R.H. Caldwell, National Supply Co.
We could easily think of Plunger Lift as the ultimate in long stroke pumping. This is true because we have an expanding piston operating the full length of standard A. P. I. tubing without direct connection with surface mechanical energy. Rather than using the term "Pumping," we might think of Plunger Lift as a refinement of gas lift. plunger Lift operations are a form of intermitting gas lift, gas lift here referring to both natural flow and where additional gas is being injected, with the plunger constituting a seal between well liquids and propulsion gas. In performing this seal, the plunger minimizes the slippage, the fallback of liquids through the ascending gases, which is encountered when gas lifting low volume wells. The plunger is especially effective in deep wells with small production. It is in such wells that conservation of energy through the use of the plunger is most apparent. This, in most instances, permits a bigger degree of effectiveness and efficiency than has ever before been possible.