Wellhead Compression on Tight Gas Wells in the Long Run: A Follow-Up Case History on Seven Years of Success in Lobo

Many times lowering surface pressure results in production increases on tight gas wells but how does that increase hold up in the long run and what is the rest of the story on wells that originally did not show increases? A previous paper (SPE 90550) detailed results at the start of a long range program to install wellhead compression (WHC) in ConocoPhillips' Lobo Field in South Texas. Updated data showing the long term results over seven years on the original 21 wells are presented as well as results and lessons learned from over 40 additional installations. Based on these experiences, a general approach toward choosing candidates and operating wellhead compression on tight gas wells is proposed.