Plunger Lift - PLS

There are about 400,000 gas wells in the USA and most are liquid loaded. Solving this problem may increase production as much as ~40%. Plunger lift is a very popular method of gas well dewatering as it is initially inexpensive, has a long operating life and requires no power to operate in most wells. Each component of a plunger lift system is described in detail, and tools for analysis are provided to participants. Several methods of cycles analysis, including analysis by shape of the SCADA traces of CP, TP, rate, and LP are discussed and applied throughout the course using a spreadsheet provided to participants to estimate the cycle slug size, the CP required to lift it at the correct speed, the minimum time for shut-in for the plunger to fall, the maximum liquid possible, the cycle times, and other information on the plunger cycle. Proven methods of how to adjust cycles to increase production are presented. Details about plunger lift operation are covered, with emphasis on trouble free cycles and more gas production. Continuous (bypass), conventional, gas assisted and casing plunger lift are presented. Special equipment and techniques used in unconventional or horizontal wells are discussed, as well as the effect that well deviation has on system operation.