Gazprom : Ramping up capacities. Interview with Igor Krutikov by Gazprom Magazine

Searching for the best possible solutions is a never-ending process in gas production. At the production sites of Yamal, we implement innovations to increase the operational efficiency of difficult gas wells. For that purpose, we install concentric tubings (CTs) in such wells. The technology is as follows: an existing well is equipped with a double-wall tubing. A tube of a smaller diameter (central tube) is inserted into a tube of a larger diameter (main tube). The well is operated using two tubes simultaneously. When it is required to remove fluid from the bottomhole, the main tube is shut off. This way, we are able to extend the life of the well and increase cumulative gas production.

At the moment, two wells at the Gubkinsky production site and 10 wells at the Komsomolsky production site are equipped with CTs and put into pilot operation. Specialists can already note the proven efficiency of the measures taken, as the wells have reached a stable production rate.

The use of concentric tubings for the operation of gas wells with liquid loading is a promising technological solution. This method makes it possible to operate wells in optimal modes, extends the period of sustainable operation of wells, and eliminates the need for blowdowns. It also results in a production gain at brownfields.

These activities are being carried out as part of the project for the technical upgrade of gas well piping, which is being implemented at the facility. The project will go on. For instance, CTs are to be installed in three wells at the Komsomolsky gas production site in 2021, and also in the wells of the Yety-Purovskoye and Zapadno-Tarkosalinskoye fields in 2022.

Another important project has been implemented at the Vyngayakhinsky gas production site. After the equipment and automated systems had been tested, the booster compressor station of the Yety-Purovskoye field was put into operation in late 2020. A distinguishing feature of the engineering complex built at Yety-Purovskoye is the use of low-noise and eco-friendly electrically driven gas compressor units (EDGCUs) instead of usual marine or aero ones. While gas turbine engines run on fuel gas, EDGCUs are powered by electricity, thus causing zero air emissions.

Lightly manned operations are employed at the booster compressor station (BCS) of the Yety-Purovskoye field. For instance, it has two control boards, with the main board located at the BCS and the auxiliary board installed at the Vyngayakhinsky gas production site. It provides remote access to control the processes going on at the station. Our newly gained experience can further be applied at the Chayandinskoye field. The use of EDGCUs at gas pre-treatment units is being considered as an option there as well.