State-of-the-Art Summary

For permanent applications, the system is able to stay in the wellbore for 3 years with a single battery pack (6 years with 2 packs) and provide real time data for pump monitoring to optimize and automate the production process to reduce lifting costs and pump downtime. The wireless gauge can also provide reservoir evaluation with formation buildup tests to optimize production and maximize the amount of hydrocarbon that can be extracted from the wellbore. For more information contact Paul Tubel at 281-364-6030 or e-mail at paul.tubel@tubeltechnologies.com.

METEOR—Advanced Resources International has developed a new reservoir performance tool, designed especially for fractured, low permeability gas production. The tool is designed for fast analysis to help locate underperforming wells and diagnose their problems. Its technical features extend far beyond traditional decline curve programs. METEOR will interface with one's own production database; forecast production using Arps, Fetkovich or variable compressibility decline curves; calculate permeability, skin or fracture half-length, drainage area and reservoir pressure; evaluate wells with multiple completions for layered-no-crossflow behavior; investigate options for compression, restimulation, artificial lift or infill drilling; and determine EUR and reserves. For more information contact George Koperna at 703-528-8420 or e-mail at gkoperna@adv-res.com.

Engineering Decision Tree Forms—James Engineering, Inc. has developed a series of procedure guides using decision tree forms which can help operators improve production from their stripper wells. The first is a low cost methodology which analyzes and suggests corrective actions for stripper wells experiencing abnormal production decline. The second details cost effective fluid removal options and the third identifies cost effective corrosion mitigation procedures. Each guide includes a set of forms to be filled out by both the well tender and the engineer, which aides in the remediation decision process. For more information contact Tim Knobloch at 740-373-9521 or e-mail at jeitsk@charter.net.

Intermittent Gas Chamber Lift—The Pennsylvania State University is developing a new production system for low volume oil and gas wells as an alternative to conventional lift systems such as rod pumping. The chamber lift process involves the injection of gas into the oil column via a small diameter tubing string that is set in the production tubing. The gas then displaces the accumulated fluid to the surface via the annular space between the injection string and the production string. The process is controlled using a sensor and motor valve located at the surface. The new system uses newer types of materials for tubulars to minimize costs and be more maintenance free of corrosion and wear, adapts to less labor intensive procedures for repair, has minimal downhole moving parts, is easily converted from current rod pump system, minimizes well "foot print," and minimizes mechanical and electrical equipment at well site. Penn State is working with Bretagne to field test the system in eastern Kentucky. Ongoing work includes the development of a simplified controller specific to the chamber lift system that can be manufactured at a very economical cost to the independent producer and selection and implementation of Polytube pipe for the downhole tubular material. For more information contact Dr. Bob Watson at 814-865-0531 or e-mail at rww1@psu.edu.

For more information on other projects or the Stripper Well Consortium in general, visit the SWC website at www.energy.psu.edu/swc or contact either Joel Morrison, SWC Director, 814-865-4802 or e-mail at swc@ems.psu.edu or Gary Covatch, DOE Project Manager, at 304-285-4589 or e-mail at gary.covatch@netl.doe.gov.