Foam Assisted Lift – Laboratory Data vs Field Data

Jose M Macias Danny Lillard Champion Tech

Joe Lopez Chevron

Abstract

Field data collected from a wide selection of wells in the Chevron South Texas operating area was analyzed and compared to laboratory data for surfactant concentration, condensate ratio, and flow rate effects on foam assisted lift. The results allow for a generalization of foam assisted lift for surfactant requirements and production enhancement. The Coleman critical rate was used as a benchmark for all analysis and the data presents generalizations about well behavior based on the % below the Coleman critical rate.

Laboratory data generated in a low pressure system is compared to data from the field in order to understand foam behavior and foam requirements for wells with varying parameters (flow rate, condensate ratio, brine composition, and application techniques).

Generalization are presented based on the data that was obtained from the field data survey.