oil production optimization casing plunger lift systems casing plunger lift systems flo-well production system benefits flo-well production systems oil and gas production optimization
OPTIMAL PRODUCTION THROUGH EFFECTIVE TECHNOLOGY

 

Operating of the FLO-WELL Casing Plunger Lift System

  • Between cycles, the pump rests in the catch mechanism of the Surface Lubricator
  • As the cycle begins, the pump is released from the Surface Lubricator with the internal valve open. The pump freefalls in the casing allowing gas and fluids to pass through the open valve. Gas production is uninterrupted.
  • The pump's valve mechanism closes upon contact with the Down hole Stop. The formation fluids, which have accumulated in the casing above the Down hole Stop, are effectively trapped and isolated from the gas in the reservoir by the positive sealing swab cups on the pump.re the most efficient production method in gas/fluid wells.
  • As formation gas enters the casing, the pump and trapped fluids ascend to the surface by the gas produced from the reservoir.
  • As fluids reach the surface, production equipment separates the fluid from the gas.
  • The pump reaches the surface, enters the Surface Lubricator, and is captured by the catch mechanism. The internal valve opens, allowing continuous uninterrupted gas production to the sales line until the pump is released to start the next cycle.

Operating Principles for the FLO-WELL Casing Plunger Lift System
The following principles exemplify why gas lift pumps are the most efficient production method in gas/fluid wells.

1. Hydrostatic Pressure:

The pressure P at at the bottom of a given column of fluid h exerts the same weight per unit area regardless of the diameter of the container or the volume of fluid.

P = mg/A = pVg/A = p(Ah)g/A = pgh

This means that the same height of fluid suspended in either 2 3/8" tubing or 4 1/2" casing exerts the same amount of hydrostatic pressure at its base, regardless of the diameter of the pipe or the volume of fluid.
The corollary is that a given volume of fluid creates a higher column in 2 3/8" tubing than in 4 1/2" casing, and therefore exerts a greater hydrostatic pressure at the bottom of the tubing string than at the bottom of the casing string. For example, one barrel of fluid in 2 3/8" tubing creates a fluid column of 258 feet and exerts 111 psi of hydrostatic pressure at the tubing base (S.G. = 1.0). The same barrel of fluid in 4 1/2" casing only creates a 61.7 foot vertical column and exerts 28 psi at its base.

 

          

If the well pressure and volume are sufficient to lift the 258-foot column in the 2 3/8" tubing string, it is sufficient to lift the same 258-foot column in 4 1/2" casing, which is 4 barrels.

2. Driving Force Translation Ratio:

The driving force translation ratio from reservoir pressure is directly proportional to the surface area upon which it acts. For a given reservoir pressure, the larger the surface area, the greater the driving force translation ratio.

For example, the cross section surface area in 2 3/8" tubing and 4 1/2" casing are 3.08 square inches and 12.5 square inches, respectively. Therefore, the driving force is 3.08:1 on the tubing surface area and 12.5:1 on the casing surface area.
During operation of the FLO-WELL Casing Plunger Lift System, every pound of pressure differential beneath the pump generates 12.5 pounds of lifting force.

3. Positive Seal:

The swab cups on the FLO-WELL Casing Plunger Lift System create a constant seal against the casing walls. The cups are run in series with adequate spacing. Optimal gas and fluid rates are attained as the pump ascends up the well. A gage ring is always run to ensure optimal casing conditions for operating the FLO-WELL Casing Plunger Lift System.
Production and cycle times are directly related to the well's gas volume, pressure recovery rate and fluid volume above the pump.
Typically, it is not necessary to build additional operating pressure because the FLO-WELL Casing Plunger Lift System forms a complete seal against the casing wall.
Wells operated with the FLO-WELL Casing Plunger Lift System are normally produced continuously and operated at line pressure. Easy tool modification is possible for alternate applications

E.T.U. able to go through collar stop for clean out.

 

What is the casing plunger lift system?

Our patented Casing Plunger Lift Systems are a series of mandrel type tools designed to operate as natural lift systems within the casing that uses energy from a well's own gas to lift accumulated fluids in the well bore and optimize gas production. The pump forms a positive seal and acts as a mechanical interface between the gas and fluids in the well bore with the gas forcing the plunger up the casing, thus displacing the fluid above. Each Casing Plunger Lift System is custom designed for the specific application requirements (gas optimization, fluid lift, multiple perforations, heavy solids, de-waxing and de-scaling).

Components of the Flo-Well Casing Plunger Lift System

1. Casing Plunger Lift Pump - A mandrel tool, 2 to 3 feet long that generally weighs 25 - 65 pounds depending on the configuration. A series of inverted rubber swab cups are attached around the pump and are designed to retain a positive contact with the casing walls. An internal rod and valve assembly with sections protruding from both ends of the tool allows gas and fluid to flow through the tool during descent. When in the closed position seated on the casing stop location within the well bore, the valve isolates the formation gas pressure from the sales line and enables the “gas pressure push” to build under the tool for operation. Adjustable orifices at the top of the pump throttle the gas flow and control the pump's free-fall speed.

2. Down hole Stop - A Collar or grip "Stop" is landed at a pre-determined depth within the casing to optimize fluid recovery from the perforations. The stop is located close to the bottom most perforations to allow for maximum fluid recovery. The stop closes the pump's internal valve when the tool strikes it during its final descent to the sealing area of the well bore.

3. Surface Lubricator - A wellhead lubricator and catch assembly is installed directly to the master valve to catch the pump tool between cycles and to allow for easy removal for routine service and maintenance. The tools internal flow ports regulate gas flow so the pump can properly catch and fall while the well is producing gas.

4. Controls - Other surface equipment includes various controls for automatic operation and cycling. All controls are pneumatic or electronic and operate with solar panels to replenish the battery power the controls utilize,
A detailed explanation of the complete operating cycle and operating environment can be viewed and downloaded from our password protected pages. Contact us directly for more information and access to more specific details.

For more information please contact us.