Enhancing Gas Lift Efficiency in Unconventional Basins: The Impact of Super Sonic Tool Technology

SUPER SONIC GAS LIFT TOOL DELAWARE PILOT TEST TO ASSESS PRODUCTION IMPROVEMENT AND GAS INJECTION REDUCTION

by
Kenneth Estrada – ConocoPhillips
Gustavo Pertuz – TRC Gas Lift Technologies, Inc.
Amanda Scott – TRC Gas Lift Technologies, Inc.

ABSTRACT

Interest in the Super Sonic Tool (SST) was generated by it’s theorical ability to improve drawdown and reservoir inflow, and the potential to reduce injection gas requirements by up to 40%. Its streamlined design enables easy integration into the existing completion, requiring no wellhead modifications or downtime, making it a practical solution that does not require a MOC. In addition, other field deployments made by the vendor in the Permian Basin seemed to demonstrate its effectiveness. For example, in the Delaware Basin, the tool achieved a 12% production increase while reducing lift gas consumption by 250 MSCFD. Similarly, in the Midland Basin, it delivered a 15% production boost with significant gas savings. The SST was pilot tested for wells waiting for conversion to Plunger Assisted Gas Lift (PAGL) to confirm its ability to provide a low-cost, throughtubing method to boost production and reduce gas requirements. This paper presents the results of a 4-well pilot test conducted in Delaware. This presentation details the findings of these pilot projects and lessons learned. The best response was a 35% uplift in oil production confirmed via a surface multiphase meter.