Paper: Increasing Production Using Microprocessors Tracking Plunger-Lift Velocity

The increasing recognition of Plunger-Lift as a viable method for producing many wells, has brought a number of changes to the technology involved. The importance of proper plunger-lift performance criteria (as reported in an earlier SPE paper) has been recognized and steps taken to incorporate this information into modern day control systems. This paper discusses the usage of plunger velocity in establishing operating cycles for gas wells and for oil wells. When used in conjunction with state of the art electronic microprocessors, the results are increased Production, extended economic limits, less downtime, and many others. This has been proven to be the case in both conventional and slim-hole wells. Primary areas of discussion are: 1. Relativity of plunger velocity insofar as efficiency is concerned. 2. Standard approach historically taken to achieve maximum production. 3. New software design that automates cycle changes while increasing production and reducing both man hours and down time. 4. Test results and case histories.