Optimizing Plunger Lift Operations in Oil and Gas Wells

Abstract

Abstract Many low volume oil and gas wells produce at suboptimum rates due to liquid loading. This situation is caused by an accumulation of liquids in the wellbore that creates additional backpressure on the reservoir and decreases production. Plunger lift is an artificial lift technique characterized by the use of reservoir energy stored in the gas phase which is used to lift liquids to the surface and has proven to enhance the performance of these wells. Unfortunately, the lack of a thorough understanding of plunger lift systems has often led to disappointing results in actual applications. This paper presents a discussion of plunger lift and the dynamic interaction of the mechanical plunger lift system coupled with the reservoir behavior. In this study, a dynamic plunger lift simulator is used to investigate various operating scenarios for both oil and gas wells. Analysis of the results provides improved insight into the efficient operation of plunger lift systems.