DIAL Delivers Highest Producing Well in Field, Fastest Return to Production After Frac Hit

SPE-201104-MS Abstract

An IOC operating in the Permian basin initiated a pilot program with DIAL gas lift production optimization. The purpose of program was for Silverwell to assess Silverwell’s delivery and installation, DIAL technology reliability, and to assess lift performance improvement compared to a conventional Injection Pressure Operated (IPO) gas lift system.

Client Challenge

The candidate well, an unconventional well operating on ESP (Electrical Submersible Pump), had experienced many issues. Production had declined as low as 20 – 30 STB/Oil/Day. The operators intent was to convert the well to gas lift and optimize production with DIAL’s deeper injection capability.

DIAL Solution

A multi-drop 2-7/8” slimline DIAL System with 6 units was installed to a depth of 8,300 ft MD inside 5.5” casing. Each DIAL unit was configured with three 10/64” orifice ports. The DIAL System enabled implementation of plunger lift in the later phases of the wells life.

A solar powered Surface Control System (SCS) was integrated into the operators Distributed Control System (DCS) for remote monitoring and control. Data included DIAL valve status, tubing and annulus pressure / temperature gradient. Well monitoring and production optimization of the remotely located DIAL system are done remotely from the Operator’s office.

Unlike IPO (Injection Pressure Operated) valve gas lift, the DIAL system is fully controlled from surface. It is not dependent on casing pressure drops to open and close valves. The DIAL System uses all available casing pressure to the deepest injection point. A major benefit for the Operator as it allowed deeper injection quicker and increased production.

Results

Highest Producing Well in the Field

Production increased from 30 STB Oil / Day on ESP to 330 STB Oil / Day with DIAL System, achieving gas lift injection from the deepest point from day 1.
Maintaining Production after Frac Hit

Due to DIAL’s ability to use full casing pressure, injection was quickly re-established at deepest point following a nearby frac hit. Other wells with IPO valves exhibited shallower injection and slower return to production.
Well Unloading Visualization

Silverwell’s DIAL-It-In Visualization Software during unload monitored casing and tubing pressure gradients, giving insight into final injection depth and status of well performance and formation inflow.

The DIAL well came back faster than any of the others after the frac hit

DIAL Data

Tubing	2-7/8” 6.4 lb/ft
Casing	5.5” 20 lb/ft
DIAL Depth	8,300ft. MD
Bottom Hole Pressure	1,800 Psi
Bottom Hole Temp	160 F
Casing Head Pressure	1,100 Psi
Well Head Pressure	175 Psi
Gas Lift Injection Rate	800 Mcf/Day