Ejectors for boosting low-pressure oil wells

The first field installation of a multiphase surface ejector was successful ly accomplished in the Villafortuna oilfield (Italy) in 1996. The ejector i ncreased the oil production rate by 30% and demonstrated the viability of t he system as a reliable low cost-small size boosting system that had minima l impact on existing facilities, and is suitable for applications in existi ng fields or for new development both onshore and offshore. The article describes the main steps of the R&D project, developed in colla boration with the University of Ancona, as well as the testing process in w hich different ejector geometries were extensively tested with crude oil an d gas in the Agip's multiphase loop of Trecate. The article describes the installation in the Villafortuna field as well as other studies under development.