Plunger-Assisted Gas Lift and Gas-Assisted Plunger Lift

Abstract Plungerlift was installed in conjunction with gaslift to improve efficiency in delifiquification of unconventional gas wells. The dual artificial lift methods were implemented to more aggressively reduce bottom-hole pressure, in order to increase production in Barnett Shale wells. Wells are selected based on a series of metrics, including gas-liquid ratio, fluid production, casing pressure and differential between casing and line pressure. The basics of both plunger-assisted gaslift (PAGL) and gas-assisted plungerlift (GAPL) both utilize injection gas and a plunger to optimize the well. Plunger-assisted gaslift is continuous injection and continuous plungerlift. PAGL is implemented on higher gas and fluid producers. These wells require the addition of injection gas to raise the critical velocity needed to lift both the plunger and the fluid of the well. GAPL is intermittent injection and conventional plungerlift. It is implemented on lower gas and fluid producers. Gas is only injected during certain phases of the plunger cycle to supplement the wellbore inflow and successfully lift fluid and plunger to surface. This presentation will describe the process and results of installing PAGL and GAPL on specific case studies in the Barnett Shale. Historical data, including production, pressures and producing methods will be presented, to compare the results of prior lift methods to those of PAGL or GAPL. By implementing PAGL and GAPL, bottom-hole pressure was successfully lowered and production increased. A secondary benefit is the reduced quantity of gaslift that results in lower operating costs and a more-effective use of horsepower. The results of over-injection in unconventional wells will also be notated. This presentation will detail the benefits and results of dual artificial lift that can efficiently and economically add value to a field.