The Pettit formation in Carthage Field is predominately a gas reservoir. At reservoir pressure and temperature, no free liquids are produced. However, water and condensate will drop out of the gas stream as the gas cools on the path to the surface. When the production rate declines below the critical velocity these fluids can accumulate and cause the well to load up and eventually cease flowing.

Heating the wellbore to reservoir conditions is a new method of eliminating fluid condensation in the wellbore. This paper discusses the first successful application of wellbore heating to prevent fluid condensation and eliminate liquid loading. This application is in the Carthage Field.

Keywords:
drillstem testing, heating, installation, prevent liquid loading, compressor, pettit formation, radiation, drillstem/well testing, loading, production control
Subjects:
Artificial Lift Systems, Well & Reservoir Surveillance and Monitoring, Formation Evaluation & Management, Drillstem/well testing, Completion Installation and Operations, Well Intervention
Copyright 2002, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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