Dynamic analysis of plunger lift operations

Journal Article · Mon Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1982 · J. Pet. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/10253-PA· OSTI ID:6474012

Lea, J F

Plunger lift is a method of artificial lift that uses a free piston traveling up and down inside the tubing in a cyclic manner. The piston serves to increase the efficiency of lifting liquids in gas/liquid production by reducing liquid fallback through the gas. Presented here is a description of a dynamic model of plunger lift operations that, as opposed to previous methods of analysis, includes calculation of the plunger velocity as the plunger and liquid slug travel up the tubing. Also, an analysis of plunger cycles in a high gas/liquid ratio (GLR) well is presented to indicate the maximum rate of slug buildup and the maximum casing pressure necessary to lift the plunger and accumulated liquids. The information presented allows a more detailed engineering approach to analyzing the performance of a plunger-lifted well.

• Research Organization: SPE, Amoco Production Co.
• OSTI ID: 6474012
• Journal Information: J. Pet. Technol.; (United States), Vol. 34:11
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
ARTIFICIAL LIFTS
ENGINEERING
OIL WELLS
EFFICIENCY
GAS LIFTS
LIFT CYCLES
LIQUID FLOW
PISTONS
PRESSURE DEPENDENCE
TUBES
FLUID FLOW
THERMODYNAMIC CYCLES
WELLS
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production