Optimum Plunger Lift Operation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Operational conditions for a plunger lift installation are analyzed based on qualitative observations on a reduced experimental facility and simulations with a simple hydrodynamic model. Despite many simplifications, model predictions for daily production and pressure behavior at the wellhead agreed well when compared with measurements in a real well. A method is described to predict when it is possible to have liquid accumulation only in the tubing during the buildup period. It is shown that there is a minimum GLR to reach this desirable condition. Sensitivity analysis for a typical well shows that for a given pressure there is an optimum afterflow time, and for a given afterflow time the smaller the pressure the greater the production. Practical recommendations are given on how to obtain optimum conditions for a typical installation.