Investigating the Use of Surface Jet Pumps as a Well Revival Technique to Enhance Production in Low-Potential Gas Wells: Operation Case Study

Abstract

Surface jet pumps (SJPs) are a surface-based artificial lift technique used to reduce wellhead backpressure by utilizing high-pressure gas available within existing production networks. This paper presents the field application and performance evaluation of a gas SJP installed on Well NSG 1-1, a vertical lean-gas producer with a gas specific gravity of 0.57. Before SJP installation, the well exhibited unstable low-rate production from mid-2019 onward, with gas rates typically below 1 MMSCFD at flowing wellhead pressures ranging from approximately 50 to 60 barg. Operations were characterized by frequent shut-ins and liquid loading, requiring regular pigging of the 6-in flowline. Production was constrained by surface backpressure imposed by a production manifold operating at approximately 47 barg, resulting in restricted choke settings (10-20/64 in). The SJP was commissioned using high-pressure motive gas supplied from a nearby 12-in trunkline transporting approximately 50 MMSCFD at about 54 barg from adjacent high-potential wells. During commissioning, the well stream entered the SJP at approximately 39 barg and ~3.3 MMSCFD, while the motive-to-suction pressure differential was approximately 15 bar. The mixed stream was discharged to the production manifold, reducing the effective wellhead backpressure and lowering flowing wellhead pressure to approximately 39-44 barg. Following SJP installation, the well achieved stable continuous production. By early 2021, NSG 1-1 was producing approximately 5 MMSCFD at flowing wellhead pressures of 39-44 barg and flowline pressure around 44 barg. This represents at least a fourfold increase in production relative to pre-SJP conditions, the elimination of intermittent flow, and improved liquid handling, as evidenced by a reduced pigging frequency. The total installed CAPEX was approximately USD 200,000, with an estimated payout period of less than six months based on incremental gas recovery. The SJP package was later redeployed to another field through internal nozzle modification, demonstrating operational flexibility and value for field applications. The work presents performance results, operating mechanisms, surface network integration considerations, greenhouse gas emission reduction, and economic evaluation, providing practical guidance for applying SJPs to revive backpressure-limited gas wells.