(2015017) HIGH LIQUID VOLUME PLUNGER LIFT PERFORMANCE IN SOUTHERN DELAWARE BASIN

This paper will highlight the use of high liquid volume plunger lift to date in the Southern Delaware Basin.  This method of lift was first considered by COG Operating, LLC in an effort to bridge the gap for taking a well from flowing to rod pump.  Historically in the Southern Delaware Basin this was accomplished with high cost electric submersible pumps.  One of the criteria for success was that plunger lift would be able to replace the electric submersible pumps and economically maintain the well on its natural decline.   To date, COG has eight wells that have been successfully operating with high volume plunger lift. Representative decline curves will be presented, along with operating pressures and histories on the successful wells in the project.  The paper will be presented both from the prospective of the operator and then operating criteria from the vendor that have made this project a success.