Real-Time Production-Optimization Routine Deployed for Gas Lifted Wells

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper OTC 36110, “Deploying a Nonoperated Real-Time Production-Optimization Routine For Gas Lifted Wells Through Surveillance-by-Exception Dashboard, ” by Ricardo Y. Tavara La Chira, David E. Bueno, SPE, and Bruno Leite, SPE, Repsol Sinopec Brasil. Copyright 2025 Offshore Technology Conference. _ This paper presents a robust workflow to identify optimization opportunities in gas lift wells through real-time data analysis and surveillance-by-exception methodology. It shares the initial results of application of this workflow and how the operator received technically supported recommendations regarding operational parameters, providing a complementary perspective for production optimization. Background The operator is engaged in the process of developing digital solutions to transform the company by fostering cultural change, improving operations, and creating efficiencies. The methodology relies on a programmable-logic-controller mirror system primarily used for data visualization and analytics in oil fields. This system enables the creation of a replica operations database, allowing users to monitor real-time and historical data for wells, meters, equipment, processes, and production systems. Custom dashboards can be developed to display key performance indicators (KPIs), facilitating intuitive and efficient surveillance. The operator was already familiar with this tool from previous partner applications in other fields. Recognizing its potential, the champion team proposed implementing a real-time monitoring solution for the offshore field. The project was delivered successfully through close collaboration between technical and information-technology teams, ensuring robustness and alignment with operational needs. Workflow The methodology combines historical analysis, real-time visualization, and operational-envelope classification in a structured and interactive routine. The workflow features six steps. 1. Visualization of Key Operational Parameters. The first step involves the visualization of primary production parameters using a mirror data system. This includes wellhead pressure (WHP), downhole pressure (PDG), gas lift injection rate, and chemical-injection rate. These variables are plotted together in dynamic dashboards to provide an integrated view of the well’s operational behavior. This visual correlation allows engineers to identify patterns or deviations quickly and intuitively, facilitating early detection of anomalies and performance shifts. The dashboards are interactive, enabling users to zoom into specific timeframes, overlay additional variables, and annotate key events. 2. Application Scope Across Gas Lift Wells. This workflow is applicable to wells where gas lift is the primary lifting method as well as those where it is used only as an optimization tool. By analyzing the relationship between gas lift injection rate and oil-production rate, two distinct well behaviors can be recognized: wells fully dependent on gas lift to maintain flow, and wells where gas lift enhances, but does not sustain, production. This dual applicability broadens the usefulness of the workflow across a variety of production scenarios. By analyzing PDG and WHP trends, it is also possible to detect shut-in periods (indicated by abnormal pressure increases), flow instabilities, and transitions between flowing and nonflowing states. These insights are foundational for identifying production optimization opportunities and tailoring interventions to well-specific behavior. The ability to distinguish between well types also supports better resource allocation and prioritization of optimization efforts.