Purpose: The purpose is to consider the complications that arise during the operation of gas condensate wells, in particular, the accumulation of liquid contamination. Development of new approaches to improve the efficiency of the separation equipment performance of gas gathering and treatment systems when a multiphase flow enters. Development of a foam breaking method in a gas-liquid flow after removal of liquid contaminants from wells and flowlines using surfactants. Design/methodology/approach: An analysis was made of the complications that may arise when removing liquid contaminants from wells and flowlines using surfactants. Measures have been developed that will make it possible to timely prevent the ingress of foam into the separation equipment of gas gathering and treatment systems. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling, an effective foam-breaking device was developed by supplying stable hydrocarbon condensate. Findings: A method to minimize the negative impact of foam on the operation of separation equipment after fluid removal from wells and gas condensate field flowlines using a surfactant solution was elaborated. A method for its breaking was proposed to prevent the flow of foam into the gas processing unit. This method foresees the application of the technological scheme layout for supplying a stable hydrocarbon condensate to a gas-liquid flow entering the separators of the first of separation, both the main line and the measuring line. CFD modelling was used to study the process of foam breaking by feeding hydrocarbon condensate into it. The influence of the hydrocarbon condensate supplying method on gas-dynamic processes (distribution of pressure, velocity, volumetric particles of phases), and the efficiency of foam breaking was estimated. It was established that the supply of hydrocarbon condensate from one branch pipe to the pipeline through which the foam moved did not ensure its complete breaking. To increase the efficiency of foam breaking, a device with designed four nozzles for supplying hydrocarbon condensate was developed. CFD modelling made it possible to substantiate that in this case, a pressure reduction zone appeared at the place of condensate supply. Because of a sharp change in pressure, a strong improvement in the effect of foam breaking occurred. The understanding of the regularities of foam breaking processes by hydrocarbon condensate was obtained, and the design of a device for the complete foam breaking was developed. Research limitations/implications: The obtained results of laboratory studies have shown that a sharp decrease in the stability of the foam occurs under the condition of an increase in the volume of stable hydrocarbon condensate added to the studied model of mineralized formation water. Based on the results of CFD modeling, a device for breaking foam by stable hydrocarbon condensate has been worked out, the effectiveness of which will be confirmed experimentally and in field conditions. Practical implications: The results of the performed laboratory studies and CFD modelling allow a more reasonable approach to using various available methods and measures to prevent the ingress of foam with a gas-liquid flow into the separation equipment of gas gathering and treatment systems. This approach makes it possible to develop new effective ways and measures to prevent this complication. Originality/value: Based on CFD modelling, it was found that when a stable hydrocarbon condensate is supplied into a gas-liquid flow, foam breaks. A method for breaking foam in a gas-liquid flow has been developed, which is original and can be introduced in practice.
Purpose: The purpose of this work is to consider the complications that arise while operating gas condensate wells, in particular, the accumulation of hydrocarbon condensate, formation and condensation water at wells and flowlines, to develop a method for removing liquid from wells and flowlines before it entering a gas treatment unit and being treated with surfactants and to develop a method for the foam destruction in the gas-liquid flow. Design/methodology/approach: The operational parameters of gas-condensate wells of the Yuliivske oil and gas condensate field (OGCF) have been analysed. Wells have been identified that are operated in difficult conditions due to the accumulation of the liquid at the bottom hole and in flowlines. The volume of the liquid accumulated at the bottom hole of gas condensate wells is estimated. The quantity of surfactants, the volume and concentration of the solution required to remove the liquid were calculated individually for each well. The program of experimental researches has been made. The efficiency of the application of surfactant solution was experimentally determined and a positive result was achieved in the form of an increase in production by 10%. A new approach to the use of surfactant solution, as well as the foam destruction, has been proposed. The studies were performed within the framework of research and development work by the specialists of the Ukrainian Scientific Research Institute of Natural Gases. Findings: Comprehensive measures are proposed to increase the efficiency of gas condensate wells operation. They are monitoring of operational parameters of wells by pressure and temperature gauges installed at the wellhead and at the inlet gas pipelines of the gas treatment unit; calculation of the volume of accumulated fluid in the wellbore and flowline; installation of a complex of automated feeding a surfactant solution of both in the annulus of the wells and in the flowline. For this purpose, two options for the complex and and have a different principle of operation. To prevent foam from entering the gas treatment unit, a method of its destruction has been proposed. The implementation of the proposed comprehensive measures will allow controlling the well operation mode, timely liquid removal from the well and the flowline and ensure stable hydrocarbon production. Research limitations/implications: The obtained results of laboratory and experimental studies have shown that using a surfactant solution is reasonable to remove the liquid from gas condensate wells. To increase the efficiency of the measure, a new method of feeding surfactant solution was developed by installing a unit for automated feeding (UAF) of a surfactant solution at the mouth. Practical implications: The results of laboratory tests allow using a surfactant solution reasonably in order to remove the liquid from gas condensate wells, as well as possible further destruction of foam in the gas-liquid flow for increasing both the efficiency of the extraction and production volume. Originality/value: On the basis of previously performed experimental research, it has been established that it is advisable to use a surfactant solution to remove the liquid from gas condensate wells and flowlines. A new method of removing liquid from gas condensate wells and flowlines has been developed, as well as a method of destroying foam in a gas-liquid flow, which are original and can be implemented.
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