Abstract:

Gas Lift (GL) has been in use for over a century, but it can still be improved through innovation

and field testing. This presentation will review more than a decade of GL technology projects

and resulting learnings. Topics include equipment reliability, surveillance, optimization,

troubleshooting, and production improvement.

GL may not be resilient enough in certain applications. Hydraulically fractured wells have

created solids-related reliability challenges. More than 20 check valve models were subjected

to an erosive flow loop. Weaknesses were identified, and a survivor emerged in the process.

Data is key to GL surveillance, but not all assets possess the required quality. Wireless

sensors were deployed at legacy offshore assets to enrich data acquisition and optimize by

proxy. Ultrasonic gas flow meters were vetted in the lab and field to ensure they could meet

injection gas metering needs at locations where testing is rare.

Sometimes the data indicates a GL well is not achieving its potential. CO 2 tracing is a proven

method of identifying where GL gas is being injected without affecting production. A radioactive

tracing pilot was undertaken to validate an even simpler concept. Even if the GL is on target,

lift hydraulics could be enhanced if slip among produced fluids could be reduced. Surfactants

were piloted in various GL configurations to determine their effectiveness.

As these complementary topics demonstrate, GL optimization requires an integrated,

multidisciplinary approach. This presentation aims to show that technology advances can be

driven by asking and acting on the question, “Why can’t this be better?”

Biography:

Michael C. Romer, P.E. is Principal Artificial Lift (AL) Engineer at ExxonMobil and is on the

Upstream Production Optimization team in Houston. He has been with ExxonMobil for more

than 19 years, primarily focusing on global AL. Michael developed ExxonMobil courses on gas

lift, ESPs, rod pumps, and deliquification and enjoys delivering them worldwide.

Michael is the API 19G (Gas Lift) Task Group Chair, ALRDC Board Secretary, SPE Americas

AL Conference Vice Chair, and an SPE ESP Symposium committee member. He holds BS

and MS degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Tennessee and the University

of Illinois, respectively.

Register Here

Join SPE Denver for our monthly breakfast volunteer shift at the Denver Rescue Mission. This is an opportunity to give back to the Denver community, meet professionals from across the energy industry, and start your Tuesday morning in service to others.

Schedule: Third Tuesday of each month
Time: 6:45–8:30 a.m. Mountain Time
Address: 2222 Lawrence Street, Denver, CO 80205

RSVP: Please RSVP if you plan to attend. Questions may be directed to the volunteer coordinator at 303-257-6091.

Parking

1. Preferred: Use the private gated volunteer and staff parking lot on the right side of Lawrence Street. Look for the black metal fence and the large “Emergency Rally Point” sign. If the gate is closed and spaces are available, pull up to the gate, call 303-297-5071, and press 1 to have staff open it remotely.
2. Second option: A public pay lot is located across Lawrence Street. Some spaces marked “Denver Rescue Mission Staff Only” are available to staff and volunteers at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Pay the posted rate if a designated free space is unavailable. Parking costs cannot be reimbursed.
3. Third option: Metered street parking and other public pay lots are available in the neighborhood. Parking costs and tickets cannot be reimbursed.

Facility Entry and Check-In

Preferred entrance: Walk through the gated lot toward the back of the building, locate the white “Volunteer Entrance” sign, and ring the bell.

Alternative entrance: Enter through the main entrance on Lawrence Street. Front desk staff will escort you to the Volunteer Room.

Upon arrival, sign in using the kiosk tablet in the Volunteer Room. For a group, only one member needs to sign in for the group. Volunteers will then watch the required safety video before beginning the shift.

Volunteer Requirements

• Dress code: Wear modest clothing appropriate for meal service and kitchen work. Closed-toe shoes are required. Do not wear tank tops, midriff tops, short shorts, tight or low-cut clothing, controversial imprints, or loose and dangling jewelry. Volunteers who are not dressed appropriately may be asked to reschedule. Wearing a hat—and tying back long hair—may eliminate the need for a hairnet.
• Minimum age: Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. Please do not bring guests under age 14.
• Incidents: Immediately report injuries, inappropriate behavior, or anything that makes you uncomfortable to a Denver Rescue Mission staff member.

Thank you for serving Denver community members who are experiencing homelessness.

Calling for all volunteers to work shifts between 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Location: Empower Field
Please email lpeters@sm-energy.com to register

Join SPE Denver at the 7th Annual Denver Zoo Lights Industry Night, hosted by the Rocky Mountain Pipeliners Club (RMPC). SPE Denver is proud to sponsor this family-friendly evening with industry friends and families.

When: Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 5:30–9:30 p.m. Mountain Time.
Where: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., Denver, CO 80205.

Enjoy holiday lights, music, Santa, s’mores, hot chocolate, and seasonal treats.

SPE Denver members qualify for member tickets because SPE Denver is sponsoring the event. Choose the member ticket option when purchasing. Packages are available for 1, 2, 4, or 10 people; see the registration page for current pricing. Tickets include a snack voucher and children’s goodie bags while supplies last.

Purchase member tickets here.

Complete your registration: After purchase, follow the link in your receipt to register your tickets on the Denver Zoo website and secure your spot.

Register: https://rmpipeliners.org/product/2026-rmpc-zoo-lights-member-tickets/

Calling all volunteers to work shifts between 8:30am to 3:30pm.
Location: Empower Field
Registration: email lpeters@smenergy.com