Paper: PLUNGER FALL VELOCITY CONSIDERATIONS

Data acquired at various wells will be used to correlate the construction features of different types of plungers with their fall velocity. Some construction features cause a plunger to fall rapidly, while other features cause the plunger to have a slower fall velocity. Well conditions (gas flow rate and pressure) have a significant impact on plunger fall velocity. Published fall velocities can be used for each plunger type but may not be accurate for all wells, because fall velocity is impacted by many parameters. By accurately measuring the plunger fall velocity, the proper shut-in time for the plunger lift installation can be determined. The knowledge of how various parameters impact plunger fall velocity allows the operator to ensure that the plunger has reached the bottom of the tubing by the end of the shut-in period. Setting the well's controller to have the shortest possible shut-in time can maximize oil and gas production from the plunger lift well.