Integrated Production Optimization from a Mature Oil Field Using Artificial Gas Lift by Considering Nonlinear Operational Constraints

Production optimization is one of the most complex activities from the operational point of view due to the effect of the uncertainty of physical rock and fluid properties, errors, and the lack of measurement tools. Production optimization is defined based on a set of activities that measure and collect data to make optimized management decisions. The purpose of this study is to optimize the production of a mature hydrocarbon field located in the south of Iran with consideration operational nonlinear constrains, and by defining four different scenarios. Cumulative oil production and net present value were used to select the best production scenario from this oil field. The results of simulation and optimization showed that in the current situation of the field, gas injection is prioritized with respect to artificial gas lift with gas due to the reduction of cost and time, as well as an increase in current net present value. Although, using an artificial gas lift method, the amount of cumulative oil production is higher than the gas injection method, but due to increased costs, it will have less net present value.