Elements of Tubing Selection

Usually requires a nodal analysis program and some very good information about the wells productivity over time. An error in the flow data can cause a quick error in the tubing sizing.

Production Tubing Design

1. Max and optimum flow rate 2. Max surface pressure (flowing and shutin) 3. Corrosion potential over life of string 4. Erosion potential over life of the string 5. Stimulation factors 6. Tensile strength 7. Burst and collapse

Tubular String- 8 Design Factors

Tension
tube must stand its own weight in the running environment. Tubing must stand additional loads when pulling out or setting packers and forces due to temperature and pressure changes. maintain integrity with high internal tubing pressures with little or no annular pressure support. or no internal pressure support.

Burst

Collapse - maintain integrity with high annulus pressures with little

Compression tube must stand compressive loads when setting

some packers and in highly deviated wells or dog legs.

Tubular String- 8 Design Factors

Couplings
free from leaks, maintain ID clearance, strength through bend areas and in compression and tension loads. with flowing fluids over its lifetime. CO2, H2S, acid, cracking, etc.

Corrosion - tube must be designed to counter corrosion reactions Abrasion/Erosion equipment must withstand abrasion and
erosion loads over lifetime

Stimulation Loads

The tubular must withstand loads from acids, fracturing or other stimulations

Tubing Size Factors

Sized for natural gas lift optimum use of expanding gas IPR and TPC curves. Sized to prevent deposits minimum flow level = 3.5 ft/sec. Sized to prevent liquid abrasion maximum relative to density and reactivity. Sized to prevent particulate erosion maximum relative to particulate size and velocity.

Typical Critical Unload Rates Mscf/d)

(based on Turner Correlation)

1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 0 200 400 600 800 Surface Pressure, PSIA

Min Unloading Rate, mcfd

2.375 2.016 1.90 1.66

Effects of a Choke on Critical Rate

Open Choked

1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 0

Min Unloading Rate, mcfd

2.375 2.016 1.90 1.66

200

400

600

800

Surface Pressure, PSIA

Inflow Performance Relationship

For non linear (2 phase) flow

Inflow Performance Relationship, IPR

The IPR is a snap shot in time of the performance of a well in the reservoir. The well performance diminishes as reservoir pressure decreases.

When the average reservoir pressure is above the bubble point and the flowing bottom hole pressure is below the bubble point, a combined approach using straight line and Vogel will describe the process.

Vogel Calculations
Vogel IPR Curve:
(q/qmax) = 1 0.2 (Pwf/P) 0.8 (Pwf/P)2

Straight line IPR

(q/qmax) = 1 (Pwf/P)

Pwf = bottom hole flowing pressure P = maximum shut-in bottom hole pressure

Which Curve?
If a sample of formation fluid (pressurized) is taken and analyzed for bubble point, then the decision can be made of what relationship to use.

Gas Well IPRs

In gas wells, both fluid viscosity and compressibility are pressure dependent. Model is also complicated by high velocities around the wellbore that produce turbulent flow. Darcy model assumes laminar flow and is not valid for the pressure drops produced by turbulence in gas wells.

Non-Linear IPR (Gas)

P2 Pwf = aq + bq2
Where
aq = pressure drop due to laminar (Darcy) flow bq2 = pressure drop due to turbulent (non-Darcy) flow

The constants a and b can be derived from multirate well test or alternatively estimated from known reservoir and gas properties.

Tubular Sizing IPR & TPC

Nodal analysis packages Tubing performance and Inflow performance curves

Tubing Performance Curves with Inflow Performance Relationship

B A TPCs represent a particular tubing design (size and taper) and are constant They perform well when the IPR curve intersects them (B), and become unstable(C) as the IPR curve passes them. The liquids will not be naturally lifted (D) when the IPR no longer contacts them. C

Tubing Performance Curves

unstable region, well may not flow under these conditions. increasing GOR helps at low rates (like a natural gas lift). Too much gas hinders (friction). increasing water cuts mean more pressure is required to flow at same rate. initial tubing performance curve (0% w/c, initial GOR).

increasing friction increasing hydrostatic pressure

Liquid Flowrate
TUBING PERFORMANCE RELATIONSHIP

IPR Change After Some Reservoir Depletion

Where Do You Calculate CR Surface or Bottom Hole?

Pres: Temp: Tbg: Rate: 400# 60 deg F 1 CT 200 mscfd

Wellhead Critical Rate:

180 mscfd

10,000 1 CT

Pres: Temp:

900# 200 deg F

Bottom of CT Critical Rate:

220 mscfd

10,500 3 Csg to Perfs

Pres: Temp: 1100# 200 deg F Casing Critical Rate:

1500 mscfd

Loaded Well Effects on IPR

100 PSI 130 PSI 100 PSI 300 PSI

Low FBHP

High FBHP

Normal

Loaded

Typical IPR Curve for a Gas Well

Loaded vs Unloaded
Flowing Pressure, psia
400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 0 50 100 150 Rate, mcfd 200 250 300
Unloaded Low FBHP
Loaded High FBHP

Effects of Artificial Lift on Production Decline

Normal Decline

Rate, MCFD

Goal of Artificial Lift

Loading Time

Production Rate and Tubing Sizing

The pressure drops are plotted against flowrate to give
inflow performance relationship or IPR the tubing performance curve or lift curve
Bottom hole flowing pressurr Pw

Tubing Performance Curves: Calculated by computer or taken from tables, to predict the pressure loss up the tubing. Depends upon rate , type of fluid (oil vs gas), gas-oil-ratio, water content etc. for different tubing sizes.

If bottom hole flowing pressure is the same as the reservoir pressure the well will not flow As the bottom hole pressure is reduced the well begins to flow - pushed by the reservoir pressure. The greater the drawdown the greater the flow.

Pr

Natural flowrate: in this particular case the well will flow naturally at this rate with this tubing in the hole.
drawdown

31/2"

41/2"

51/2"

The lift curve = 'required pressure' (For a particular sized tubing)

Pump pressure (If a higher rate is required)

The IPR = 'Available pressure'

Flowrate Barrels of Oil per Day

Inflow Performance Relationship (IPR) and tubing Performance Curves

What Happens When TPC and IPR Curves no longer meet?

Pressure

Flow Rate

What Happens When TPC and IPR Curves no longer meet?

Pressure Pressure differential that must be supplied by artificial lift

Flow Rate

The Most Critical Problem?

Solids in the flow.
Important factors:
velocity of solids density of solids type of solids size of solids impengement surface (angle and type)

Maximum flowing fluid velocity for increasing particle diameters. Although smaller particles do less damage than larger particles (less mass), the sheer number of small particles can still do a significant amount of damage.

Max Velocities for Particle Sizes

max vel. f/sec

150 100 50 0 0 100 200 300 Particle size, u 0.1 ft3/day 1 ft3/day

Max Producing Velocity

4 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 0 1000 2000 particle size, u
4 pipe

Max Velocity, fps

Direct impingement

1 ft3/day

3000

Primary Erosion Locations

sharp turns in the flow path where gas velocity is maximum eddy current and similar patterns constrictions in the flow path

Bubbles and Droplets

Two problems:
cavitation: creation and collapse of bubbles. High energy area - striking erosion, even at low critical velocity phases. bubble/droplet impact (mists, entrained drop). Problems: impingement of droplet or bubbles break down the corrosion resistant layer over the surface of the metal.

Maximum Velocities For Fluids

Conditions

Tubing Pressure 1000 psi 5000 psi ________ _______ Wet, non corrosive gas 85 fps 75 fps Wet, corrosive gas 50 fps 40 fps Wet,corros. & abrasive 30 fps 25 fps

There may be minimum velocities needed to prevent biofilms or other static fluid problems.

Note the effect of increasing flowing fluid density on corrosion rate. Also presence of solids in the flowing fluids very significantly lowers the maximum permissible flow rate.

Critical or maximum velocities for flow using the API RP 14E equation. The variable is the C factor for short lived projects, this factor may be 200 or more. It may also rise when CRA pipe is used or when coatings are compatible with flow.

Corrosion Resistant Alloys

Steel Carbon Steel 13%Cr Super 13%Cr Duplex SS Austenitic SS Nickel Alloys Hastelloy Location Relative Cost Wytch Farm, UK 1 S.N.Sea, Trinidad 3 Rhum, Tuscaloosa 5 Miller, T. Horse 8-10 Miller, Congo - Liners 12-15 Middle East (825) 20 Gulf Of Mexico (G3) >20

The corrosion rate of CO2 is a function of partial pressure, temperature, chloride presence of water and the type of material. Corrosion rate in MPY mills per year is a standard method of expression, but not a good way to express corrosion where pitting is the major failure.

Note the effect of the temperature on the corrosion rate.

Cost factors between the tubulars is about 2x to 4x for Chrome13 over low alloy steel and about 8x to 10x for duplex (nickel replacing the iron).

Tubing Selection Criteria

Sweet Non CO2 Service Sweet CO2 Service Sour Service High flow rates (high C factors) Erosive Service Stimulation tolerant Water injection wells

Tubular Selection Criteria

Embrittlement
hydrogen chloride stress cracking

Weight Loss Corrosion

H2S-CO2-H2O-NaCl systems CO2-H2O-NaCl

Localized Corrosion Acidizing Galvanic Strength Cost and availability

Sweet Well Materials

Equip.
Well Heads Tubing Hanger Tubing

Low Alloy Steels

Acceptable Acceptable Most low perf. apps. CO2 pp limits use

Chrome or low CRA

Acceptable Acceptable CO2 service, limited protect. to O2 & high Cl- brines 8 chrome common Application dependent Application dependent Typical to 60C/140F,

Duplex, Super Duplex, 718, 725, 825 or 925 Severe Conditions

Severe Conditions Severe Conditions

Profiles ScSSVs Packer Sand Screens Strength & corrosion?

Severe Conditions Severe Conditions Severe Conditions Alloy 825

Source Best Prac. Aug 2001, John Martins, et.al.

Sour Service Materials

Equip. Low Alloy Steels Chrome or low CRA Duplex, Super Duplex, 718, 725, 825 or 925 Low temp / low strength apps. Low temp / low strength apps. Low temp / low strength apps. Low temp / low strength apps. Low temp / low strength apps. Low temp / low strength apps. Alloy 825

Well Heads Tubing Hanger Tubing

Acceptable in low corrosion Acceptable in low corrosion Most low perf. apps. CO2 pp limits use

Acceptable within NACE guidelines Acceptable within NACE guidelines NACE guidelines, O2 & Cl brine limited protect. 8 chrome common Super 13 and mtls within Nace guidelines

Profiles ScSSVs Packer Sand Screens Strength & corrosion?

Application dependent SS316L Typical to 60C/140F,

Materials for Injection/Disposal Service

Equip. Low Alloy Steels Chrome or low CRA Linings

Tubing

Accept. in low O2 (<20 ppb)

Chrome 13 not normally recommended 8 chrome common, higher alloy better

Good if within temp limits

Profiles

ScSSVs

CRA selected for application Strength & corrosion? CRA selected for application

Packer

Special Applications Deliquification of Gas Wells

Turner and Coleman analysis

Turner Critical Velocity For Gas Wells

Vcrit = 1.92 [(s1/4 (rL-rg)1/4 / rg)] Vcrit = minimum gas velocity, ft/sec s = surface tension, dynes/cm rL = liquid density, lb/ft3 rg = gas density, lb/ft3
s = surface tension, dynes/cm: condensate is 20 and water is 60 dynes/cm
rL = liquid density, lb/ft3: condensate is 45 and water is 67 lb/ft3 rg = gas density, lb/ft3: function of pressure and temperature

Critical Velocity to Keep a Gas Well Unloaded - (Turner, W.O., Dec.

vgcond=[4.02(45-0.0031p)0.25]/[(0.0031) p0.5] vgwater=[5.62(67-0.0031p)0.25]/[(0.0031) p0.5] where:
v = critical gas velocity in tbg for unloading, fps
p= surface pressure ofcritical well, psia For flow velocities above the rate, liquid drops are carried Gasby is 0.6 temperature is 120F (49C) upward the gravity gas for and wellgas deviations less than about 20 degrees. For flow below the critical, water may not be carried out of the well or may produce in slugs. The well may continue to flow, but at a reduced rate SPE: Turner, et. al., JPT Nov 1969. due to the back pressure exerted by the liquid head.

1966)

Turner Unloading Rate, Water For pressures > 1000 psi

3000 2500
4.5" (3.958" ID) 3.5" (2.992" ID) 2.875" (2.441" ID) 2.375" (1.995" ID) 2.0675" (1.751" ID)

Gas Rate (mscf/d)

2000 1500 1000 500 0 0

100

200

300

400

500

Flowing Pressure, psi

Source J. Lea, Texas Tech, Turner Correlations.

Critical Gas Flow Rate

Q = [3.06 p vgA] / [(T+460)Z] where:
Q = critical gas flow rate in mm scf/d, to lift liquid p = surface pressure in psia vg = critical gas vel, fps (water or condensate) A = cross sectional area of the tubing, ft2, = A = [3.14 d2] / [(4) (144)] T = avg flowing temp in oF Z = gas factor For Pressures greater than 1000 psi

Critical Diameter for Lift

d = [{(59.92)(Qg)(T+460)Z} / {(p)(vg)}]0.5 Where:
Qg = critical gas rate, mmscf/d T = average flowing temp, oF Z = gas factor p = surface pressure in psia vg = critical gas velocity to lift liquid, fps

Critical Gas Rate to Remove Water

5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 1.995 2.441 2.992 3.92 4.78 6.28

MMscf/d

3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 0 100 200 300 400 Wellhead Pressure (psig) 500 600

Critical Gas Rate to Remove Water

10.0 9.0 8.0 7.0

1.995 2.441 2.992 3.92 4.78 6.28

MMscf/d

6.0 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 Wellhead Pressure (psig)

Critical Gas Rate to Remove Condensate 3.5 3.0 2.5 1.995 2.441 2.992 3.92 4.78 6.28

MMscf/d

2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 0

100

200 300 400 Wellhead Pressure (psig)

500

600

Critical Gas Rate to Remove Condensate 5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 1.995 2.441 2.992 3.92 4.78 6.28

MMscf/d

3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 0

500

1000 1500 Wellhead Pressure (psig)

2000

2500