_RP_11V6-1999_2015.pdf

Recommended Practice for Design of Continuous Flow Gas Lift Installations Using Injection Pressure Operated ValvesAPI RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 11V6SECOND EDITION,JULY 1999REAFFIRMED,MARCH 2015Recommended Practice for Design of Continuous Flow Gas Lift Installations Using Injection Pressure Operated ValvesUpstream SegmentAPI RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 11V6SECOND EDITION,JULY 1999REAFFIRMED,MARCH 2015 SPECIAL NOTES API publications necessarily address problems of a general nature.With respect to partic-ular circumstances,local,state,and federal laws and regulations should be reviewed.API is not undertaking to meet the duties of employers,manufacturers,or suppliers towarn and properly train and equip their employees,and others exposed,concerning healthand safety risks and precautions,nor undertaking their obligations under local,state,or fed-eral laws.Information concerning safety and health risks and proper precautions with respect to par-ticular materials and conditions should be obtained from the employer,the manufacturer orsupplier of that material,or the material safety data sheet.Nothing contained in any API publication is to be construed as granting any right,byimplication or otherwise,for the manufacture,sale,or use of any method,apparatus,or prod-uct covered by letters patent.Neither should anything contained in the publication be con-strued as insuring anyone against liability for infringement of letters patent.Generally,API standards are reviewed and revised,reaffirmed,or withdrawn at least everyfive years.Sometimes a one-time extension of up to two years will be added to this reviewcycle.This publication will no longer be in effect five years after its publication date as anoperative API standard or,where an extension has been granted,upon republication.Statusof the publication can be ascertained from the general manager of the Upstream Segmenttelephone(202)682-8000.A catalog of API publications and materials is published annu-ally and updated quarterly by API,1220 L Street,N.W.,Washington,D.C.20005.This document was produced under API standardization procedures that ensure appropri-ate notification and participation in the developmental process and is designated as an APIstandard.Questions concerning the interpretation of the content of this standard or com-ments and questions concerning the procedures under which this standard was developedshould be directed in writing to the general manager of the Upstream Segment,AmericanPetroleum Institute,1220 L Street,N.W.,Washington,D.C.20005.Requests for permissionto reproduce or translate all or any part of the material published herein should also beaddressed to the general manager.API standards are published to facilitate the broad availability of proven,sound engineer-ing and operating practices.These standards are not intended to obviate the need for apply-ing sound engineering judgment regarding when and where these standards should beutilized.The formulation and publication of API standards is not intended in any way toinhibit anyone from using any other practices.Any manufacturer marking equipment or materials in conformance with the markingrequirements of an API standard is solely responsible for complying with all the applicablerequirements of that standard.API does not represent,warrant,or guarantee that such prod-ucts do in fact conform to the applicable API standard.All rights reserved.No part of this work may be reproduced,stored in a retrieval system,or transmitted by any means,electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recording,or otherwise,without prior written permission from the publisher.Contact the Publisher,API Publishing Services,1220 L Street,N.W.,Washington,D.C.20005.Copyright 1999 American Petroleum Institute FOREWORD This Recommended Practice is under the jurisdiction of the American Petroleum Institute(API)Committee on Standardization of Production Equipment(Committee 11).This document presents recommended practices for the design of continuous flow gas liftusing injection pressure operated valves.API publications may be used by anyone desiring to do so.Every effort has been made bythe Institute to assure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in them;however,theInstitute makes no representation,warranty,or guarantee in connection with this publicationand hereby expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resultingfrom its use or for the violation of any federal,state,or municipal regulation with which thispublication may conflict.Suggested revisions are invited and should be submitted to the general manager of theUpstream Segment,American Petroleum Institute,1220 L Street,N.W.,Washington,D.C.20005.iii CONTENTS Page 0INTRODUCTION.11SCOPE.12INTENT.13DEFINITIONS.24GENERAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS.24.1General.24.2Well Performance(Inflow and Outflow).24.3Tubing or Annulus(Production Conduit)Flow Area/Size.34.4Facilities.34.5Gas Injection Pressure.34.6Kick-Off Injection Gas Pressure.34.7Valves.34.8Characteristics o