Operators of natural gas wells have long used the Turner equation to calculate critical gas velocity to keep gas wells unloaded. The original Turner method was developed for vertical wells with analysis performed using wellhead conditions. However, this methodology is only applicable to vertical wells with a simple completion geometry. Modern well design most often employs complex geometries including slant, s-shaped and horizontal well paths as operators seek to reduce costs and the environmental footprint while maximizing the production rate potential. These geometries require special consideration when estimating critical velocity. Wells produced below the critical velocity will develop a static liquid column which can damage the reservoir and impede well productivity. Proper diagnosis of this problem will improve well performance and ultimate recovery.

The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of historical techniques for detecting liquid loading and to provide modification to the classical Turner method that address contemporary well designs. The discussions will include recent advances which address the proper evaluation point based on reservoir and well conditions. The talk will also compare the modified Turner method to the use of multiphase flow pressure drop models for predicting liquid loading and will demonstrate the superiority of using a modified Turner’s method to determine critical velocity. Flow loop videos are used to illustrate the result of producing below the critical velocity. Potential improvements will be quantified through field examples for conventional, unconventional and horizontal well applications.