Method for troubleshooting gas-lift wells

摘要

A method is provided for troubleshooting gas-lift wells, to identify whether gas-lift valves on the production tubing are open or closed, without the use of wireline tools. The method may also be used to detect leaks in the production tubing or in the well casing. A quantity of a tracer gas is injected into the lift-gas at the wellhead, and its return in fluid produced from the well is monitored as a function of time. The tracer's return pattern may be correlated with the depth of entry points and volumes of lift-gas entering along the length of the production tubing.