System and method for controlling liquid removal operations in a gas-producing well

Abstract

A system for performing a downhole operation within a well during a production phase of the well includes a tubing string extending from a surface of the well to the downhole location. A lift system is positioned at the surface and is operably connected to the tubing string to axially lift and lower the tubing string, following positioning of the tubing string within the well, each time a substantial reduction in production gas flow and production liquid flow at a portion of the well is desired.

1 . A method of performing a downhole operation within a well during a production phase of the well, the method comprising:
 positioning a tubing string within the well such that the tubing string extends from a surface of the well to a downhole location;   lifting or lowering the tubing string from the surface of the well to perform the downhole operation; and   repeating the lifting or lowering of the tubing string each time it is desired to perform the downhole operation.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the downhole operation includes removal of liquid from the well. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein removing the liquid further comprises pumping the liquid. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising:
 rotating the tubing string from the surface of the well to operate a pump; 
 wherein removing the liquid further comprises pumping the liquid using the pump; and 
 wherein the pump is a progressing cavity pump. 
 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein:
 removing the liquid further comprises pumping the liquid using a pump; and   the pump is a reciprocating rod pump.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein:
 removing the liquid further comprises pumping the liquid using a pump; and   the pump is an electric submersible pump.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the downhole operation reduces flow of production gases and production liquids from a producing formation. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tubing string is rotated at the same time the tubing string is lifted or lowered. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the downhole location is in a substantially horizontal portion of the well. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the downhole operation includes removal of liquid from the well; and   the liquid is removed through the tubing string.   
     
     
         11 . A system for performing a downhole operation within a well during a production phase of the well, the system comprising:
 a tubing string extending from a surface of the well to a downhole location; and   a lift system positioned at the surface and operably connected to the tubing string to axially lift or lower the tubing string, following positioning of the tubing string within the well, each time a substantial reduction in production gas flow and production liquid flow at a portion of the well is desired.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  further comprising:
 a motor positioned at the surface and operably connected to the tubing string to selectively rotate the tubing string. 
 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the motor is rigidly connected to the tubing string to provide a direct transmission of power. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the lift system is hydraulically driven. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the lift system is pneumatically driven. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 11  further comprising a pump at the downhole location fluidly connected to the tubing string. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the pump is a progressing cavity pump.