Problems in Proration on the Basis of Gas Energy

Critical analyses of the work expended in producing oil by the utilizationof gas energy have appeared in the publications of Shaw,! Pierce and Lewis, andHerold, authors who have ably discussed the factors which must be taken intoconsideration in comparing energy consumed per barrel in various wells whichare flowed by means of gas-lift. However, two distinct phases of oil production are concerned with the ratio ofgas energy consumed to oil produced. One of these phases is the gas-lift, whichutilizes the differential gas pressures for the purpose of flowing oil, whetherthese pressures be natural reservoir pressures or be induced by artificialcompression of gas or air. The other phase has to do with prorating oilproduction in pools which are operated either as units, or are subject to suchrestrictions as those imposed at Oklahoma City by the Corporation Commission, or by similar controlling groups in other fields. An abundance of literature isavailable relative to the problems of flowing wells by gas-lift, but the firstsuggestion that the energy of the gas within the oil and gas pool might serveas a basis for proration, appeared in the timely article by McWilliams. Much of the dissatisfaction with proration in certain fields arises becausesome operators feel that besides the hazard to the wells which accompanies thetest, the method of allocating production on the basis of the"potential" gage is inequitable and gives some operators a distinctadvantage over others. The most severe penalty may be exacted from the mostprogressive operators or those who attempt to produce their oil with a minimumquantity of reservoir gas.