A Survey of Methods for Gas-Lift Optimization

Table 1

Key developments. The evolution of approaches developed for the treatment of the gas-lift optimization problem.

Merits	Limitations
Performance curve generation
Provides well production	Well test requirements
relationship with GLIR	Well test data quality
Nodal analysis
Well model simulation	Fluid data assumptions
Multi-phase flow modeling	𝑃 and 𝑇 assumptions
Performance curve generation	Primarily for single well
Curve-based models
Fast, analytical models	Neglect well interations
Considers all wells	Curve fitting and quality
Simple to evaluate	Pseudo steady state solution
Network simulation
Rigorous simulation models	Evaluation cost
Includes well interactions	Model smoothness
Handles looped models	Steady state solution
Handles facility components	Gradient information
Coupled simulation
Detailed coupled system	Coupling scheme
Rigorous interaction	Model robustness
Includes transient effects	High computation cost
	Gradient information
Integrated asset modeling
Comprehensive system	Coupling procedures
dynamics and interactions	Model robustness
Simulation over asset life	High computation cost
	Gradient information