scope:

Introduction and Organization of This Document

This API document presents guidelines and recommended practices for the design and operation of intermittent, chamber, and plunger gas-lift systems.

Overview of Section 1

Section 1 presents a summary of the primary guidelines and recommended practices for these methods of artificial lift. This summary section is sub-divided into nine subsections as outlined below. Then following this, there are the corresponding sections or annexes with detailed information on each section.

Section 1 is designed to provide a complete set of guidelines and recommended practices for use by practicing engineers and field operators. Sections 2 to Sections 7 are designed to provide more detailed information, including theoretical background for many of the guidelines and recommended practices. These sections are available for anyone, but are specifically intended for those who wish to gain a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practice of intermittent gas-lift.

This document also contains three annexes. Annex A contains mathematical derivations and models of some of the most pertinent intermittent gas-lift calculations. Annex B contains a comprehensive example of an intermittent gas-lift design. Annex C describes how to use the Field Units Calculator and SI Units Calculator. These are two spreadsheets that are part of this RP.