John W. Cramer, P.E.
This paper will share the experience and information gathered from the installation and/or operation of over 500 Automatic Casing Swab (ACS) systems. The information provided will assist an operator to determine if a well might benefit from ACS technology . This paper will review the history of the ACS and its evolution to the present day proven dependable tool. A discussion of the operating principles of the ACS will illustrate the flexibility and wide ranging applications of the ACS system in many types of gas reservoirs. The economic success of an ACS conversion is largely dependent upon the selection of a well candidate that can benefit from the unique characteristics of the ACS system. This paper will develop a criterion that will allow an operator to evaluate his wells to determine which wells are likely to benefit most from conversion to an ACS production system. Well characteristics known to hinder successful ACS conversions will be discussed. This paper will compare and contrast the operating principles of the ACS to tubing plungers, pumping unit, swab, and open flow wells. The paper will discuss the application of ACS technology to new wells as an initial production method. A well must be properly conditioned before an ACS system is installed. The paper will offer a detailed step by step ACS system installation procedure. Safe operating practices, start-up, and production operations will be discussed. Routine preventative maintenance and troubleshooting will be discussed to assist an operator to minimize remedial services that might be required should the ACS tool cease to operate. Simple preventative maintenance procedures keep the ACS operating at peak performance. Case histories will illustrate the positive impact that an ACS system can have on well production and operating expenses. The case histories will also highlight the types of wells that might receive the most benefit from ACS technology.