premature equipment replacement.
Since all parameters analyzed to determine the optimum artificial lift mechanism 4 of them and
discarded the GLS only remains one of the major constraints for the implementation of this method in the
SPE-169456-MS 7

Figure 5—Results expert system artificial lift wells Punta de Mata District.

oil fields, is the availability of gas infrastructure, and this case high pressure is required due to the
characteristics of deep wells and Productivity Index (PI).
The Carito Mulata Field has favorable characteristics in terms of these facilities, and that the area is
treated to the gas injection wells, the same could be used for Gas Lift smoothly making some adjustments
in the injection pressure, coupled this presents a considerably high pressure (7.500 psi) that allows the
system to operate with few valves as it far exceeds the vertical gradient of any fluid produced by the well,
the limiting conditions would revestidotes and gaskets we have wells dating from 1.987.
In order to confirm definitively the mechanism of artificial lift using the expert system of PDVSA. It
ran for the CRC-19 model well the fluid properties and characteristics of the pipeline and surface facilities
available, IP is downloaded, etc, and throw the results window Figure 5.
Identified the artificial lift method to be used in the project proceeded to characterize the behavior
Inflow Performance Relationship (IPR) of the well and quantify the additional barrels generated with the
application of this technology and determine the profitability of the pilot, in order to obtain a reliable result
is further analysis of all well conditions both in substance and surface, petrophysics, geology fluid
properties, mechanical configuration among other well.
To ensure that the candidate is not well located near a gas oil or petroleum contact water structural
sections where the lateral continuity of the unit is completed to determine flow in the well see Figure 6.
were performed.
The structural section A-A ’SW-NE, the relative position of producing well CRC-19, regarding the
injection well CRC-24 and CRC-5 wells west and CRC-14 well was observed at this, which are at a
distance of 266 m in depth, 1.003 m and 564 m, respectively.
Regarding the CRC-19 well, this crosses a Normal to a depth of 15.396 feet MD, with an approximate
jump 100’ that locates downdip regarding structural injector block CRC-24 injector failure, however this
fails only partially disrupts communication between the lateral flow units with up flow units of the
depressed block.
With regard to the range of lower interest Fm. Naricual (basal part), this is partially communicates with
upper Cretaceous of the raised block and basal part of the depressed Naricual block. It is noteworthy that
this failure does not interfere with the transfer of the fluids present.
Based on the study of chemical tracers made in the area, has to be in CRC- 19 well, has not been
detected the influence of the gas injection injector CRC- 24. Additionally there is the CRC -24, injected
8 SPE-169456-MS

Figure 6 —Structural Section Southwest - Northeast (A- A’), wells CRC-5, CRC-24, CRC-19 y CRC-14.

Figure 7—Structural Section North - South (B - B ’), wells CRC-21, CRC-19 and CRC-10.

gas well in Formation Naricual (top, middle ), which goes directly to the CRC -19 well in the Formation
Naricual, so it does not affect the prospective intervals NAR -05 present in the Formation Naricual (basal
or bottom).
The structural section B- B ’ North - South orientation, covering the production wells CRC -21, CRC-
19 and CRC- 10, respectively (Figure 7). The CRC -19 well is located up dip of the CRC -10 well,
separated by a normal fault vertical jump of ⫹ / -160 ’ about and CRC -19 borehole traversing a normal
fault of ⫹ / - 100’ displacement. Although the influences, the above mentioned failures placed raised the
basal part of partial contact with the intermediate part of block Formation Naricual depressed block north
and south respectively, which partially disrupts the lateral continuity of the strata.
Petrofisica
Below is detailed petrophysical description:
SPE-169456-MS 9

Tabla N° 1—Well Petrophysical Properties CRC-19 NAR-05.

Figure 8 —Register compound petrophysical properties CRC-19 well.

Field NAR MUC 1 (15.810’-15.972 ’): from top to base this member has a thickness of net oil pay of
70’. Shows the development of three sand bodies in the form of stacked channels. The petrophysical
evaluation value has an effective average porosity over the entire 10.9% sand, water saturation of 18%,
clay content of 16% and an average resistivity of 68 ohm-m at a predominantly rock quality macroporous,
the development of these sand bodies do prospective due to good petrophysical characteristics together.
Intervals that meet best petrophysical properties are shown in Table 1 and Figure 8.
Reservoir parameters
To determine a relativity permeability results from a Build up conducted in January 2.011 were analyzed,
although the closing time was short and failed to reach a clear radial because the effect of fill is extended
by the low permeability of the area, but it serves as a reference to establish limits concerning this variable,
the analysis was performed with this capture because it is the best information that is available from the
well, the radius of investigation was 360 feet and throw an effective permeability 13,83 average md and
damage of 11, the flow pattern was to an infinite homogeneous radial field and the average pressure was
6.461 psi semilog to date. (Figure 9)
To further adjust the value of effective permeability to oil ( Ko ) is again calculated by the equation
N 1, the equation uses the absolute permeability of the Petrophysical ( k ) and the porosity (␸) derived
profiles straight during drilling well, note that this equation was derived from analysis of cores and
Campos Carito Furrial.
Bulbsize the weighted average of the permeabilities of Petrophysical and our value is 55,45 md and
porosity of 10,9 %, if we replace these values in Equation (1) becomes:
10 SPE-169456-MS

Figure 9 —Well test pressure CRC-19.

Tabla N° 2—Results PLT well CRC-19.

(1)

The value of Ko is 19 md, this value is very close to the value yielded by catching Build up, which was
13,83 md which tells us that we have a well with a low permeability to moderate, then the last dynamic
production log run in the well where it is confirmed that the three ranges mentioned in petrophysical flow
actually see Table 2 is shown.
To calculate the average reservoir pressure in the well database reservoir pressure was consulted, which
is shown in Figure 10.
Considering that currently has an accumulated 1.218 MMSTB, there is a pressure of about 6200 psi
reservoir and an average temperature of 302 °F, then the fluid properties were estimated based on the
equation of state for the set Carito - Mulata field. Based on this, the current condition was adjusted using
a correlation factor for the volume Macari and Beggs et al for viscosity. In Table 3 values fluid properties
are shown.
Based on the parameters identified above rock fluid passed to the next stage of construction of the flow
behavior of the candidate well.
Characterization of gas injection and determination of maximum depth of
injection
To determine the limit values of the pressure variables, temperature of entering gas to liquid phase, the
formation of hydrates load simulator molar composition was made and the envelope of the gas mixture
SPE-169456-MS 11

Figure 10 —Energy Field Decline MUC-01.

Tabla N° 3—Fluid properties used CRC-19 well CRC-19.

of the discharge generated PIGAP I. Table 4 shows the molar composition of the gas discharge PIGAP
I.
This gas injection for secondary recovery process is a gas with a low value of less than 1,5 GPM and
high methane concentration increased 80 % and above with no appreciable presence of water suspended
in Figure 11 shows the envelope curve for this gas.
As can be seen in the envelope of gas injection is essential that the temperature is above 60 ° F and
pressure above 1.350 psi at wellhead to ensure that the gas reaches the well in gas phase and does not
cause operational problems in the system of gas. As hydrate formation is formed at a temperature of about
10 ° F, so that it is unlikely the formation of precipitates of this nature.
Depth of injection
The CRC- 19 well is 510 meters of an injector gas reservoirs, the gas is injected at high pressure of 7.600
psi, this pressure is enough to inject at the deepest point, and even in the face of the sand, however,
threatens to use such a high pressure injection gas lift because the existing completions accessories dating
back more than 25 years of operation and can fail, in addition to that we have in the area have the valves
suppliers maximum pressure calibration workshop about 3.200 psi, so a lower operating pressure of the
system that allows us to obtain high performance on the distribution of gas in the area and ensure us to
inject into the deepest point was determined required without to need numerous spacings gas lift valves
in the design operation.
After of performing sensitivities with 5.000 psi, 4.500 psi and 4.000 psi, it was determined that 4.000
psi are sufficient to discharge any fluid that is in the well at an average depth of 16.000 feet with 2 valves
at most 3 cores in wells high PI, with this value we proceeded to make a design with the simulator, which
is shown in Figure 12.
As shown in Figure 12, the well requires a mandrel at a depth of 11.810 feet and other at 15.880 feet,
for a flow of 1.500 STB/D, this is the fundamental reason that a single point of established gas injection
12 SPE-169456-MS

Tabla N° 4 —Molar composition well gas injection CRC-24.

Figure 11—Phase diagram discharge gas PIGAP-I.

at 12.000 feet to ensure the initial download of the well, this operation to be a rate of 2.35 MMSCF/D with
a valve 1,5⬙ with hole 36/64⬙.
Behavior influx (Nodal analysis)
Already determined the pressure system and calibrated the rock properties and reservoir fluids, we
proceeded to reproduce the behavior of influx to order to quantify the maximum potential of the well, for
SPE-169456-MS 13

Figure 12—Loading window and output data for the design of valves

Figure 13—Vertical gradient CRC-19 well Natural flow condition.

this purpose was built a model of multilayer well is used and fluid adjusted with the black oil model. The
current flow condition was reproduced well and then the conversion is performed on the Gas lif simulator,
in the following Figure shows the vertical gradient with reducer of 5/16 inches, this was simuled with
vertical flow correlation Orkiszewski andreducer correlation Gilbert.
Figure 14 shows the full potential of the well is about 2.200 STB, and 342 STB/D representing 16%
of the maximum potential with a Pwf of 5.509 psi, a skin of S ⫽ 12 and PI⫽ 0.35 STB/D/PSI, produced
a low head pressure ( 380 psi ).
This low pressure head is the variable that leads us to evaluate an external power source supported on
the following argument. If we assume that the reservoir pressure is 6.200 psi producing intervals of this
well are at 15.800 feet on average, the vertical fluid gradient is 0,31 psi/ft, this produces a column of fluid
of about 4.900 psi, if to this we add the friction in the pipe 15.800 feet we are left with 380 psi to reach
the separator so it is clear that the problem is energy well.
In view of the high times required to install a conventional system of gas lift are higher than 3 months
and in order to not differ production was completed with Coiled tubing alternative method as this
operation takes 2 days, Figure 15 nodal analysis is shown in the well by injecting 2,35 MMSCF/D at
14 SPE-169456-MS

Figure 14 —Nodal Analysis Natural flow condition.

Figure 15—Condition Nodal Analysis with gas lift artificial.

12.000 feet through the coiled tubing and a valve at the tip of the pipe seat 36/64 inches and as you can
see the well produce a 1.611 STB/D, dramatically improving production of the well.
Subsequently, the gas yield curve was plotted in order to determine the optimum injection rate and does
not consume more gas than is necessary because the gas is used to injection wells for secondary recovery
(Figure 16).
It should be noted that the optimum injection well is between 1,9 and 2,6 MMSCF/D to an average
production of 1.580 to 1.611 STB/D, and differential average 3.120 psi to 3.136 psi.
Relating to the pressure differential which the well will be put, the following test was done in the field
during induction with N2 on 18/07/2013, in this operation, the well was set to a differential of 2.912 psi
for 2 hours it produced 45 STB/H which translates into 1.080 STB/D without sanding problems with the
coiled tubing located at 9.000 feet.
Another important point that needs to be clarified in this paper, is the production of reserves, according
to the numerical simulation of the well, under natural flow regime is able to accumulate about 2.8
SPE-169456-MS 15

Figure 16 —Gas injection performance

Figure 17—Accumulated production Natural Flow vs GLS.

MMSTB while this value with Gas Lift switch to cumulative oil MMSTB 4,88 over a period of 10 years,
as shown in Figure 17.
It is important to clarify that these reserves are part of the 30 % of primary reserves that the well should
recover without considering the effect of enhanced oil recovery obtained by injecting gas into the
reservoir, Figure 18 a didactic diagram illustrating this statement is shown.
Presentation of datas and results
As already quoted during the evaluation of the well with coiled tubing equipment in place, the well bring
a production equivalent to 45 BPM equivalent to 1.080 STB/D oil, in Figure 19 results of production
testing of the well before show and after installation of the lift system. This graph shows that an increase
in its highest point of 175% over the last test before installing the system was obtained.
Table 5 are the tabulated results of the latest tests of CRC-19 well, note that since gas is injected the
well column Gearhead has zero (0), ie the well has flow restrictor surface.
16 SPE-169456-MS

Figure 18 —% Of recovery for process.

Figure 19 —Production well tests CRC-19.

Well the final diagram (bottom) Figure 20 final surface configuration is also displayed. Figure 21.

Profitability of the project

This evaluation was performed with a rate of addition to the current production of 920 STB/D for CRC
-19 production well, preserving the value of water cut by 0,1 %, Table 6 a comparative summary of
considered rates shown in the evaluation.
To evaluate the profitability of the project were considered costs infraestructuta surface and accessories
well (hanger, coiled tubing gas lift valves). The cost of the flexible gas pipe and valve lift (GLV) is 6,3
MMBsF for this well and the laying of 1,32 kmts injection line 4 inches is 25,8 MMBsF.
When costs have proceeded to carry out the economic run determined that the project is profitable, in
Figure 22 summarizes the results of the evaluation of the project is shown.
SPE-169456-MS 17

Tabla N° 5—Results tabulated production well tests CRC-19.

Figure 20 —Current completion diagram of CRC-19 well.

18 SPE-169456-MS

Figure 21—Surface Area Configuration CRC-19 well.

Tabla N° 6 —Comparison fluids produced by both methods.

Figure 22—Economic evaluation spider diagram CRC-19 well.

Visibly in this diagram sensitive 2 variables that can jeopardize the project shall be:
1. Well production: This entry fuchsia line describes that if we reduce the Dower well production
by about 63% the project is not profitable.
2. Oil prices: To run this economic price was used per barrel of $ 93.26, and the spider diagram says
that if the price falls to about 65%, the project no longer economically viable.
SPE-169456-MS 19

Also you can see in Figure 22 the project yields a Net present value (NPV)⬎⬎0 and Dynamic time
payment (DTP) ⬍ 1, Investment efficiency ⫽ 88.38 $/$, so that the project is feasible, then the indicators
highlighting the project is paid for 207 days are summarized. The exchange rate used was 6,3 $/Bs for a
planning horizon of 5 years.

Conclusions
● Artificial Lift System that applies to more wells area of Punta de Mata is gas lift,
followed by pumping electrosumergible.
● The costs associated with the intervention LAG hole with coiled tubing is 32,1
MMBsF for CRC-19 well, and dynamic time of payment is 207 days, the time is
long because he is charging the cost of laying gas line.
● With the implementation of LAG in the CRC-19 well a flow rate of 978 additional
STB/D be gained.
● In an evaluation period of 10 years, the application of Gas Lift with Coiled tubing
would increase the accumulated oil in approximately 2.1 MMSTB.
● With the implementation of this methodology, the work of workover (90 days
deferred production) and cost approximately 22 MBsF saves.
● The critical path for this project put into operation is the construction of surface
facilities.

Acknowledgments
The authors thank PDVSA for allowing the publication of this work, production and maintenance
personnel of the District Punta de Mata, additionally thank the Engineer Maria Rojas for the support in
the preparation of this manuscript.

Nomenclature
BHP : Bottom Hole Pressure (psi).
CMP : Conventional mechanical pumping.
ESP : Pumping electro submersible.
GLS : Gas Lift Systems.
GLV : Gas Lift Valve.
GOR : Gas Oil Relation (scf/STB).
GPM : Gallons of liquifiable hydrocarbons contained in 1,000 cubic feet (28 m3) of natural gas at a
stated temperature and pressure.
GRL : Gas Liquid Ratio (scf/STB).
IP : Productivity Index (STB/D/psi).
IPR : Inflow Performance Relationship.
PCP : Progressive Cavity Pump.
Ko : effective permeability to oil (fraction).
K : permeability (md).
␸ : porosity (percentage or fraction)
Pb : Bubble Pressure (psi).
20 SPE-169456-MS

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