What is a plunger lift system?
A plunger lift system is a form of intermittent gas lift that uses gas pressure buildup in the casing-tubing annulus to push a steel plunger, and the column of fluid ahead of it, up the well tubing to the surface.
What is a plunger lift in the oilfield?
1. n. [Well Completions] An artificial-lift method principally used in gas wells to unload relatively small volumes of liquid. An automated system mounted on the wellhead controls the well on an intermittent flow regime. When the well is shut-in, a plunger is dropped down the production string.
What are the different types of artificial lift?
The major forms of artificial lift are:
- Sucker-rod (beam) pumping.
- Electrical submersible pumping (ESP)
- Gas lift and intermittent gas lift.
- Reciprocating and jet hydraulic pumping systems.
- Plunger lift.
- Progressive cavity pumps (PCP)
Why is plunger lift considered one of the simplest form of artificial lifts?
Artificial Lift for Addressing Liquid Loading Production engineers consider plunger lift to be one of the simplest forms of artificial lift because it uses the well’s own energy to remove accumulated liquids and sustain gas production.
How do you choose artificial lift method?
The selection of the artificial lift method is one of the most important process for achieving economically efficient production. Choosing the optimal method is done by taking into account the parameters of reservoir and fluids, well type, environmental conditions, and economic factors (capital and operational costs).
How does a jet pump work in an oil well?
In a jet-pump lifting system, the pump is run downhole with no need for a rig. At the surface, the power-fluid system uses a multiplex pump to pressurize and inject power fluid into the wellbore. The fluid travels downhole through the jet pump to the nozzle, which reduces the fluid pressure using the Venturi effect.
What is polished rod?
A polished rod is the top-most rod in a rod string. These rods come in various lengths and sizes. Polished rods are made of various materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and monel.
What is pump K factor?
The formula is expressed as: P = K x S x SPM. Where P is lifted BPD, K is the pump constant (or “K” factor), S is the stroke length in inches, and SPM is the strokes per minute with one stroke taken as a full rotation of the pumping unit crank.
What gas is used for gas lift?
Gas lift or bubble pumps use the artificial lift technique of raising a fluid such as water or oil by introducing bubbles of compressed air, water vapor or other vaporous bubbles into the outlet tube.
What is a plunger lift used for?
Plunger lift can be used to create a pressure differential and draw liquid up the casing to production equipment. This type of artificial lift is done through the use of a timer control, which is typically connected to a High Pressure Control Valve.
What are the different types of plungers?
We’ll cover the three main types of plungers: the sink plunger, the toilet (or flange) plunger and the accordion plunger. Plungers are an inexpensive and easy-to-use way to clear clogs. Knowing which type to use will greatly increase your chances for success.
Why add automation to a plunger lift system?
When you add automation to a plunger lift system, you gain true supervisory control and remote monitoring capabilities to your lift system. Plunger lift is typically used in high gas/liquid ratio (GLR) wells and is versatile enough to be used in lower GLR wells with recent advances in technology.
How does a plunger lift work in a gas well?
Because the plunger provides a “seal” between the liquid and the gas, a well’s own energy can be used to lift liquids out of the wellbore efficiently. Plunger lift commonly is used to remove liquids from gas wells or produce relatively low volume, high GOR oil wells.