INTRODUCTION

In oil and gas industry, complex multiphase mixtures consisting of oil, gas, water and possibly precipitated solids and or formation sands may flow through the tubing with different flow regimes observed. This complex multiphase flow in the tubing may lead to decrease in the natural lifting performance of the produced oil from the bottom of the well to the surface flow facilities, (Brown1982,Clegg 2007).

Artificial lift technique may be applied to improve oil and gas production either by injecting gas into the production tubing to reduce the hydrostatic pressure or using a downhole pump to supply additional lift pressure downhole. The selection of an artificial lift technique is dependent on various factors such as the required production rates, depth, reservoir, economics, and operational conditions.

Research Objectives

The approach involves the development of a hybrid artificial lift design that can sustain the maximum possible flow rate. This will be achieved by combining Gas Lift and Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP), and the study will include Sensitivity Analysis and Nodal Analysis.

Research Methodology

Design of the gas lift system followed by the Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) system within the same well, thereby combining two artificial lift methods. The simulation was conducted using Pipesim Multiphase Flow Simulator software.

Results

The Hybrid artificial lift has demonstrated the ability to deplete the well in accordance with the desired production rate.

The application of artificial lift validates the theory that emphasizes its role in enhancing production and economic efficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

• The selection of Tubing Diameter plays a critical role in maximizing production;
• When comparing ESP and GL with respect to tubing diameter, ESP exhibited the best production rate:
• In combined artificial lift, if one system is not operational, production loss can be avoided as the other system continues to run, resulting in extended workover intervals.

KEY WORDS: Electrical Submersible Pump, Gas Lift, Water Cut, and Tubing Diameter.