The XLift high-pressure gas lift system brings together carefully selected valves and mandrels into a complete system that enables reliable and accurate control of well production for maximum reserves recovery. By enabling gas lift wells to be operated with higher injection pressures and rates and at deeper injection points, the XLift system increases well performance. The higher operating pressure enables completion of wells with fewer valves and mandrels, which makes this system not only cost effective but also a reliable choice with the reduction of possible leak points.

Our gas lift system experts, highly trained and experienced, can help you choose the most appropriate valves and mandrels for your XLift system to enhance the reliability and longevity of your completion and maximize the productivity of your reservoir.

Gas lift valves

The XLift system uses a 1 3/4-in-OD gas lift valve specifically designed and tested to achieve reliable, robust operations in high-flow-rate conditions with minimum turbulence and pressure drop. To accommodate higher operating gas injection pressures, the 1 3/4-in valve incorporates a dual-seal edge-welded bellows system, which reduces the internal gas charge while increasing the operating injection pressure through a pressure intensifier. During offshore operations, this technology enables the operator to inject high-pressure gas below the mudline and significantly improve the depth of injection to maximize drawdown and increase production. The valves also feature a venturi flow configuration for more efficient and stable gas throughput.

Barrier-qualified valve back-check

The valves in the XLift system incorporate a positive-sealing barrier-qualified valve back-check to replace the velocity valve back-check systems used in traditional gas lift valves. The check ensures one-way flow through the tubing, closing and sealing if flow begins in the opposite direction. It forms a metal-to-metal barrier seal to reliably eliminate potential leak paths from tubing to casing, which improves tubing integrity.

Side pocket mandrels

The side pocket mandrels feature angled injection ports in the mandrel body and pocket to optimize the flow of injection gas into the gas lift valves. This reduces flow turbulence, reducing destructive erosion and minimizing pressure drops. The pocket also has no entry or exit restrictions to gas passage, a feature of the XLift system that ensures gas flow is regulated solely by the valve to ensure maximum use of the available surface gas injection pressure.

The mandrel design also accommodates two full-length, flush-mount grooves to accommodate cables or control lines. Unlike traditional side pocket mandrels that require guard systems that increase their outside geometry, the mandrels in the XLift system enable multiple cables or control lines to pass through without altering the original outside drift diameter of the mandrel body.

The flush-mounted bypass system also offers maximum protection to the lines as they pass the mandrel body, which is critical for overall completion reliability in deep, highly deviated wells.

The mandrels for the XLift system are considered part of our premium round mandrel product line. Schlumberger personnel perform all critical manufacturing processes in-house to ensure complete process control. Schlumberger is the only gas lift mandrel manufacturer that can perform all critical processes—machining, welding, heat treatment, and inspection—in-house.