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Transient Modeling of Plunger Lift for Liquid Unloading from Gas Wells and Oil Production from High GOR Wells


PI’s: Kun Bo, Visiting Scholar, Jilin University, China
        Holden Zhang, TUALP Director

Objectives:

• Review previous models developed at TUALP and other institutions
• Develop transient model to simulate plunger lift process and predict plunger lift performance
• Develop operation procedure for plunger lift optimization

Abstract:

Plunger lift is an effective method to unload liquid (condensate or water) from gas wells. It is also suitable for low to medium rate oil production from high GOR wells. However, current plunger lift operation is largely based on rules of thumb and experience. Plunger lift is a transient flow process. In this study, a mechanistic transient model and a computer program will be developed to simulate the plunger position and liquid and gas production in different phases of a plunger lift cycle, namely, upstroke, gas production, downstroke and pressure buildup. The model can be used for different well geometries and fluid properties and it covers the flow and pressure change from reservoir to separator. The back pressure Inflow Performance Relationship (IPR) will be used for the gas production from reservoir to the bottom hole. The flow and pressure drop through the pipeline between the lubricator and the separator will also be considered. Additionally, the fluctuation of liquid level in the casing-tubing annulus during the plunger lift cycle will be evaluated. Produced gas is distributed between the tubing and the casing-tubing annulus based on their area fractions during pressure buildup. Liquid leakage (or fall back) will also be considered. In this model, the performance of different plunger types can be incorporated. The computer program for the transient model will be written in Fortran. A VB.net GUI will be developed to test the model performance. The transient model will be validated with field data.
 
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Last updated October 07, 2013