Preston Abbott, BP America Production Co.
Plunger lifts are used widely to remove liquids from gas wells. The Pacemaker plunger is a new approach to this traditional method of artificial lift. Traditional plunger lifts require shut-in time for the plunger to fall and to build pressure to drive the plunger to surface. Shut-in time equates to lost production and forces liquids back into the formation. The Pacemaker normally only requires 5-10 seconds of shut-in time per cycle, and little or no pressure build-up time. The plunger operates as two interdependent pieces. Each fall separately and can do so against significant gas rates. Once on bottom, the ball scales off in a cavity in the piston. Gas velocity then drives both to surface. At the surface a rod in the lubricator separates the ball from the piston, and the next cycle begins. The end result is that the well produces continuously and liquids arc not forced hack into the formation