Solving a gas-lift optimization problem by applying Auto-Boost technology in Hassi Messaoud oil field

Abstract

After a long period of production, the reservoir pressure will not be sufficient to lift the liquids to the surface, and production will not be economically viable. To maintain production, several artificial lift methods were applied, such as pumping and gas lift. The gas lift activation mode represents 45% of production in the Hassi Messaoud field, which is the objective of our work. This study is based on the evaluation of the efficiency of Autoboost’s application for the selected candidate producer wells (HGANE 2 and HGANE 7) to restore and increase initial oil recovery for these wells. The methodology of our work is based on data collection (well completion, well testing data, and PVT data). Then, an optimization of gas lift parameters using PIPESIM software was carried out by creating inflow performance relationship and vertical lift performance models to optimize vertical pressure losses. The results show a gain of 5.3 m³ and 4.14 m³ for wells HGANE 2 and HGANE 7, respectively. The findings of this work can help to activate wells outside the gas lift network more economically and achieve the desired oil recovery.