Performance Analysis of Gas-Lift Operations Across Three Oil Wells in the Haoud Berkaoui Fiel

Abstract

Gas-lift technology represents one of the most extensively employed artificial lift techniques for sustaining and enhancing hydrocarbon production in mature reservoirs experiencing insufficient natural flow energy. The present study seeks to assess and optimize the operational performance of gas-lift wells within the Haoud Berkaoui field through the application of nodal analysis in conjunction with PIPESIM software. Three production wells, designated OKN61, OKN641, and OKN62, were selected as representative case studies for this investigation. A comprehensive well model was constructed incorporating reservoir characteristics, fluid properties, completion configurations, and historical production data. Nodal analysis was subsequently conducted by reconciling the Inflow Performance Relationship (IPR) with the Vertical Lift Performance (VLP) curve to establish each well's operating point. Sensitivity analyses were thereafter undertaken to characterize the respective influences of gas injection rate, surface choke diameter, and tubing internal diameter on overall well productivity. Baseline oil production rates derived from nodal analysis were determined to be 102.96 m³/d, 148.80 m³/d, and 159.16 m³/d for wells OKN61, OKN641, and OKN62, respectively. Gas-lift optimization revealed optimal gas injection rates of 0.008 MMm³/d, 0.002 MMm³/d, and 0.004 MMm³/d for the respective wells, yielding enhanced production rates of 111.87 m³/d, 151.64 m³/d, and 166.38 m³/d. The choke diameter sensitivity analysis indicated that an increase in orifice size correlates positively with well performance, with peak oil rates attaining 112.5 m³/d for OKN61 and 160 m³/d for both OKN641 and OKN62 at a choke diameter of 13.49 mm. Similarly, the tubing internal diameter sensitivity analysis demonstrated a favorable production response, with oil rates increasing from 100 to 120 m³/d for OKN61, from 140 to 150 m³/d for OKN641, and from 145 to 160 m³/d for OKN62 as tubing diameter was incrementally expanded. These findings substantiate that systematic optimization of gas injection rate, choke diameter, and tubing internal diameter can yield substantial improvements in gas-lift well performance. Moreover, the integration of nodal analysis with PIPESIM software constitutes an effective methodological framework for the evaluation of production systems and the identification of optimal operating conditions in the Haoud Berkaoui field