Abstract
Liquid loading can have a detrimental impact to the production rate in gas wells causing many wells to be shut-in prematurely. Many artificial lift methods have successfully alleviated liquid loading and allowed the operator to reach the abandonment pressure more quickly, reducing expense. However, most artificial lift methods are not applicable to offshore production due to the regulatory requirements of certain safety systems, in particular an SCSSV (Surface Controlled Sub-Surface Safety Valve) and SSV (Surface Safety Valve), which would be impeded if traditional artificial lift methods were used.
A fail-safe, through-tubing capillary injection system has now been applied to an offshore well having an SCSSV and SSV. The offshore well maintained full compliance and functionality of the SCSSV by utilizing a specialized WRSCSSV (Wireline-Retrievable Surface Controlled Sub- Surface Safety Valve). The SSV was addressed through the application of a unique wellhead adaptation called a Y-body. These two systems were combined with a capillary foamer injection string that allowed the well to flow at a lower bottomhole pressure. This lower flowing pressure enabled additional reserves to be produced and has improved the ultimate recovery from the reservoir.
