This paper describes a coiled tubing gas lift (CTGL) technique successfully used to restart production from two pilot wells in a mature field in Pakistan that had been shut in since 2015. The project yielded production gains that resulted in a short payback period and verified that the technique represents an effective and economical solution to restart production in mature fields where conventional artificial-lift methods challenge well economics. The pilot results have encouraged the operator to further implement CTGL in Pakistan. According to the authors, suitable candidate selection, including data accuracy for nodal analysis and production forecast, and proper planning played fundamental roles in the project’s success.
Introduction
Exploration and production companies in Pakistan struggle with multiple challenges including pressure from regulatory bodies to increase oil and gas production to meet requirements of an energy-starved country in a period of historically low oil prices. With little new significant discovery, operators are challenged to produce economically from mature and declining fields.
