Study of Wellhead Pressure Management Practices in Gas Fields of Bayelsa State

Wellhead pressure management is a fundamental aspect of gas well production engineering, directly influencing well productivity, reservoir depletion rates, and surface facility integrity. This study examines wellhead pressure management practices at natural gas production wells in Bayelsa State, with a focus on wells operated by both international oil companies and indigenous producers within the Brass and Sagbama production areas. The research adopts a technical survey methodology, combining well test data analysis, pressure-build-up test interpretations, and interviews with reservoir and production engineers. The study evaluates the alignment of actual wellhead operating pressures with reservoir management plans, and assesses the consequences of pressure deviations including sand production, water coning, and wellbore stability challenges. Key findings are expected to highlight the widespread practice of producing wells at flowing wellhead pressures significantly below optimal levels, driven by downstream pipeline pressure constraints rather than reservoir considerations. This practice accelerates reservoir energy depletion and reduces ultimate gas recovery factors. The study further evaluates the adequacy of wellhead choke management strategies and the calibration status of wellhead pressure gauges. Recommendations include the development of integrated reservoir-surface network simulation models, mandatory wellhead pressure optimisation reviews, and investment in intelligent wellhead control systems. The findings are intended to support improved reservoir stewardship in Bayelsa's gas-producing communities. Keywords: wellhead pressure, gas wells, Bayelsa, reservoir management, production optimisation.