scope:

Introduction to Gas Lift System Design and Performance Prediction

API RP 11V8 Recommended Practice for Gas Lift System Design and Performance Prediction , provides two functions:

• A broad overview of gas lift systems and various major types of gas lift operations.

• Recommended practices for gas lift system design and for modeling methods used in performance prediction. All key system components are reviewed to provide guidance for engineers, technicians, well analysts, and operating personnel who are involved in gas lift system analysis, troubleshooting, design, and optimization.

The primary purpose of this API Recommended Practice (RP) is to emphasize gas lift as a system and to discuss methods used to predict its performance. Information must be gathered and models validated prior to a system design, which must precede wellbore gas lift mandrel and valve design. The subsurface and surface components of the system must be designed together to enhance the strengths of each and to minimize the constraints.