Title: Exploration and practice of energy efficiency under natural gas well drainage and gas production process method

Authors: Chengxiang Yao; Haijian Li; Junhan Li; Yang Li; Yunjie Cai

Addresses: PetroChina Changqing Oilfield Changbei Operating Company, Yulin, Shaanxi, China ' PetroChina Changqing Oilfield Changbei Operating Company, Yulin, Shaanxi, China ' PetroChina Changqing Oilfield Changbei Operating Company, Yulin, Shaanxi, China ' PetroChina Changqing Oilfield Changbei Operating Company, Yulin, Shaanxi, China ' Shanghai Institute of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China

Abstract: Natural gas, as a key fossil fuel, plays a vital role in the energy industry. This paper explores three drainage and gas production technologies - foam drainage, beam pumping unit deep well pump drainage, and gas lift drainage - with a focus on improving energy efficiency. By analysing experimental data, the study compares their performance in terms of cost and efficiency. At a drainage depth of 200 m, foam drainage was found to be the most cost-effective, reducing gas production costs by 170.02 yuan and 183.9 yuan compared to the other two methods. While energy efficiency among the three methods showed little difference, foam drainage is recommended for its lower cost, contributing to energy savings and technological advancement in natural gas production.

Keywords: natural gas wells; drainage gas recovery; energy efficiency; deep well pump; foam drainage gas production process.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.2026.150712

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 2026 Vol.48 No.1/2, pp.48 - 68

Received: 21 May 2024
Accepted: 09 Jan 2025

Published online: 22 Dec 2025 *

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