Some Design Aspects for Venturi Gas Lift Valves

The Venturi valve represents a significant advancement in the technology of gas lift in petroleum wells. Its use is expanding, and an understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects is fundamental to maximize the benefits of its application. The application-related aspects are reasonably well-covered in the literature; however, to achieve good performance and promote the expected benefits, some valve-design aspects have to be taken into account. This paper describes key points, including a recommended Venturi geometry, the influence of several Venturi design parameters on performance, and an analysis of the role of the check valve. The design guidelines provided in this work are supported by experimental tests performed at Petrobras' Gas Lift Valves Test Unit and by sizable experience with Venturi valves after more than 600 valves run in wells or tested.