Most wells behave characteristically different over time, as well as seasonally, due to geophysical, physical, and chemical changes in the subterranean reservoir that feeds the well. For example, it is common for well production to decline as the well reaches the end of its life. This decline in production is due to declining pressures in the reservoir, and can eventually reach a point where there is not enough pressure in the reservoir to push production through the well to the surface. In gas wells, a top side compressor is sometimes used to extend the life of the well by decreasing pressure at the top of the well. This decrease in pressure decreases the pressure head on the production flowing to the surface, enabling the well to continue producing when the reservoir pressures have dropped too low to drive the production to the surface.
USPTO Backgrounds
USPTO Backgrounds