Plunger Lift

Plunger Lift, the only artificial lift process that requires no assistance from outside energy sources, is ideally suited to a variety of downhole well conditions and applications. Weatherford Plunger Lift Systems include a complete range of compatible equipment and capabilities, plus optimum solutions for production enhancement and ultimate reservoir recovery.

Plunger Lift SolutionsSelect a topic from the menu below for specific information and value-added solutions from Weatherford Plunger Lift Systems. Information on key product and system components may be obtained from the Components and Products topic or by selecting a product on the system schematic.




|Application Considerations |Typical Range |Maximum | ||Operating Depth |8,000' TVD |20,000' TVD | |
|Operating Volume |1-5 BPD |200 BPD | |
|Operating Temperature |120o F |500o F | |
|Wellbore Deviation |N/A |80o ||
|Corrosion Handling |Excellent | |
|Gas Handling |Excellent | |
|Solids Handling |Fair | |
|Fluid Gravity |300 SCF/BBL/1000'Depth | |
|Servicing |Wellhead Catcher or Wireline | |
|Prime Mover Type |Well's Natural Energy | |



Overview

Plunger Lift Systems consist of a plunger, often referred to as a piston, two bumper springs, a lubricator to sense and stopthe plunger as it arrives at the surface, and a surface controller of which several types are available. Various ancillary and accessory components are used to complement and support various application needs.
In a typical plunger lift operation, the plunger cycles between the lower bumper spring located in the bottom section of the production tubing string and the upper bumper spring locatedin the surface lubricator on top of the wellhead. In some applications, the lower bumper spring is placed above a gas lift mandrel. As the plunger travels to the surface, it creates a solid interface between the lifted gas below and produced fluid above to maximize lifting energy.
The plunger travels from the bottom of the well to the surface lubricator on the wellhead when the force of thelifting gas energy below the plunger is greater than the liquid load above the plunger. Any gas that bypasses the plunger during the lifting cycle flows up the production tubing and sweeps the area to minimize liquid fallback. The incrementation of the travel cycle is controlled by a surface controller and may be repeated as often as needed.


System Components


T-Pad Plungers
BrushPlungers
Bumper Springs
Combination Plungers
Lubricators
Plunger Lift Accessories
Spiral Plungers


Uniquely positioned to address all your artificial lift needs, Weatherford’s comprehensive portfolio of integrated artificial lift offerings and system solutions stands unmatched in the industry today. Our full-service capabilities, expertise and technologies across all artificial lift platformsrepresent an endless sphere of knowledge, experience and technological advancements in solving reservoir production problems.

Artificial Lift Selection Process


At Weatherford, we know and understand artificial lift processes, reservoir dynamics and production economics. Our Artificial Lift Technical Specialist listen to customers’ needs and requirements, then carefully analyze well...