USOO6634426B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 6,634,426 B2

McCoy et al. (45) Date of Patent: Oct. 21, 2003

(54) DETERMINATION OF PLUNGER LOCATION 4,526.228 A 7/1985 Wynn .......................... 166/53

AND WELL PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS 4,664.602 A 5/1987 Gordon ....................... 417/56
INA BOREHOLE PLUNGER LIFT SYSTEM (List continued on next page.)
(75) Inventors: James N. McCoy, 2210 Midwestern OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Pkwy. Wichita Falls, TX (US) 76308;
Augusto L. Podio, Austin, TX (US); Wayne Westerman, “Plunger Lift Evaluation for Oil Wells”,
Dieter J. Becker, Wichita Falls, TX Southwestern Petroleum Short Course, Jan. 20, 1999, pp.
(US); Orvel Lynn Rowlan, Wichita 154-157.
Falls, TX (US) (List continued on next page.)
(73) Assignee: James N. McCoy, Wichita Falls, TX Primary Examiner Roger Schoeppel
(US) (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Sidley Austin Brown &
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this Wood LLP
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 (57) ABSTRACT
U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
Plunger lift operations are difficult to optimize due to lack of
(21) Appl. No.: 09/999,024 knowledge of tubing pressure, casing pressure, bottom-hole
1-1. preSSure, liquid accumulation in the tubing and location of
(22) Filed: Oct. 31, 2001 the plunger. Monitoring the plunger position in the tubing
(65) Prior Publication Data helps the operator (or controller) to optimize the removal of
US 2002/0084071 A1 Jul. 4, 2002 liquids and gas from the well. The plunger position can be
tracked from the Surface by monitoring acoustic signals
Related U.S. Application Data generated as the plunger falls down the tubing. When the
(60) Provisional application No. 60/244,664, filed on Oct. 31, plunger passes by a tubing collar receSS, an acoustic pulse is
2000. generated that travels up the gas within the tubing. The
acoustic pulses are monitored at the Surface, and are con
(51) Int. Cl. ................................................ E21B 47/00 verted to an electrical Signal by a microphone. The Signal is
digitized, and the digitized data is Stored in a computer.
52) U.S. Cl. .............................. 166/254.1;s 166/250.15;s Software pprocesses this data along9. with the tubing9. and
166/250.03; 166/372; 166/374; 166/64; casing preSSure data to display plunger depth, plunger Veloc
166/68; 417/508; 137/487; 137/624.2 ity and well preSSures VS. time. Plunger arrival at the liquid
level in the tubing and plunger arrival at the bottom of the
(58) Field of Search ....................... 166/250.15, 250.03, tubing are identified on the time plots. Inflow performance
166/370, 372, 374, 53, 64, 65.1, 68,369, is calculated. Software displays the data and analysis in
373, 66, 254.1; 417/507,508; 137/624.19, Several formats including a graphical representation of the
624.2, 487 well showing the tubing and casing preSSures, plunger
location, gas and liquid Volumes and flow rates in the tubing
(56) References Cited and annulus, and inflow performance relationship at opera
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS tor Selected periodic intervals throughout the cycle. Several
: field cases are presented to show how this information is
E. A : ly: NE applied to optimization of plunger lift operations.
4.150,721. A 4/1979 Norwood. 166/53
4,417,858 A 11/1983 Stout ........................... 417/58 31 Claims, 40 Drawing Sheets
ECHETER 112
MODELE
WELL
kNALY2ER 34
FCY WAYE
FLOWLTNE
120 22
ille
130
P |
CASIN8
PRESSURE
TRANSOUCER

104->
(32

24
PUMGFR
106-1

SPRING
108
 US 6,634,426 B2
Page 2
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
4,934,186 A 6/1990 McCoy ........................ 73/151
4,989,671. A * 2/1991 Lamp
5,117,399 A 5/1992 McCoy et al. ................ 367/99
5,146,991 A 9/1992 Rogers, Jr. ..... ... 166/369
RE34,111 E 10/1992 Wynn .......................... 166/53
5,200,894 A 4/1993 McCoy et al. .............. 364/422
5,285,388 A 2/1994 McCoy et al. .............. 364/422
5,571,002 A * 11/1996 Yokoi
5,634.522 A 6/1997 Hershberger ................ 166/372
5,735,346 A * 4/1998 Brewer
5,957,200 A 9/1999 Majek et al. .......... 166/250.15
5.984.013 A 11/1999 Giacomino et al. ......... 166/373
6,148.923 A 11/2000 Casey .............. ... 166/372
6,241,014 B1 6/2001 Majek et al. ................. 166/53
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Doug Nay et al., “Utilizing New Casing Plunger Design in
Completions Equipped with 4.50" OD Casing and with
Multiple Perforations, Southwestern Petroleum Short
Course, (1998) pp. 8-12.
J. F. Lea, "Nodal Analysis of Plunger Lift Operations',
Southwestern Petroleum Short Course, (1998) pp. 67–83.
Thomas A. Hill, III, “Automating Plunger Lift Manage
ment", Southwestern Petroleum Short Course, (1997) pp.
81-84.
Dan Phillips et al., “Training/TroubleShooting Guide for
Plunger Systems', Southwestern Petroleum Short Course,
(1997) pp. 173–185.
Sandro Gasbarri et al., “A Dynamic Plunger Lift Model for
Gas Wells", Copyright 1997, Society of Petroleum Engi
neers, Inc., 1997 SPE Production Operations Symposium,
pp. 1-9 (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Mar. 9-11, 1997).
Brian Ary et al., “Case Study of Plunger Lift Installations in
the San Juan Basin”, Southwestern Petroleum Short Course,
(1996) pp. 8-13.
J. O. A. Baruzzi et al., SPE 29455 “Optimum Plunger Lift
Operation’, Copyright 1995, Society of Petroleum Engi
neers, Inc., Production Operations Symposium, pp. 117-131
(Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Apr. 2-4, 1995).
Ali Hernandez et al., SPE 26556 “Liquid Fall-Back Mea
Surements in Intermittent Gas Lift with Plunger', Copyright
1993, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Inc., 68th Annual
Technical Conferernce and Exhibition of Petroleum Engi
neers, pp. 429–438 (Houston, Texas, Oct. 3-6, 1993).
S. J. Morrow, Jr. et al., “Increasing Production Using
Microprocessors and Tacking Plunger-Lift Velocity',
Southwestern Petroleum Short Course, (1993) pp. 82-88.
Charlie McCoy et al., “Plunger Lifi An Economic Alterna
tive to Sucker Rod Pumps', Southwestern Petroleum Short
Course, (1992) pp. 337-344.
L. Marcano et al., SPE 23682 “Mechanistic Design of
Conventional Plunger Lift Installations', Copyright 1992,
Society of Petroleum Engineers, Inc., Second Latin Ameri
can Petroleum Engineering Conference, II LAPEC, of the
Society of Petroleum Engineers, pp. 289-302 (Caracas,
Venezuela, Mar. 8–11, 1992).
Charlie McCoy, “Artificial Lifting with Plunger Lift Sys
tems”, Southwestern Petroleum Short Course, (1991) pp.
356-365.
Paul L. Ferguson et al., “Extending Economic Limits and
Reducing Lifting Costs, Plungers Prove to be Long Term
Solutions”, Southwestern Petroleum Short Course, (1988)
pp. 233-241.
L. N. Mower et al., SPE 14344“Defining the Characteristics
and Performance of Gas-Lift Plungers', Copyright 1985,
Society of Petroleum Engineers, 60th Annual Technical
Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Petroleum
Engineers, pp. 1-7 (5 attachments) (Las Vegas, Nevada, Sep.
22–25, 1985).
R. G. Turner et al., “Analysis and Prediction of Minimum
Flow Rate for the Continuous Removal of Liquids from Gas
Wells”, Journal of Petroleum Energy, (Nov. 1969) pp.
1475-1482.
R. H. Caldwell, “Plunger Lift Operations', National Supply
Company, Forth Worth, pp. 14-17 (No. date).
Noel Dean Rietman, “Fluid Production by the Free-Travel
Plunger Method in Low Pressure Gas Wells”, The Shamrock
Oil & Gas Company, pp. 68–72 (No date).
James D. Hacksma, “Predicting Plunger Lift Performance',
Shell Oil Company, pp. 109-118 (No date).
Stanley C. Brown, “Predicting Plunger Performance',
McMurry Oil Tools, Inc. pp. 97-104 (No date).
Pat Trammel et al., “Continuous Removal of Liquids From
Gas Wells By Use of Gas Lift”, Southwestern Petroleum
Short Course, pp. 139-146 (No date).
E. Beauregard et al., “Introduction to Plunger Lifi. Appli
cations, Advantages and Limitations', Southwestern Petro
leum Short Course, pp. 294-302 (No date).
Paul L. Ferguson et al., “Will Plunger Lift Work In My
Well?", Southwestern Petroleum Short Course, pp. 301–311
(No date).
James F. Lea et al., “Defining The Characteristics And
Performance of Gas Lift Plungers', Southwestern Petro
leum Short Course, pp. 393-420 (No date).
Jimmy Christian et al., “Replacing Beam Pumping Units
with Plunger Lift”, Southern Petroleum Short Course, pp.
69–76 (No date).
* cited by examiner
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 1 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

ECHOMETER
MODELE
WELL FIC. f
ANALYZER
128 FLOW WAVE
FLOW LINE 122
120

OPTIONAL

130
CASING
PRESSURE
TRANSDUCER
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 2 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIG. 2 PLUNGER TRAVEL

TUBING PRESSURE, HIGH PASS FILTERED
1500

SELECTED LIQUID LEVEL

A) OPERATOR SELECTED
B) SIGNAL ANALYSIS
1000 BY SOFTWARE 2
s
se- N
,
L
2000 t
s p
3000
S
e

4000

5000 - O
9:00 9:02 9:04 9:06 9:08 9:10 9:12 9:14 9:16 9:18
TIME

PLUNGER TRAVEL
TUBING PRESSURE, HIGH PASS FILTERED
FIC. 3 | | | | | | | | | | | | ||
MOVABLE MARKERS

O TUBING RECESSES ARE

APPROXIMATELY 30 FEET APART
200

400

600

800

1000
TIME -p-
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 3 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

HIC. 4
CASING AND TUBING PRESSURE PLOTS
900 DATE
BEGINNING TIME

800
OPERATOR CONTROLLED
MARKER OR ANIMATION
CONTROLLED MARKER
700

1S an
600 S;
-S SHUT-IN AFTERFLOW
se
u
-2 500 55
Yaa DIFFERENCE IN CP AND TP is a
INDICATES LIQUID HEIGHT 32,
2 IN TUBING
: 400 DIFFERENCE IN CP AND TP 3:
2
SINDICATES LIQUID FALL-BACK
s
ce C to
da Co
300 SP&
SURFACE CASING PRESSURE
COMPRESSOR WITH
200 CONSTANT DISCHARGE
LOW SURFACE FLOW RESTRICTION

1OO -----
LINE -Loup TO SURFACE
PRESSURE2??
O
O 10 2O 50 40 50 60
MINUTES 50 MCF/D
12 BWPD
THIS DATA CAN BE USED 2' TUBING
TO SET AUTOMATIC CONTROLLER 5 1/2" CASING
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 4 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

ARROW WHEN FLOW

TUBING PRESSURE =
ZZZZ
O CASING PRESSURE =

104
102

124
110
s
1- 2 ZY 71 - 5000 FEET
106
PLUNGER

W2: W1*204.15–6.9 H.I.C. 8

CASING PRESSURE

O 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
MINUTES
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 5 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIC.. 6

ARROW WHEN FLOW

- TUBING PRESSURE =
777
O CASING PRESSURE =
THE PICTURE WARIES THE OPERATOR ENTERED
TIME OF ANALYSIS SCROLL

TIME
LIQUID PRODUCTION PERCYCLE =
AVERAGE RESERVOIR GAS FLOW RATE =
INSTANTANEOUS GAS FLOW RATE =
GAS FLOW RATE (SHUT-IN) =
e
,
GASEOUS LIQUID COLUMN DEPTH =
LIQUID COLUMN PRESSURE =
-5000 FEET PLUNGER DEPTH =

O ANIMATION TIME INCREMENT

U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 6 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIC 7
HOLDER
FOR
PLUNGER ARROW SHOWS WHEN GAS
2 - FLOW TUBING PRESSURE =
THE DRAWING OF THE
WELL VARIES WITH CASING PRESSURE =
PLUNGER TRAVEL,
TUBING AND CASING
DATE OF TEST
PRESSURES AND
LIQUID FLOW
START TIME OF TEST
LIQUID PRODUCTION PER CYCLE
SHUT-IN CAS FLOW RATE
AVERAGE RESERVOR GAS FLOW RATE
(FROM SHUT-IN AND IPR)
MARKER ANALYSIS TIME <
WELL CONDITION OR
SUT NORUNLOAD AFTERFLOW
FRICTION OF GAS FLOW IN TUBING
LIQUID COLUMN BACKPRESSURE
FLOW RATE
REPORTED LIQUID
VOLUME OF LIQUID IN TUBING
FLOW RATE GAS FRACTION IN LIQUID COLUMN
TUBING SIZE HEIGHT OF CASEOUS LIQUID COLUMN

GAS SPECIFIC GRAVITY

TUBING
PERFS DEPTH
GD ANIMATION TIME INCREMENT
FORMATION PERFS
TO
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 7 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIG. 9 W3: (W2/100) * 0.25* (5800/100)

GAS COLUMN PRESSURE ASSUMING

NO LIQUID IN CASING ANNULUS

O 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110

FIC. 1O W4: W2+-W3

PBHP
NO LIQUID

O 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 8 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIC. 1 1 W5((222-W4)/222)*100

SBHP - PBHP
slu- x10
IPR PRODUCING RATE
EFFICIENCY, %
PR 2.

INFLOW PERFORMANCE RELATIONSHIP

PI (COULD USE VOGEL OR FETKOVIAL OR OTHERS)

O 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110

FIC. 16 W6: W3;overplot(W4);overplot(W5)

CALCULATION OF HEIGHT OF GAS FREE LIQUID
IN TUBING (AFTER PLUNGER IS ON BOTTOM

VOLUME = HEIGHT x AREA

-
A-B
SG OF LIQUID
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 9 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

HEIGHT OF GAS FREE

FIC. 12 LIQUID IN TUBING
60 W6: W5;overplot (W4);overplot(W5) SG
DIMOCK LIVENGOOD LEASE
PLUNGER HIT BOTTOM
- OPEN FLOW WALVE CLOSED FLOW WAVE

CASING PRESSURE

TUBINC PRESSURE PLUNGER

HIT LIQUID
PLUNGER HIT BOTTOM

SONIC PULSES OF PLUNGER w=a-7

PASSINGTUBING COLLAR RECESSFSN-1
2000 3000 4000 5000
ELAPSED TIME
(SEC)
12:30PM 1:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00PM
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 11 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

PLUNGER FALL VELOCITY (Ft/Min)

009

||
00,99 SJ–TNI9V3?8
0NOAWO30EW||Z/VI/01

|+9999ONÍ(01H]N|[d8T5Ô0I]0T
|0,9:7|0
S3EAOTWA
0||:Ç :
0 0| 0 0Z 0 0£ 0 07 0 09 0 09
ACOUSTIC SHOT PLUNGER DEPTH (F)
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 12 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIG. 16 W 1: DimockCP min. 1SERIES 1

0.280
CASING ANNULUS GAS VOLUME AND FLOW RATES

O.270 RAW DATA FOR CP

0.260

0.250

0.240

0.230

O.220

0.210

0.200
O 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 8O 90 100 110
MINUTES

FIC. 1 7 W4; (W1*204.15)-6.9

CASING PRESSURE

O 10 20 30 40 50 60 7O 80 90 100 110
MINUTES
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 13 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIG. 18 W7: extract(W4.8365,1624.10)

ONE CYCLE OF DATA

O 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
MINUTES

HIC. 19 W8: Movovg(w7, 1800)

SMOOTH DATA
44

42

40

38

36

34
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
MINUTES
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 14 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIG. 20 W9. (W8/14.7)*5800*O. 1062

VOLUME OF GAS IN CASING ANNULUS

1800

1700

1600

1500

1400
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
MINUTES

150
FIG 21 W10: Deriv(w9)
GAS FLOW RATE FROM AND INTO CASING ANNULUS
100 CU FT/MIN

50

-50

-100

- 150

-200
10 2O 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
MINUTES
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 15 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

200
FIC 22 W11: w 10*60*24/1000
GAS FLOW RATE, CASING ANNULUS, MCF/D
100

-100

-200

-300
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
MINUTES

FIG. 26 W 1: DIMOCKAC.1. SERIES 1

60.0
RAW ACOUSTIC SIGNAL FROM ECHMETER
MIC CGG WITH 1/4” CHOKE
40.0
PLUNGER FALL
20.0

0.0 --arra

PLUNGER
-20.0 HITS
LIQUID
- 40.0

0.0 1000.0 2000.0 3000.0 4000.0 5000.0 6000.0

U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 16 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

HIC. 23
PLUNGER
HOLDER ARROW SHOWS WHEN GAS
É- flow TUBING PRESSURE -
THE DRAWING OF THE $ O CASING PRESSURE =
WELL VARIES WITH
PLNGER
TUBING TRAVE
AND CASING AN | DATE OF TEST
PRESSURES AND START TIME OF TEST
LIQUID FLOW A LOUD PRODUCTION PR cycle
s SHUT-IN CAS FLOW RATE
21 1 AVERAGE RESERVOIRGAS FLOW RATE
(FROM SHUT-IN AND IPR)
s MARKER ANALYSIS TIME K
N: WELL CONDITION OR
OPEROR ENERD DA N SHUT NORUNLOAD AFTERFOW
EFEGS S NKIN Z277
FRICTION OF CAS FLOW IN TUBING
REPORTED LIQUID PLUNGER LIQUID COLUMN BACKPRESSURE
FLOW RATE VOLUME OF LIQUID IN TUBING
TUBING SAE
GAS FRACTION IN LIQUID COLUMN
CASING SIZE HEIGHT OF GASEOUS LIQUID COLUMN
CASING WEIGHT PLUNGER DEPTH
STATIC BHP PLUNGER VELOCITY
GAS SPECIFIC GRAVITY

LIQUID SPECIFIC GRAVITY

J. Pie
IPR, 7, 86
NUMBER OF TUBING JOINTS
TUBING PERFS DEPTH
FORMATION PERFS TO
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 17 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIC 24
CASING AND TUB ING PRESSURE PLOTS
1000 O O

10
900 BEGINNING TIME 18
?h
I C
800 OPERATOR CONTROLLED 20 2to
MARKER OR ANIMATION
33 2.
CONTROLLED MARKER ? 3.

700 30
a2 -48 C
6 s
C ?
s

AD
'-SHUT-IN AFTERFLOW is 60 g
,
St DIFFERENCE IN CP AND TP 3 2

3
g 500 INDICATES LIQUID HEIGHT
IN TUBING
4.0 ss 70sS
DIFFERENCE IN CP AND TP s s
400 78 s
a. ll
1. se
a s
C e
300 50 or 86 as
SURFACE 3.
COMPRESSOR WITH CASING a. s
200 CONSTANT DISCHARGE PRESSURE S - 93 S.
c 2
OW SURFACE FLOW RESTRICTION g ---.
y
100----- 96
LINE t—LOUD TO SURFACE
PRESSURE??
O 60 100
O 10 20 30 40 50 60
MINUTES 50MCF/D

THIS DATA CAN BE USED TO SET AUTOMATIC CONTROLLER.

FOR SIMPLICITY, ALWAYS START PLOT WITH START OF SHUT-IN
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 18 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIC. 26
1000 O O

10
900 BEGINNING TIME 18
al
5
800 OPERATOR CONTROLLED 20 2
MARKER OR ANIMATION
33 .
CONTROLLED MARKER Ch- 2.
700 5 48 GE
30 2.
O e
?
s

f
"-SHUT-IN AFTERFLOW is 60 g
ld
St. DIFFERENCE IN CP AND TP 3 a
: 500 INDICATES LIQUID HEIGHT 40 s. 70s
2 IN TUBING S. S
t k's --
Ol DIFFERENCE IN CP AND TP s s
55
C
s 2
s
300 50 t 86 5
SURFACE 35
COMPRESSOR WITH CASING al s
200 CONSTANT DISCHARGE PRESSURE 93
LOW SURFACE FLOW RESTRICTION g 2
LL

100 ----- 96
LINE -Liquid TO SURFACE
PRESSURE2??
O 60 100
O 10 2O 30 40 50 5OMCF/D
MINUTES 12BWPD
2' TUBING
THIS DATA CAN BE USED TO SET AUTOMATIC 5 1/2" CASING
CONTROLLER FOR SIMPLICITY, ALWAYS START
PLOT WITH START OF SHUT-IN
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 19 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIC. 27 W2: DIMOCKTP.1. DIMOCKTP

O.30 TUBING PRESSURE RAW DATA
SURFACE WALVE OPEN
TO Xxxxx SEPARATOR
0.25
SURFACE FLOW WALVE
OPEN TO xxxx
0.20

0.15
SURFACE FLOW WALVE CLOSED

0.10

0.0 1000.0 2000.0 3000.0 4000.0 5000.0 6000.0

FIG. 28 W3: DIMOCKCP.1. SERIES 1

0.50

CASING PRESSURE RAW DATA

0.28
SURFACE FLOW WALVE OPENED
0.26

O.24

0.22

0.20
SURFACE FLOW WALWE CLOSED
0.00 1000.00 2000.00 3000.00 4000.00 5000.00 6000.00
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 20 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIC 29
W4: W2209.75-12.3
50.0 TUBING PRESSURE
209.75
-12.3
40.0

30.0

20.0

10.0

0.0
O.O 1000.0 2000.0 3000.0 40000 5000.0 6000.0

C2 C1
V W5: W3* 204.15-6.9 FIC 3O
CASENG PRESSURE

50.0

45.0
PS

40.0

35.0

0.0 1000.0 2000.0 3000.0 4000.0 5000.O 6000.0

U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 21 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

WOGEL PR
ANALYSS
FIC. 31 W6: W5
60
CASING AND TUBING PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS CACULATED
50.0 ALLOW ANALYSIS OF INFLOW. GAS RATE
AND PR IF SBHP IS KNOWN 70
40.0 N CHANGE IN SLOPE BACK
CASINC PRESSURE TO SLOPE BEFORE
30.0 PLUNGER HITS LIQUID 80
INDICATES WHEN THE
PLUNGER HITS THE 90
20.0 TUBING PRESSURE BOTTOM OF THE TUBING

ACOUSIC DATA
1 0.0 wa. pointlantinuit Al Ayufus ID

0.0
100
0.0 1000.0 2000.0 3000.0 4000.0 5000.0 6000.0
MINUTES

FIG. 32 W7. DIMOCKAC.1. SERIES 1

60.0
RAW ACOUSTIC DATA
40.0

20.0

0.0 -oudmajor E
-20.0

-40.0

0.0 1000.0 2000.0 3000.0 4000.0 5000.0 6000.0

U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 22 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIC 33 W8: (W7)/4)-10

25.0
ADJUSTED ACOUSTIC DATA (FOR PLOTTING)
20.0

15.0

10.0 MiltMilliott

5.0

0.0

0.0 1000.0 2000.0 3000.O 4000.0 5000.0 6000.0

FIC 34 W9: W6

50.0

45.0

40.0

35.0

0.0 1000.0 2000.0 3000.0 4000.0 5000.0 6000.0

U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 23 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIG. 36 W10: Extract(W7, 180450,600)

SHOT DOWN TUBING WITH CGG

IMPLOSION V = + 10 IN2
TURNED 1 INCH BALL VALVE AND
VENTED TUBING GAS INTO in 10 CU IN

6016.0 6020.0 6024.0 6028.0 6032.0

FIC. 36 W11: Extract(W7, 168000,21000)

RAW ACOUSTC DATA
40.0

20.0

0.0

-20.0

-40.0

5600.0 5700.0 5800.0 5900.0 6000.O 6100.0 6200.0

U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 24 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIG. 37 W12. Extract(W7,169000,6000)

RAW ACOUSTIC DATA
20.0

0.0

-20.0

- 40.0

5640.O 5680.0 5720.0 576O.O 5800.0

FIG. 38 W13: Extract(W7,108000,60000)

PLUNGER FALS CCG MONITORING
20.0 PLUNGER FALL

10.0
PLUNGER ENTERED LIQUID

-10.0

3600.0 4OOOO 4400.0 4800.0 520O.O

U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 25 Of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIG. 39 W14; Extract(W7,114000,9000)

20.0 CGC MONITORING TUBING WHILE PLUNGER FALLS
CET VELOCITY

10.0 2O
28

- 10.0

3800.0 3840.0 3880.0 3920.0 3960.O 4000.0 4040.0 4080.0

FIC 40 W15: Extract(W7, 123000,9000)

CCG MONITORING PLUNGER FALL
56
5.0 40 55 65
58 60
57

0.0 FFF SFR AltRNR R.

-5.0

--- THE PLUNGER PASSING A TUBING COLLAR RECESS GENERATES AN ACOUSTIC

i. THAT TRAVELS TO THE SURFACE AND IS RECORDED THIS PULSE
- 10.0 REFLECTS BACK DOWN THE WELL TO THE PLUNGER THEN BACK TO THE
SURFACE THE PLUNGER DEPTH IS KNOWN SO THE ACOUSTIC VELOCITY
CAN BE CALCULATED THE SG CAN BE CALCULATED FROM THE ACOUSIC
VELOCITY, PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE.
4100.0 4140.0 4180.0 422O.O 42600 4300.0 4340.0 4380.0
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 26 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIG. 41 W 16: Extract(W7, 132000,9000)

CGG MONITORING PLUNGER FALL

8O 90

St. ERASE

4400.0 4440.0 4480.0 4520.0 4560.0 4600.0 4640.0 4-680.0

FIG. 42 W17: Extract(W7,141000,9000)

CGG MONITORING PLUNGER FALL
120
130
152
140 150

...) I E. REEE

4700.0 4740.0 4780.0 4820.0 4860.0 49000 4940.0 4980.0

U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 27 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

s'IG. 43 W18. Extract(W7,150000:9000)

CGC MONITORING PLUNGER FALL
2.0 JOINTS TO LIQUID
IN THE TUBING
1.0

O.O

-10 PLUNGER DROPPED AT-> 3900 SEC

PLUNGER AT LIQUID -> 5135 SEC
-2.0
FALL TIME 1235 SEC
-3.0 OR 20 1/2 MIN
-O VEL =
5800' = 282 1/5
4.0 ENTERS LIQUID 20.5 SEC /

5000.0 5040.O 5080.0 5120.0 5160.0 5200.0 5240.0 5280.0

FIG. 44 W 19: Extract(W4,114000,9000)

40.0
TUBING PRESSURE

35.0

30.0

25.0

SURFACE FLOW STOPPED

20.0
3800.0 3840.O 3880.O 392O.O 3960.O 4OOOO 4040.O 408O.O
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 28 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIG. 45 W20: Extract(W4,123000,9000)

TUBING PRESSURE

40.0 SURFACE FLOW WALWE CLOSED

38.0

36.0

34.0

32.0
4100.0 4140.0 4180.0 4220.0 4260.0 4300.0 4340.0 4380.0

FIG. 46 W21: Extract(W4,132000,9000)

40.5 TUBING PRESSURE RAW DATA
SURFACE FLOW WALVE CLOSED

40.0 4400 SEC 30 SEC

PLUNGER
39.5 PASSING COLLARS

39.0 4:
38.5

4400.0 4440.0 4480.0 4520.0 4560.0 4600.0 4640.0 4680.0

U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 29 Of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIC. 47 W22: Extract(W4, 141000,9000)

TUBING PRESSURE
41.5
SURFACE FLOW WAVE CLOSED

40.5

40.0

4700.0 4740.0 4780.0 4820.0 4860.0 4900.0 4940.0 4980.0

FIG. 48 W23: Extract(W4, 150000,9000)

42.5 TUBING PRESSURE

42.0
PLUNGER LANDS
ON SPRING AT BOTTOM
OF TUBINC
415 -

4.1.0 -
PLUNGER ENTERS LIQUID

5OOO.O 5040.O 508O.O 512O.O 516O.O 520O.O 524-O-O 528O.O

U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 30 Of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIG. 49 W24: Extract(W4,7500,15000)

TUBINC PRESSURE
40.0 —GAS TO SEPARATOR
CAS TO SURFACE TANK

30.0

10.0

250.0 350.0 450.0 550.0 650.0

FIC, 6O W25: Extract(W4,132600,600)

39.0 TUBINC PRESSURE
4.420 SEC 20 SEC
38.9

38.8

38.7

PLUNGER FALLING

4.420.0 4424.0 4428.0 4432.0 4436.0

U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 31 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIG. 51 W26. Highpass(300,2030,200,1,0)

HIGH PASS FILTER
EDGE 2 HZ
STOP 1 Hz

-0.15 -0.10 -0.05 0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15

FIC 62 W27: Filter(W21,W26)

2O.O FILTERED TUBING PRESSURE
DURING PLUNGER FALL
FILTER
EFFECTS

- 10.0

4400.0 4440.0 4480.0 4520.0 4560.0 4600.0 4640.0 4680.0

U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 32 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIC 63 W28: Extract(W27, 100,8800)

-2.20 FILTERED TUBINC PRESSURE
DURING PLUNGER FALL

-2.25

-2.30 t MR
-2.35 s Real
HMALL
-2.40

4420.0 4460.0 4500.0 4540.0 4580.0 4620.0 4660.0

FIC. 64 W29: Filter(W20W26)

20.0 FILTERED TUBINC PRESSURE
DURING PLUNGER FALL
FILTER
END
EFFECT
10.0

O.O

- 10.0

4100.0 4140.0 4180.0 422O.O 42600 4300.0 4340.0 4380.0

U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 33 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

FIG. 55 W30. Extract(W29, 100,8800)

FILTERED TUBING DATA DURING PLUNGER FALL

4120.0 416O.O 4200.0 4240.0 4280.0 4320.0 4360.0

FIC 66 W31: Extract(W30, 1,3000)

FILTERED TUBING PRESSURE DATA DURING PLUNGER FAL

41 10.0 4130.0 4150.0 41700 4190.0

U.S. Patent US 6,634,426 B2
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 36 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

GSEIN(O\Í0"
ELAPSED TIME - SECONDS
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 37 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

PRESSURES
U.S. Patent US 6,634,426 B2

-L)—ÆEFGZ'0 -’069/|7.1
PRESSURE SIGNAL FROM TRANSDUCER
WITHOUT ZERO OFFSET
(EJONSJdISW)E
U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 2003 Sheet 39 of 40 US 6,634,426 B2

PRESSURE SIGNALS

(EJOWSBdISWT)3

ACOUSTIC SIGNAL
U.S. Patent US 6,634,426 B2

QT(EOWSBdIWSTL)E

PRESSURES
 US 6,634,426 B2
1 2
DETERMINATION OF PLUNGER LOCATION
AND WELL PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS
INA BOREHOLE PLUNGER LIFT SYSTEM
This application claims the benefit of Provisional Appli
cation No. 60/244,664, filed Oct. 31, 2000.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains in general to the removal
of fluid from a wellbore in the earth by the use of a plunger
lift System and in particular to the determination of the
location of the plunger in the wellbore together with well
performance parameters.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
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. Two
Suppliers of equipment plungers are Weatherford Artificial
Lift Systems and Ferguson Beauregard. Plunger lift Systems
consist of a plunger, often referred to as a piston, two
bumper Springs, a lubricator to Sense and Stop the 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 located in the Surface lubricator on top of the well
head. 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 the
lifting gas energy below the plunger is greater than the liquid
load and gas preSSure 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.
Plungers, a major component in a plunger lift System, are
installed in the tubing String and provide a Solid interface
between the produced fluid column and liftgas. Weatherford
and Ferguson Beauregard have various plunger designs
available. Among these are lightweight brush types for
low-pressure applications, Solid plungers made of 4140 Steel
are available in different lengths, dependent on bottomhole
preSSure; plungers with Spring-loaded pads that offer
enhanced Sealing against the tubing during upward travel;
and for Wells with high paraffin content, plungers with a
Spiral design. In addition, Weatherford Supplies Special
application plungers for use in coil tubing and highly
deviated wells.
BumperS function as Springs in plunger lift Systems to
absorb the impact of the plunger when it reaches the bottom
of the well, and to prevent potential damage to downhole
fishing-neck profiles. These SubSurface bumperS Seat in
either a Seating nipple, tubing Stop or collar stop. Models
available include low-cost, freestanding SubSurface bumpers
for use when a Seating device exists in the well, and modular
Subsurface bumpers that accept Several different bottom
attachments, Such as a hold-down device, cup Seal, or
Standing Valve.
Weatherford lubricators are used in plunger lift systems to
Sense and Stop the plunger as it arrives at the Surface. They
have Spring-loaded cushions to absorb the Shock and prevent
damage to the plunger. Two designs offered by Weatherford
are a Standard plunger lubricator that incorporates both the
flowcross which attached the flowline to the tubing and the
5 needle valve outlet, and a lubricator with the added features
of a plunger trap and optional Sensor. Both models are
available in Single or dual outlet configurations.
Various controllers control pneumatic-actuated valves for
time-cycled intermittent gas lift, plunger lift, or a combina
tion of both. Several models are offered with features to
match the type of control needed for Specific applications.
Among these are low-cost timers with optional Solar panels
and rechargeable batteries, high-end controllers that feature
input for variable flow time, and Self-adjusting automatic
15 time-cycle controllers.
A variety of plunger lift accessories and production
enhancement components are available. Magnetic shutoff
Switches, flow tees, various types of packing elements,
collar and tubing Stops, Standing valves, and Seating nipples
offer Support enhancement to the entire System. Chokes,
motor valves, drip pots and regulators, and Solar panels
complement and assist in maximizing production perfor
CC.
25
A plunger-lift System is a low-cost, efficient method of
increasing and optimizing production in oil and gas wells,
which have marginal flow characteristics.
Functionally, the plunger provides a mechanical interface
between the produced liquids and gas. Using the well's own
energy for lift, liquids are pushed to the Surface by the
movement of a free-travelling piston (plunger) traveling
from the bottom of the well to the Surface. This mechanical
interface eliminates liquid fallback, thus boosting the well's
lifting efficiency. In turn, the reaction of average flowing
35 bottom hole pressure increases inflow.
Plunger travel is normally provided by formation gas
Stored in the casing annulus during a shut-in period. AS the
well is opened and the tubing pressure allowed to decrease,
the Stored casing gas moves around the end of the tubing and
40 pushes the plunger to the Surface. This intermittent operation
is normally repeated Several times per day. Plunger-lift is
especially appropriate in these four applications:
Gas Wells-eliminates liquid loading. AS production
Velocity drops, wells tend to be less efficient in carrying
45 their own liquids to the surface. The introduction of a
plunger in this type well reestablishes the original
production decline curve, increasing the economic life
of the well. At the same time, it generally reduced the
Volume of injection gas required.
50 High Ratio Oil Wells-Can increase the economic life of
this type well. By producing the well in an intermittent
fashion, the well's own energy can be used. The need
for other, more costly, lifting options can be eliminated.
Intermittent Gas Lift Wells-Most intermittent gas-lift
55 wells suffer from liquid fallback. This fallback tends to
increase the average flowing bottom hole preSSure, thus
reducing production. With the plunger Serving as a
mechanical interface, liquids cannot fall back, but are
all brought to the Surface.
60 Paraffin and Hydrate Control-Most plungers have seal
ing elements that make contact with the inside walls of
the tubing. AS the plunger travels from the bottom of a
well to the Surface, the tubing is kept wiped clean,
therefore eliminating the buildup or accumulation of
65 paraffin, hydrates, Scale and So forth.
Although automatic controllers are available for control
ling the operation of plunger lift Systems, namely opening
 US 6,634,426 B2
3 4
and closing the flow line valve, the operation cannot be
optimized unless the position of the plunger is known,
particularly with respect to the engagement of the plunger
with the fluid in the well and critical well performance
parameters are determined.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One embodiment of the present invention is a method for
determining the depth of a plunger positioned in a tubing
string which is located in a wellbore. The interior of the
tubing String is acoustically monitored to detect Sounds
produced by the plunger as it passes tubing collar recesses.
The number of the Sounds are counted as the plunger passes
the recesses. A determination of depth of the plunger in the
tubing String is calculated as a function of the number of the
Sounds which have been counted and the length of tubing
joints in the tubing String.
A further embodiment is a method for determining the
position of a plunger which is positioned in a tubing String
that is located in a well bore, with respect to the fluid in the
wellbore. The interior of the tubing String is acoustically
monitored to produce a monitored signal as the plunger
descends through the tubing String. An acoustic amplitude of
the Signal is determined over a moving period of time and
the present valve of the acoustic amplitude is compared with
one or more previous values of the acoustic amplitude to
determine when the present value is less than the previous
values by a predetermined amount. An indicator is generated
to show that the plunger has reached the fluid when it has
been determined that the present value of the acoustic
amplitude is less than one or more of the previous values of
the acoustic amplitude by the predetermined amount.
A further embodiment is a method for determining the
position of a plunger, which is positioned in a tubing String
that is located in wellbore, with respect to fluid in the
wellbore. Gas pressure in the tubing String is monitored at
the Surface of the Wellbore as the plunger descends through
the tubing string toward the fluid in the wellbore. Changes
in the pressure are detected. A determination is made when
the pressure has increased by a predetermined amount
within a predetermined time. An indicator is generated to
show that the plunger has reached the fluid when it has been
determined that the pressure has increased by Said prede
termined amount within Said predetermined time.
A further embodiment is a method for determining the
depth from the Surface of a wellbore of a plunger positioned
in a tubing string which is located in the wellbore. The
interior of a tubing String is acoustically monitored at the
wellbore Surface to detect the Sound produced by the plunger
as it passes a tubing collar receSS, wherein the Sound travels
from the plunger to the Wellbore Surface and is received in
a first occurrence and the Sound reflects from the upper end
of the tubing and travels back to the plunger, and the Sound
reflects from the plunger and travels to the Wellhead Surface
and is received in a Second occurrence. The distance from
the wellbore Surface to the plunger is determined as a
function of the time difference and acoustic velocity of the
Sound in the gas.
A further embodiment is a method for determining the
depth of a plunger in a tubing String which is located in a
wellbore. Gas preSSure in the tubing String is monitored to
produce a pressure Signal as the plunger descends downward
from the upper end of the tubing String. The plunger causes
variations in gas pressure within the tubing String as the
plunger passes tubing collar recesses in the tubing String.
Variations in tubing gas preSSure are counted as they are
produced by the plunger in the pressure Signal. The depth of
the plunger is determined in the tubing String is a function
of the counted number of variations in tubing gas preSSure
and the length of the tubing joints in the tubing String.
A further method of the present invention is determining
the depth of a plunger in a tubing String which is located in
a wellbore. The gas pressure in the tubing String is Sampled
to produce a pressure Signal as the plunger descends down
ward from the upper end of the tubing String. The plunger
causes variations in gas pressure within the tubing String as
the plunger passes tubing collar recesses in the tubing String.
The gas pressure is Sampled at a rate Such that a plurality of
Samples are collected during the time in which the acoustic
pulse from a plunger passing a collar receSS. The variations
15 in tubing gas pressure are counted in the pressure Signal and
these variations are produced by the plunger. The depth of
the plunger in the tubing String is determined as a function
of the counted number of variations in the tubing gas
preSSure and the length of tubing joints in the tubing String.
A further method of the present invention is determining
the depth of a plunger in a tubing String which is located in
a wellbore. Gas pressure is Sampled in the tubing String to
produce a pressure Signal as the plunger descends downward
25
from the upper end of the tubing String. The plunger causes
variations in gas pressure within the tubing String as the
plunger passes tubing collar recesses in the tubing String.
The gas preSSure is Sampled at a rate Sufficiently fast to
capture in the pressure Signal the variations in gas preSSure
produced as the plunger passes tubing collar recesses in the
tubing String. The variations in tubing gas pressure are
counted in the pressure Signal and the depth of the plunger
in the tubing String is determined as a function of the
counted number of variations in tubing gas pressure and the
35
length of tubing joints in the tubing String.
A further method of the present invention is determining
when a plunger in a tubing String, which is located in a
borehole, reaches fluid at the lower end of the tubing String.
The interior of the tubing String is acoustically monitored to
40 detect a Sound produced by Said plunger as it passes each of
a plurality of tubing collar recesses in the tubing String. A
determination is made when a predetermined period of time
has passed without receiving one of the Sounds produced by
the plunger as it passes Said collar recesses. An indicator is
45 generated to show that the plunger has reached the fluid
when the predetermined period of time has passed without
receiving one of the Sounds produced by Said plunger as it
passes said collar recesses.
A further method of the present invention is determining
50 when a plunger in the tubing String, which is located in a
borehole, reaches fluid at the lower end of the tubing String.
Gas preSSure in the interior of the tubing String is monitored
to produce a pressure Signal as the plunger descends down
ward from the upper end of the tubing String. The plunger
55 causes variations in gas pressure within the tubing String as
the plunger passes tubing collar recesses in the tubing String.
A determination is made when a predetermined period of
time has passed without receiving one of the preSSure
variations produced by the plunger as it passes the collar
60 recesses. An indicator is generated to show that the plunger
has reached the fluid when the predetermined period of time
has passed without receiving one of the preSSure variations
produced by the plunger as it passes the collar recesses.
A further embodiment of the present invention is a
65 method for producing a display for indicating performance
of a plunger lift System for a wellbore which has a tubing
String installed therein. A plunger is located in the tubing
 US 6,634,426 B2
S 6
String. A Schematic of a wellbore is produced on a display
Screen and the display includes a representation of the
plunger in the tubing String. Gas pressure in the tubing String
is monitored to produce a pressure Signal which includes gas
preSSure variations caused by the plunger passing tubing
collar recesses in the tubing String. The tubing gas pressure
variations are counted in the pressure Signal to produce a
count number. The depth of the plunger in the tubing String
is determined as a function of the count number in the tubing
joint length for the tubing joints comprising the tubing
String. The plunger representation in the Wellbore Schematic
is positioned at the plurality of positions which are a
function of the depths determined for the plunger in the
tubing String.
A further embodiment of the present invention is a
method for producing a display for indicating performance
of a plunger lift System for a wellbore which has a tubing
String installed therein. A plunger is located in the tubing
String. A Schematic of a wellbore is produced on the display
Screen and the display includes a representation of the
plunger in the tubing String. The interior of the tubing String
is acoustically monitored to detect Sounds produced by the
plunger as the plunger passes tubing collar recesses of the
tubing String. Each Sound is associated with one of the
tubing collar recesses. A plurality of the Sounds produced by
the plunger are counted to produce a count number. A depth
of the plunger is determined in the tubing String as a function
of the count number and tubing joint length for tubing joints
comprising the tubing String. The plunger representation is
positioned is the Wellbore Schematic at a plurality of posi
tions which are a function of the depths determined for the
plunger in the tubing String.
A further embodiment of the present invention is a
method for evaluating the production performance of a
wellbore which has a plunger lift System in which a plunger
is located within a tubing String which is positioned in the
wellbore. The casing pressure of the borehole is monitored.
The tubing pressure is monitored within the tubing String to
produce a tubing pressure Signal. One of more parameters
relating to the production performance of the borehole is
calculated wherein the parameters are based on the moni
tored casing preSSure and the monitored tubing pressure. The
depth of the plunger in the tubing String is determined based
upon data in the tubing pressure Signal.
A further aspect of the invention is developing an anima
tion of a well Schematic with the plunger and liquid Slug
moving in the tubing String as measured for position.
A further aspect is displaying of well production param
eters to an operator along or in conjunction with well
Schematics.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding of the present inven
tion and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to
the following description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a elevation view of a wellbore including
equipment for plunger lift operation and having a comput
erized well analyzer connected thereto with Sensors for gas
preSSure and detection of acoustic Signals,
FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating the position of a plunger
within a wellbore as a function of time, plunger Velocity and
a waveform representing an acoustic signal received from
the tubing,
FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating the receipt of preSSure pulses
created by the movement of a plunger past tubing recesses
in a wellbore shown as a function of time and position of the
plunger within the wellbore,
FIG. 4 is a graph having multiple parameters illustrating
the three phases of a plunger lift operation as a function of
time with corresponding tubing pressure, casing preSSure
and related parameters,
FIG. 5 is a schematic elevation view of a wellbore with a
plunger and a liquid Slug above the plunger,
FIG. 6 is an illustration of a wellbore computer screen
shot together with Specific parameters related to the wellbore
operation and illustrated as an animation with multiple
positions of the plunger and liquid Slug rising to the Surface,
FIG. 7 is a further computer screen illustration of an
elevation Schematic view of a wellbore with a plunger and
15 overriding liquid Slug together with parameters related to the
liquid Slug operation and including time increments for the
animation view of the rising plunger in liquid slug,
FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating casing preSSure for a plunger
lift operation as a function of time,
FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating gas column weight as a
function of time assuming no liquid in the casing annulus,
FIG. 10 is a graph of producing bottom-hole pressure with
no liquid as a fraction of time for a plunger cycle,
FIG. 11 is a graph of IPR (producing rate efficiency) as a
25
function of time showing inflow performance relationship,
FIG. 12 is a graph of casing pressure, tubing pressure and
Sonic Signal from tubing as a function of time,
FIG. 13 is a graph of an acoustic Signal monitored within
the tubing as a function of time,
FIG. 14 is a graph of plunger fall trace having plunger
depth on the Vertical axis and time along the horizontal axis,
FIG. 15 is a graph of casing pressure and tubing pressure
as a function of time together with a display of an acoustic
35 waveform monitored within the tubing during a plunger
cycle,
FIG. 16 is a graph of casing preSSure transducer aspect as
a function of time,
FIG. 17 is a graph of casing preSSure as a function of time
40 for a cycle of a plunger through the tubing,
FIG. 18 is a graph of casing preSSure as a function of time
for one cycle of operation,
FIG. 19 is a graph of Smoothed graph of casing pressure
as a function of time,
45
FIG. 20 is a graph of Volume of gas in a casing annulus
as a function of time,
FIG. 21 is a graph of gas flow rate from and into a casing
annulus as a function of time (in units of cubic feet per
50 minute),
FIG. 22 is a graph of gas flow rate in the casing annulus
as a function of time (in units of MCF),
FIG. 23 is a screen illustration of a schematic elevation
View of a wellbore with a plunger and liquid slug together
55 with Specific parameters related to well and plunger lift
operation,
FIG. 24 is a graph having multiple parameters illustrating
the three phases of plunger lift operation as a function of
time with corresponding tubing pressure, casing preSSure
60 and related parameters,
FIG.25 is a graph having multiple parameters illustrating
the three phases of a plunger lift operation as a function of
time with corresponding tubing pressure, casing preSSure
and related parameters,
65 FIG. 26 is a graph of an acoustic Signal as a function of
time illustrating the Signal received from within the tubing
as the plunger falls through the tubing and reaches the liquid,
 US 6,634,426 B2
7 8
FIG. 27 is a graph of tubing pressure transducer raw data
as a function of time for the descent of a plunger through the
tubing,
FIG. 28 is a graph illustrating casing pressure transducer
raw data as a function of time with markers indicating when
the Surface flow valve is open and closed,
FIG. 29 is a graph of tubing pressure vs. time,
FIG. 30 is a graph of casing pressure VS. time,
FIG. 31 is a graph of casing preSSure, tubing pressure, an
acoustic waveform and calculated producing bottomhole
preSSure as a function of time in which a plunger ascends
and descends within the tubing String,
FIG. 32 is a graph illustrating an acoustic Signal wave
form as a function of time for a plunger ascending and
descending in the tubing String,
FIG.33 is an adjusted acoustic data graph as a function of
time for an acoustic Signal monitored within the tubing for
the ascent and descent of a plunger in the tubing,
FIG.34 is a graph of casing pressure as a function of time,
FIG. 35 is a graph of an acoustic Signal as a function of
time for transmission of an acoustic pulse down tubing
having a plunger therein,
FIG. 36 is a graph of raw acoustic data as a function of
time,
FIG. 37 is a graph of raw acoustic data as a function of
time,
FIG. 38 is a graph of acoustic data as a function of time
for a Signal monitored within the tubing as a plunger
descends through the tubing and enters into the liquid,
FIG. 39 is graph of an acoustic waveform as a function of
time wherein the waveform is a monitored acoustic signal
from within the tubing showing the Sounds generated by the
plunger when it passes casing recesses,
FIG. 40 is a graph of an acoustic waveform as a function
of time illustrating the acoustic Signal generated by the
plunger as it descends through the tubing and passes collar
receSSeS,
FIG. 41 is a graph of an acoustic Signal as a function of
time illustrating the acoustic Signal received as the plunger
falls through the tubing and counting the received Sounds,
FIG. 42 is a graph of an acoustic waveform as a function
of time illustrating the acoustic signal produced as a plunger
falls through the tubing,
FIG. 43 is a graph of an acoustic waveform as a function
of time for an acoustic Signal monitored within a tubing
String as the plunger descends through the tubing String and
enters into the liquid at the lower end of the tubing,
FIG. 44 is a graph of tubing pressure as a function of time
illustrating the change in pressure when the Surface flow of
liquid from the well is Stopped,
FIG. 45 is a graph of tubing pressure as a function of time
showing the effect on the tubing pressure when the Surface
flow valve is closed,
FIG. 46 is a graph of pressure waveform representing the
preSSure monitored within the tubing as a plunger descends
through the tubing and passes collar recesses,
FIG. 47 is a graph of tubing pressure as a function of time
with the surface flow valve closed for the plunger descend
ing through the tubing,
FIG. 48 is a graph of tubing pressure as a function of time
illustrating the change in tubing preSSure when the plunger
descends through the tubing and enters into the liquid and
finally rest on the lower Spring at the bottom of the tubing,
FIG. 49 is a graph of tubing pressure as a function of time
with respect to gas flow,
FIG.50 is a graph of tubing pressure as a function of time
for a plunger falling through the tubing String,
FIG. 51 is a graph of a high pass filter for filtering of an
acoustic and preSSure waveform,
FIG. 52 is a graph of tubing pressure which has been
filtered and represents the pressure during the plunger fall
through the tubing,
FIG. 53 is a graph of tubing pressure as a function of time
with the tubing pressure Signal being filtered in the time
during the plunger fall through the tubing,
FIG. 54 is a graph of tubing preSSure as a function of time
15 with a filter and showing the pressure during the plunger fall
through the tubing,
FIG.55 is a graph of tubing pressure as a function of time
during plunger fall with filtered data,
FIG. 56 is a graph of tubing preSSure as a function of time
with a filter applied to the preSSure data illustrating the
preSSure during plunger fall through the tubing,
FIG. 57 is a graph of an acoustic signal monitored within
tubing during the descent of a plunger in the tubing wherein
25 the plunger generates Sounds that are reflected between the
plunger and the Wellbore Surface and can be used to measure
travel time and therefore depth of the plunger in the
wellbore,
FIG. 58 is a further illustration of pressure measured
within the tubing during the descent of a plunger down the
tubing wherein the plunger generates a preSSure pulse as it
passes a collar receSS, and the difference in time between
pressure pulses is used to determine the plunger fall velocity,
FIG. 59 is an illustration of a pressure waveform moni
35 tored within tubing illustrating that the change in rate of
tubing pressure buildup indicates when the plunger hits
bottom,
FIG. 60 is an illustration of pressure measured within
tubing during the rise of a plunger in the tubing from which
40 the rise Velocity of the plunger can be calculated,
FIG. 61 is a plot relative to bring pressure and relative
casing pressure which indicates that the plunger entered the
liquid of approximately 5150 sec,
FIG. 62 is a plot of tubing pressure and casing pressure
45
Versus time with an indication that the plunger entered the
liquid of 5136.8 sec and hit bottom at 5025 sec, and
FIG. 63 is a combined graph of an acoustic waveform,
casing pressure and tubing pressure as a function of time for
50 a plunger fall through the tubing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention is directed to the determination of
the position of a plunger within a tubing String which is
55 located within a borehole used for producing gas and liquid
from the earth and produces parameters for optimizing
production from a well.
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a borehole 100 which
has an installed casing 102 and tubing 104 (also referred to
60 as tubing String). The tubing String comprises a group of
interconnected tubing joints. A plunger 106 is located within
the tubing 104. A spring 108 is positioned within the lower
end of the tubing 104 for stopping downward movement of
the plunger 106. Gas and fluid enters into the casing through
65 perforations 110. A lubricator-catcher 112 (holder) at the
upper end of the tubing 104 holds the plunger 106 when it
is driven upward by gas pressure. The tubing 104 is con
 US 6,634,426 B2
9 10
nected through a valve assembly to a flow line 120 which
includes an electrically operated in-line flow valve 122.
Liquid slug 124 is supported by the plunger 106 and is lifted
to the surface of the wellbore by the plunger 106.
An Echometer Model E well analyzer 128 receives the
output of a casing pressure transducer 130, the output of a
microphone 132 which is connected Such that it is exposed
to the interior of the tubing 104 for picking up sounds. A
tubing pressure transducer 134 measures the preSSure within
the tubing and provides a tubing preSSure Signal to the well
analyzer 128. An optional gas gun 136 is connected to
provide acoustic pulses to the interior of the tubing 104
under control of the well analyzer 128.
In operation, the plunger 106 is released from the catcher
112 of the tubing 104 and is pulled down by a gravity
through the tubing string after the flow valve 122 has been
closed. During the time that the flow valve 122 is closed, gas
enters into the casing 102 through the perforations 110,
thereby increasing the pressure of gas within the casing.
Fluid also enters through the perforations 110 and passes
into the casing annulus and the lower end of the tubing 104.
When the plunger 106 reaches the fluid at the bottom of the
tubing it enters the fluid and is then Stopped by the Spring
108. When the pressure of the gas within the tubing below
the plunger 106 is at a sufficient level, the flow valve 122 is
opened, thereby reducing the pressure above the plunger 106
and the liquid Slug 124 above the plunger. The gas pressure
within the casing extends into the tubing 104 below the
plunger 106. The gas pressure is Sufficiently high to force the
plunger 106 with its load of fluid upward in the tubing 104.
The plunger carries the fluid Slug 124 upward until it reaches
the surface of the wellbore and is then transferred through
the flow line 120 and past the valve 122. The plunger 106
normally remains in the catcher 112 until the valve 122 is
closed. The plunger 106 stops within the lubricator catcher
112.
After the plunger 106 is returned to the surface of the
wellbore, the flow valve 122 is again closed to allow the
plunger to descend and for gas preSSure to build up within
the casing. Thus, the preSSure of the gas is used to lift the
fluid from the well.
The production of fluid from the well can be optimized by
knowing when the plunger has entered into the fluid at the
bottom of the well. If the flow valve 122 is opened before the
plunger 106 has reached the fluid, the plunger will be
returned to the Surface without carrying a column (Slug) of
fluid. If the plunger 106 is allowed to sit at the bottom of the
well within the fluid for an excessive period of time, less
fluid than possible will be removed from the well. Therefore,
for optimum production of fluid from the well, it is neces
Sary to know the position of the plunger within the tubing
104 and when it enters the fluid.
FIG. 2 illustrates the movement of the plunger down the
tubing as a function of time with the plunger descending
from the surface to approximately a depth of 4,000 feet in
approximately 14 minutes. At the top of the graph there is
shown a trace of tubing preSSure that has been filtered, with
an arrow indicating when the plunger entered into the fluid
within the wellbore.
FIG. 3 is an illustration of a graph of the position of the
plunger 106 as it descends through the tubing and includes
a monitoring of tubing pressure. Variations in the tubing gas
preSSure are caused as the plunger passes through recesses
corresponding to the collars that connect the tubing joints.
AS the plunger passes each of the recesses there is a variation
in tubing pressure which is indicated by the Sudden varia
tions in the pressure waveform. These variations for the
preSSure due to the collar recesses are indicated by Vertical
markers. The preSSure changes due to gas leakage around the
plunger when it is at the collar receSS.
FIG. 4 and corresponding FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate
various parameters associated with the operation of the
plunger lift System. The phases of the plunger lift are shut-in,
unload and after flow. The flow valve 122, as shown in FIG.
1, is closed during the shut-in time period and is opened at
the beginning of unload portion of the cycle. It remains open
through the after flow. The plunger 106 arrives at the surface
at the end of the unload period and the fluid slug is delivered
during the unload period. During the after flow period gas is
released from the tubing into the flow line 120. At the end
15 of the after flow portion of the cycle, the proceSS is begun
again with the shut-in portion of the cycle.
The upper-line represents the producing bottom-hole
pressure (PBHP). The next lower solid line represents the
casing pressure. The difference between the casing preSSure
and tubing pressure at the end of the Shut-in period indicates
the liquid height in the tubing. The difference between the
casing preSSure and tubing pressuring during the after flow
period indicates the liquid fall-back and friction. The mea
25
surement of the parameters shown in FIG. 4 can be used to
Set automatic controllers for operation of the plunger lift, in
particular the operation of the flow valve 122.
FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a wellbore with the
plunger at the bottom of the well immediately above casing
perforations which allow fluid and gas to enter the tubing.
This also illustrates that the depth of the well is 5,000 feet.
Such an illustration can be displayed on a computer Screen
to illustrate to the operator the operations that are being
carried out within the wellbore.
35 FIG. 6 is a further illustration of a computer generated
Schematic illustration of a wellbore having a plunger, liquid
Slug and further including parameters that are related with
the specific well being evaluated. This provides the basis for
an animation which has a time increment as noted at the
40 lower portion of the figure. During the animation the plunger
and fluid Slug are progressively moved toward the upper end
of the tubing as determined by continuous measurements of
casing and tubing pressure. The parameters displayed on the
screen shown in FIG. 6 include, but are not limited to, tubing
45 preSSure, casing preSSure, time, liquid production per cycle,
average reservoir gas flow rate, instantaneous gas flow rate,
gas flow rate, gaseous liquid column depth, liquid column
preSSure, plunger depth, plunger Velocity, IPR open
(efficiency), producing bottom-hole pressure, and the ani
50 mation time increment.
FIG. 7 is a further screen display of a schematic illustra
tion of a wellbore together with a plunger and a fluid Slug.
The illustration in FIG. 7 has additional wellbore informa
tion including operator entered data Such as reported gas
55 flow rate, reported liquid flow rate, tubing size, casing Size,
casing weight, Static bottom-hole pressure (BHP) and gas
Specific gravity. It further includes the tubing perforation
depth and the formation perforation depth.
FIGS. 8-10 illustrate a determination of casing pressure at
60 the bottom of the casing during the time period of a cycle of
the plunger. FIG. 8 is an illustration of casing preSSure as
measured at the Surface of the well as a function of time
during the plunger cycle. FIG. 9 is a calculation of the
weight of the gas column during the plunger cycle, assuming
65 that no liquid is present in the casing annulus. FIG. 10 is a
summation of the pressure and weight in FIGS. 8 and 9 for
determining the producing bottom-hole pressure (PBHP)
 US 6,634,426 B2
11
with no liquid. FIG. 11 is a chart during the plunger cycle
illustrating the inflow performance relationship (IPR) of the
well, essentially describing the producing rate efficiency of
the well during a plunger cycle. AS shown in FIG. 11, the
inflow performance has a low of 77% at the start of the
plunger cycle and rises to a level just over 81% and then
drops back down at the latter portion of the cycle. This is an
important production number that is needed by an operator
to determine the efficiency of producing product from the
well.
Referring to FIG. 12, there is an illustration of multiple
parameters including casing pressure, tubing pressure and an
illustration of an acoustic Signal, all as a function of time.
This is the beginning of the unloading period. The flow valve
122 is opened as indicated at the left Side of the graph and
immediately the casing pressure and the tubing pressure
drop. The microphone 132 monitors the acoustic Signal
within the tubing 104 and a spike is produced at the time that
the valve 122 is opened. At the time that the valve 122 is
opened, the plunger 106 begins to ascend from the bottom
of the tubing upward through the tubing 104. At a time of
about 600 Seconds there is a dramatic decrease in tubing
preSSure. A Surface valve was opened to an open tank to
reduce the Surface tubing pressure. This drop in tubing
preSSure allowed the pressure below the plunger to lift the
liquid to the Surface which caused a Sudden increase in
tubing pressure. There is also a corresponding increase in
Sonic energy. This is due to the restriction in the flow line to
liquid flow. During the open valve period (afterflow) from
approximately 800 seconds to approximately 3,900 seconds,
the casing pressure Steadily decreases and the tubing pres
Sure decreases slightly. During this time gas flows from the
well through the flow line 120. At approximately the 3,900
Second time mark, the flow valve 122 is closed which results
in an increase in both the casing preSSure and tubing
preSSure. At this point the plunger is released from the
catcher 112 and begins to descend through the tubing 104.
AS it descends, a Sonic pulse is generated each time the
plunger passes a collar receSS. This pulse is due to both the
physical impact of the plunger with the receSS and the
release of gas around the plunger. A Sonic pulse is created for
each pass of a collar receSS as shown in the acoustic
waveform. At approximately the 5,200 second point it is
noted that the plunger hits the liquid and there is a noticeable
increase in the tubing pressure over a short period of time.
This is a pressure increase of approximately 1.0 psi over a
time of 50 Sec. There is a corresponding Spike of noise in the
acoustic waveform when the plunger hits the liquid.
When the plunger hits bottom, the increase in tubing
preSSure reduces and the tubing pressure becomes essen
tially constant. At the time that the plunger hits the bottom,
that is meets the Spring 108, the energy, that is noise,
monitored within the tubing 104 is dramatically decreased.
Thus, the reduction of the noise indicates that the plunger
106 has reached the bottom of the wellbore and is resting on
the spring 108. The detection of the termination of the noise
can therefore be used to generate an indicator that the flow
valve 122 should be opened to permit the plunger 106 and
a liquid slug to be elevated to the top of the wellbore due to
the gas pressure within the casing. AS further indicated in
FIG. 12, the height of the liquid in the slug can be deter
mined by the difference between the casing and tubing
preSSure divided by the Specific gravity of the gas at the end
of the shut-in period.
Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown an acoustic trace
which is a Signal produced by monitoring with a microphone
132 the sounds produced within the interior of the tubing
12
104 (referring to FIG. 1). The amplitude of the acoustic
Signal is indicated by the vertical axis on the left Side and the
preSSure Signals are indicated by the vertical axis on the
right-hand side. The first pulse on the left-hand side has four
cycles in descending amplitude. When the plunger 106
passes a collar receSS a Sudden acoustic pulse is generated
and this pulse is transmitted upwards through the tubing 104
to the microphone 132. This pulse is indicated by the first
cycle of the waveform on the left-hand side of the chart
shown in FIG. 13. This pulse is then reflected at the top of
the tubing 104 and travels down in the tubing until it again
encounters the plunger 106 where it reflects and then travels
upward through the tubing 104 back to the microphone 136.
The Second occurrence of the pulse is the Second cycle in the
15 waveform. The difference between the receipt times for the
first time of occurrence and the Second time of occurrence is
indicated by the symbol AT. The depth to the plunger can be
determined by taking one half of the travel time and mul
tiplying it by the velocity of sound in the tubing. The time
AT is the time required for the pulse to travel from the
Surface to the plunger and return to the Surface. Acoustic
Velocity can be determined in many ways or it can be entered
by the operator based upon the characteristics of the par
ticular well. Acoustic velocity can be determined by actively
25 generating an acoustic pulse by the gas gun 136 and col
lecting echo returns from the collars that are exposed within
the annulus of the casing 102. By knowing the average joint
length and the rate of receipt of collar echoS, the acoustic
Velocity of the Sound within the casing annulus can be
determined. This acoustic velocity can then be multiplied by
one half of the round trip travel time to determine the depth
of the plunger from the Surface.
Further referring to FIG. 13, a Second group of pulses are
shown at the right-hand Side of the figure. These indicate the
35 next occurrence of Sound being generated when the plunger
passes the next Succeeding collar receSS. The time determi
nation of AT is the roundtrip travel time between the
Surface and the plunger. Since the plunger is at a deeper
portion in the well, the time AT will be a larger time
40 difference. When this time difference is likewise multiplied
by acoustic Velocity with adjustment for the roundtrip
aspect, the position of the plunger can again be determined
from this time difference.
In referring to FIG. 13, the specific points for making the
45 AT time measurements can be the Zero croSSOverS or peaks
in the Signals, or any common point on the cycles can be
used. The rate of plunger fall can be determined by the
difference in time between the two pulses which represent a
distance of a joint of tubing (30 ft.).
50 FIG. 14 is a plunger fall trace measured by taking active
acoustic shots generated by the gas gun 136 and measured
by the well analyzer 128. The flow valve 122 is closed at
time 11:39:49 and the plunger depth is measured as shown
as a function of time until the plunger hits the fluid at a depth
55 of approximately 5,555 feet. The plunger velocity is indi
cated by the Vertical Scale on the right in the triangular data
points. Note that the plunger Velocity reaches essentially
Zero when it encounters the fluid in the well. The plunger
hits the fluid at a point approximately 245 feet above the
60 bottom of the tubing.
Referring now to FIG. 15 there is illustrated a calculation
of the height of the gas-free liquid in the tubing after the
plunger is on the bottom. The volume is determined by the
product of the height and area within the tubing. The height
65 of the liquid level is determined by the difference in the
casing and tubing pressures at points A and B divided by the
Specific gravity of the liquid. The acoustic waveform indi
 US 6,634,426 B2
13
cates the Sound being produced within the tubing. The
plunger is released at approximately the 65 minute time
point and as it descends through the tubing 104, the acoustic
pulses are generated as the plunger passes the collar
recesses. At approximately the 87 minute time the plunger
106 enters the fluid, thereby producing a sudden increase in
tubing pressure and a termination of noise generation within
the tubing. Both the termination of noise measured by the
microphone 132 and the Sudden increase in tubing preSSure
are indicators that the plunger 106 has entered within the
fluid at the bottom of the tubing 104. A lack of noise for a
time of a few Seconds can be an indication that the plunger
has entered the fluid or has ceased to fall.
The FIGS. 16-22 represent the measurement of well
parameters during a time period for a plunger lift cycle. This
Set of figures represents a measurement of the gas flow into
and out of the casing annulus of the well. FIG. 16 is a graph
of casing pressure transducer output versus time for a
plunger lift cycle. FIG. 17 is casing pressure plotted verSuS
time for values of casing pressure as opposed to raw data as
shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a showing of one cycle of data
per casing pressure. FIG. 19 is a Smooth data shape for the
data from FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a graph of the volume of gas
in the casing annulus as a function of the cycle of the
plunger. FIG. 21 is a graph of the gas flow rate from and into
the casing annulus shown in cubic feet per minute. A
negative valve is gas outflow and the positive valve is gas
inflow. FIG. 22 is an illustration of the gas flow rate
converted to million cubic feet per day.
FIG. 23 is a further screen illustration showing a sche
matic of a wellbore with the plunger 106 and the liquid slug
together with parameters associated with the wellbore.
FIG. 24 is a further illustration of the information
described in reference to AS FIG. 4.
FIG. 25 is a still further illustration of the information
shown in FIG. 4 with further information noting that this
data can be used to Set automatic controllers. Plunger lift
Systems are frequently operated by an automatic controller
and by use of the information shown in FIG. 25, this
automatic operation can be optimized. FIG. 25 further
includes a measurement of inflow performance as a percent
age of maximum based on producing bottom-hole pressure
and Static bottom-hole pressure.
FIG. 26 is a raw acoustic Signal from the microphone of
an Echometer compact gas gun with a /4 inch choke. The
acoustic signal is plotted as a function of time showing the
background noise up to shortly before 4,000 seconds when
the plunger fall is initiated and indicating when the plunger
hits the liquid at shortly after 5,000 seconds. Note that the
noise level Suddenly decreases after the plunger hits the
liquid. This Sudden decrease of the average noise level over
a short period of time can be utilized to indicate when the
plunger has reached the liquid. This Silent time can be a few
Seconds.
FIG. 27 is a plot of tubing pressure as a function of time
during which the plunger is operated. At the left-hand Side
of the graph there is shown the point at which the Surface
valve 122 is opened to allow flow of product to the sales
Separator. At a shortly later point in time, the Surface flow
Valve 122 is opened to the atmosphere resulting in a Sudden
drop of tubing pressure. Shortly before the 4,000 second
point, the Surface flow valve 122 is closed, thereby produc
ing an increase in tubing pressure.
FIG. 28 is an illustration of the raw data representing
casing pressure with arrows indicating points in time at
which the surface flow valve 122 is opened and the surface
14
flow valve 122 is closed. FIG. 29 illustrates tubing pressure
as a function of time based on the information shown in FIG.
27. FIG. 30 is a graph of casing pressure as a function of
time based upon the information derived in FIG. 28.
5 FIG.31 is a chart which is a function of time for multiple
parameters including casing pressure and tubing preSSure
and further including acoustic data collected by a micro
phone for receiving sound within the tubing 104. Measure
ment of the casing and tubing pressure allows analysis of in
flow gas rate and IPR (efficiency) if the static bottom-hole
pressure (SDBP) is known. The Vogel IPR analysis is
indicated in the Vertical Scale on the right Side of the
drawing. The upper line acroSS the graph is the calculated
production bottom-hole pressure (PBHP). An arrow shortly
after the 5,000 Second point indicates a change in Slope back
15
to the initial Slope before the change in Slope indicates when
the plunger hits the bottom of the tubing. Note also that at
approximately the same time the noise level within the
acoustic data trace Substantially reduces. Both the tubing
preSSure change and the termination of the acoustic noise
indicates that the plunger has reached the liquid within the
lower portion of the tubing.
The raw acoustic data shown in FIG. 31 is illustrated in
greater detail in FIG. 32. The raw acoustic data is also shown
in FIG.33 and is adjusted for plotting. FIG. 34 is a duplicate
25
of FIG. 30.
FIG. 35 is an illustration of generating an acoustic shot
(pulse) which is transmitted down to tubing 104 by opera
tion of the well analyzer 128 through activation of the gas
gun 136. The initial Sudden pulse is shown as a rising
waveform at the left side of the graph between 6,016 and
6,020 seconds. The reflection from the plunger is shown as
a downward pulse between the 6,024 and 6,028 second
markers. This is an active acoustic proceSS for measuring the
location of the plunger.
35
FIG. 36 is an illustration of raw acoustic data collected
over the time frame shown in the horizontal scale. FIG. 37
is a further is a further illustration of raw acoustic data
collected by the microphone 132 from sounds within the
40 tubing 104 on the indicated time frame on the horizontal
Scale.
FIG. 38 is a detailed and expanded view of an acoustic
signal collected within the tubing 104 by the microphone
132 indicating the passage of the plunger from the upper end
45 of the tubing 104 downward until the plunger enters into the
liquid. Each of the discrete pulses shown in this waveform
represents an acoustic pulse generated when the plunger
passes a collar receSS. By counting each of these pulses and
knowing the length of the tubing joints, the location (depth)
50 of the plunger can be determined at any given time. It can
further be determined when the plunger enters the liquid by
the Sudden Stop of the acoustic pulses that are produced
when the plunger passes the collar recesses. This informa
tion is collected by a microphone that is used within a
55 compact gas gun (CGG).
Referring now to FIG. 39, there is an expanded acoustic
waveform which is previously shown in FIG. 38. The
waveform shown in FIG. 39 also includes a count of the
received acoustic pulses produced when the plunger passes
60 collar recesses. The count of acoustic pulses is shown at the
top, indicated as 10, 20 and 28. For a typical tubing joint
length of 30 feet, the 10 count would indicate a depth
location of 300 feet, the 20 count would indicate a depth
location of 600 feet, and the 28 count would indicate a depth
65 location of 840 feet. For each acoustic pulse there is a
corresponding time, therefore the depth of the plunger
within the wellbore 104 can be determined for each time.
 US 6,634,426 B2
15
Further referring to FIG. 39, there can be a measurement
of roundtrip travel time, as previously disclosed, and this can
be used together with acoustic Velocity to determine the
depth location of the plunger by a different technique.
Referring to FIG. 40, there is a continuation of the
expanded acoustic waveform shown in FIG. 39 representing
the acoustic Signal recorded during the fall of the plunger
through the tubing 104. The plunger depth is known by a
count of the number of acoustic Signals which have been
received and from this the acoustic Velocity can be calcu
lated because the roundtrip travel time can be measured
from the waveform, and the depth is known by the count.
The specific gravity (SG) of the gas can be calculated from
the acoustic Velocity, pressure and temperature.
Referring to FIG. 41, there is a further continuation of the
acoustic waveform previously shown in FIGS. 38-40 with
further counts of acoustic pulses generated when the plunger
passes collar recesses in the tubing. This is a count up
through the 109" collar recess. FIG. 42 is a continuation of
the waveform with a count up through the 152" collar
CCCSS.
FIG. 43 is a still further illustration of the acoustic
waveform with a count of 173 joints to the liquid and further
indicating where the plunger enters the liquid. By review of
theses Series of graphs illustrating the acoustic Signal moni
tored within the tubing, it can be determined that the plunger
was dropped at the 3,900 second time. The fall time was
therefor 1,235 seconds (20 and % minutes). The average
Velocity was approximately 282 feet per Second.
Referring to FIG. 44 there is shown tubing pressure
during the time period when the Surface flow through the
line 120 terminates. When the flow ends, the tubing pressure
increases.
Referring to FIG. 45, there is illustrated the tubing pres
Sure as a function of time when the Surface flow valve 122
is closed. Note initially that there is a uniform increase in
preSSure over time.
In FIG. 46 there is shown tubing pressure in a raw data
form when the surface flow valve 122 is closed. It is during
this time that the plunger 106 is dropping downward through
the tubing 104. AS the plunger 106 passes collar recesses, a
preSSure variation is generated which is received at the
surface by operation of the transducer 134. Representative
preSSure variation pulses are indicated by the downward
facing arrows in FIG. 46.
In FIG. 47 there is shown tubing pressure when the
Surface valve is closed. It is during this time that the plunger
106 is descending in a tubing 104. Note that there is a steady,
although Somewhat erratic increase in tubing pressure dur
ing this time period.
Referring to FIG. 48, there is shown tubing pressure
measured as a function of time when the plunger has reached
the bottom of the tubing 104. Note the point when the
plunger enters the liquid. At this point the tubing preSSure
increases over a short period of time by at least a measurable
magnitude. A point is noted in the waveform when the
plunger apparently lands on the Spring at the bottom of the
tubing. The tubing preSSure increases apparently due to the
entering of the plunger into the fluid wherein there is leSS
differential pressure across the plunger and this loSS of
preSSure differential results in an increase of tubing pressure
which is measured at the Surface.
Referring to FIG. 49, there is shown a graph of tubing
preSSure over a given time period wherein gas from the
tubing goes to a separator and over a different time gas from
the tubing goes to a Surface tank.
16
Referring to FIG. 50, there is shown a graph of tubing
pressure while the plunger falls through the tubing 104. Note
that there are Spikes showing increases of pressure at an
average of approximately 5-7 Seconds, which corresponds
to the time of travel between collar recesses for the plunger
106.
FIG. 51 is a graph of a high pass filter. FIG. 52 is an
illustration of tubing pressure in a waveform which has been
filtered by use of the filter shown in FIG. 51 for the time
period during which the plunger 106 is falling through the
tubing 104.
FIG. 53 is a further plot of tubing pressure data which has
been filtered but which represents a different period of time
from that shown in FIG. 52. Note that there are spikes in
15 tubing pressure and these correspond to the passage of the
plunger 108 past recesses in the collars of tubing 104. FIG.
54 is a further filtered tubing pressure graph for a further
time Segment of the plunger fall.
FIG. 55 is a further illustration of filtered tubing data
during the plunger fall with particular Spikes in preSSure
change representing pressure changes produced when the
plunger 106 passes collar recesses in the tubing 104.
FIG. 56 is a further graph of tubing pressure data which
25 has been filtered and represents the Signal produced from the
tubing preSSure transducer 134 during a given time interval
of the plunger fall through the tubing 104. Note that in this
graph the Spikes of tubing pressure are very distinct and can
be counted and measured.
Referring to FIG. 57, there is shown a further example of
Sound pulses received from plunger 106 as it passes down
ward through the tubing 104 and generates Sound pulses that
are transmitted to the Surface, reflected and transmitted
down to the plunger, again reflected and returned to the
35 Surface. In this example, a measurement is made between
the first in a group of the pulses at the left-hand Side of the
page and a Second in a group of the pulses at the right-hand
Side of the page. This represents the travel time of the
plunger between collar recesses. In this case the time dif
40 ference between the two points can be determined, and this
divided into the joint length (31.7 feet) for determining the
Velocity of the plunger. The Specific example shown pro
duces a plunger Speed of approximately 5.4 feet per Second.
Referring now to FIG. 58, there is shown an acoustic
45 Signal measured as a plunger descends in a well together
with corresponding measurements of casing pressure and
tubing preSSure during the same time interval. The points in
the waveform when the plunger Starts down the tubing are
marked. By measuring the differences between the groups of
50 pulses, Such as the measurement of 6.75 Seconds at the
center of the graph, and by knowing a tally of the actual
tubing joints installed in the well, or an estimate of tubing
joint lengths, the fall Velocity can be determined for the
plunger 106 for each joint in the tubing.
55 Referring to FIG. 59, there is shown an acoustic trace
recorded during a plunger fall through liquid with relative
casing pressure and relative tubing preSSure. The impact of
the plunger with the liquid is indicated at the left-hand Side
with the large amplitude signal at 5137 seconds. Note at the
60 5205 Second point that the amplitude of the acoustic energy
Suddenly decreases, therefore indicating that the plunger has
landed at the bottom of the liquid column on the spring 108.
Note that the relative tubing pressure has a change in Slope
between the 5175 and 5180 time points. This is the point at
65 which the plunger enterS Some gas. The point at which the
plunger enters the liquid is further indicated by the Sudden
transient of the tubing pressure just after the 5135 second
 US 6,634,426 B2
17
mark. The time between the 5175 and 5180 point and the
marker at the 5205 point indicates the height of a gaseous
liquid column in the well. The distance between the initial
entry at the fluid just after 5135 point and the change in slope
of the tubing pressure between the 5175 and 5180 points
indicates a transition from the fluid to the gaseous column.
Referring to FIG. 60, there is shown tubing pressure,
casing preSSure and an acoustic Signal representing the rise
of the plunger 106 to the surface through the tubing 104. The
left-hand point is the beginning of the unloading and the
center Spike in the acoustic waveform and the tubing pres
Sure represents the arrival of liquid above the plunger to the
Surface of the borehole. The after flow follows this transi
tion.
Referring to FIG. 61, there is shown tubing pressure,
casing preSSure and an acoustic waveform monitored in the
tubing for the fall of the plunger. This clearly illustrates the
ability to count the number of joints that were passed by the
plunger 106 as it descended through the tubing 104. A count
of 17 joints is shown.
Referring to FIG. 62, there is shown an acoustic wave
form together with tubing and casing pressure for a plunger
that falls through the liquid at the bottom of the tubing. At
the far left side is shown the entry into the liquid with the
Sudden transition of the tubing pressure and the generation
of a loud noise event. The plunger hit the liquid at 5136.8
seconds and reached bottom at 5205 seconds. The velocity
of plunger fall in liquid can be calculated from this data.
Referring to FIG. 63, there is shown an acoustic wave
form together with casing and tubing pressure for a plunger
fall with very clearly ascertainable acoustic noise events
being recorded at the surface of the tubing 104 wherein each
event represents the passage of the plunger past a collar
receSS. These can be counted to determine the depth of the
plunger from the Surface.
During plunger lift operations, knowledge of the location
of the plunger is desired. Presently, after the plunger is
released at the top of the well and the plunger is falling down
the tubing, an acoustic test can be performed to determine
the plunger depth. An acoustic test consists of generating an
acoustic pulse at the top of the well. This acoustic pulse
travels through the gas in the tubing and is reflected from the
top of the plunger. A microphone receives these acoustic
pulses. The distance to the plunger can be obtained by
counting the number of tubing collar reflections from to the
Surface to the plunger or by calculating the distance from the
Surface to the plunger with knowledge of the round trip
travel time and a calculated or measured acoustic velocity
determined from gas properties. On a limited basis, this
technique has been used to locate the plunger during plunger
lift operations.
Plunger lift operations can be improved by using a
computer well monitoring and analysis unit Such as the
Echometer Company Well Analyzer (Model E) (see analyzer
128 in FIG. 1) or similar instrument to monitor the casing
preSSure and the tubing pressure. Liquid normally does not
occur in the casing annulus Since the liquid is forced into the
tubing by gas that has accumulated in the casing annulus.
The gas liquid interface in the casing annulus is normally
located at the tubing inlet. With knowledge of the surface
preSSure and gas properties, a producing bottomhole pres
Sure can be calculated. This can be compared to the reservoir
preSSure instantaneously or over a period of time to monitor
the flow rate efficiency of both gas and liquid from the
formation. Monitoring can be performed on a continuous
basis or during one cycle of operation in order to better
18
understand the overall performance and the producing rate
efficiency of the well. If the tubing preSSure is acquired at a
rate of 10 to 250 hertz, the location of the plunger can be
monitored also. The pressure transducer 134 is monitored at
a high rate So that the preSSure transducer is used as a
microphone and also as a pressure transducer. Thus, the
actual tubing pressure is measured, and also Small variations
in tubing pressure are recorded.
When the surface valve is closed, the plunger 106 falls.
The weight of the plunger causes the plunger to fall, but the
plunger fall rate is restricted by the pressure below the
plunger and by friction between the plunger and the tubing
wall. A typical fall rate is 500 feet per minute. As the plunger
passes a tubing collar receSS, a disturbance or change in the
15 plunger fall rate and the gas flow leakage rate will occur
which will be indicated at the Surface tubing preSSure. Thus,
monitoring the Surface tubing pressure allows the operator to
monitor the plunger movement and thus enable the operator
to know the plunger location as well as the rate at which the
plunger is falling. The plunger can be monitored until it hits
the liquid. Normally, gas will be flowing upward in the
liquid that is present in the tubing and will aerate the liquid
column. Also, Some gas may accumulate below the plunger
as the plunger is falling through the aerated liquid column.
25 The operator desires to know if the plunger falls to the
bottom of the tubing. After a predetermined time, the Surface
flow valve is opened which reduces the pressure above the
liquid column and causes the pressure below the plunger to
lift the plunger and the liquid above the plunger to the
Surface. By knowing when the Surface flow valve is opened
and when the plunger hits the Surface, the movement and
Velocity of the plunger when the plunger is traveling
upwards can be determined. When the plunger hits the top
of the well, the pressure in the casing will be almost equal
35 to the pressure in the tubing if all of the liquid in the tubing
is removed and if the gas flow friction is low. By calculation
of the gas flow rate friction and measurement of the casing
preSSure and tubing pressure, the amount of liquid and
backpressure remaining in the tubing can be calculated
40 reasonably accurately. Thus it can be estimated as to whether
the plunger traveled completely to the bottom or not and
other factors of operation.
This process can be monitored using the portable Well
Analyzer or other electronic device to measure the casing
45 preSSure and tubing pressure. A Software program can be run
to monitor and analyze the performance of the plunger lift
operation. This can tell the operator the location of the
plunger (at least while above the liquid level in the tubing),
the efficiency of the lift System, the producing rate efficiency
50 of the gas from the formation and the producing bottomhole
preSSure. Desired changes in cycle times, equipment and
other factors can be determined to optimize production rates.
Plots of plunger depth Versus time and producing bottom
hole pressure versus time aid in analyzing the plunger lift
55 System. Schematic displays of the well showing the casing,
tubing, plunger, downhole preSSures, Surface preSSures and
the liquid levels, at periodic intervals (one minute), can be
shown that are extremely useful in helping the operator to
understand the behavior of the System and can help the
60 operator to improve gas and liquid production, cycle times
and other factors affecting the operation of the System.
An automated electronic System, including tubing pres
Sure and/or casing pressure measurement, can be perma
nently installed at the well to monitor and display this data
65 and analysis and possibly control the opening and closing of
the Surface flow valve. This data can be downloaded to a
computer if desired.
 US 6,634,426 B2
19
The process of the present invention monitorS Signals and
parameters and this monitoring can be performed by Sensors
Such as shown in FIG. 1 connected to an electronic well
analyzer 128. The operations of collecting the data and
digitizing the Signal followed by performing operations Such
as counting the Sounds returned from the plunger as it
descends through the tubing are performed by Software
within the well analyzer 128. This software further performs
the functions Such as counting the Sounds and multiplying
by the joint length to determine the depth of the plunger in
the tubing. This can then be displayed to the operator on the
Screen of the analyzer. Further, the Software can perform the
function of determining the receipt of acoustic Sounds and
tubing pressure variations created when the plunger passes
recesses in the tubing. When a predetermined time has
passed without receiving these responses, the Software can
determine that the plunger has reached the fluid and display
a response indicating Such to the operator, Such as a specific
display on the Screen. Each of the indicators described
herein can be displayed on the Screen of the well analyzer
128, or any other computer System, or can be produced by
other indicatorS Such as lights or Sounds. These indicators
can also be electronic Signals which are connected to a
controller for a plunger lift System and used by that con
troller to operate valves in the plunger lift System.
The animation described in respect to FIGS. 6 and 7 can
be generated by the well analyzer 128 by operation of
Software therein. The animation shows multiple positions of
the plunger, together with any liquid slug, within the well
bore Such that the operator can visually See the location of
the plunger within the well Schematic, which is displayed on
the screen of the well analyzer 128. This animation is
controlled by the measurements and calculations described
above for determining the location of the plunger in the
tubing. The parameters displayed in conjunction with the
display of the well bore Schematic can be updated as these
parameters are measured in real time by the Sensors con
nected to the well analyzer 128.
Although several embodiments of the invention have been
illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in
the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood
that the invention is not limited to the embodiments
disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modi
fications and Substitutions without departing from the Scope
of the invention.
What is claimed is:
1. A method for determining a depth of a plunger posi
tioned within a tubing String which is located in a wellbore,
comprising the Steps of:
acoustically monitoring the interior of Said tubing String
to detect Sounds produced by Said plunger as Said
plunger passes tubing collar recesses of Said tubing
String, wherein each Sound is associated with one of
Said tubing collar recesses,
counting a plurality of Said Sounds produced by Said
plunger to produce a count number, and
determining the depth of Said plunger in Said tubing String
as a function of Said count number and a length of
tubing joints in Said tubing String.
2. The method recited in claim 1 including the step of
providing Said depth to a plunger lift controller for optimiz
ing production from Said wellbore.
3. The method recited in claim 1 including the step of
providing Said depth to a plunger lift controller for deter
mining a time of operation of a flow control valve connected
to regulate flow from Said tubing String.
20
4. A method for determining a position of a plunger,
which is positioned in a tubing String that is located in a
wellbore, with respect to fluid in the Wellbore, comprising
the Steps of:
5 acoustically monitoring the interior of Said tubing String,
as Said plunger descends through Said tubing String, to
produce a monitored Signal,
determining an acoustic amplitude of Said monitored
Signal,
comparing a present value of Said acoustic amplitude with
a previous amplitude to determine when the present
value is less than Said previous amplitude by a prede
termined amount, and
generating an indicator that Said plunger has reached Said
15
fluid when it has been determined that said present
value of Said acoustic amplitude is less than Said
previous acoustic amplitude by Said predetermined
amount.
5. The method recited in claim 4 including the step of
providing Said indicator to a plunger lift controller for
optimizing production from Said wellbore.
6. The method recited in claim 4 including the step of
providing Said indicator to a plunger lift controller for
determining a time of operation of a flow control valve
25
connected to regulate flow from Said tubing String.
7. A method for determining a position of a plunger,
which is positioned in a tubing String that is located in a
wellbore, with respect to fluid in the Wellbore, comprising
the Steps of:
monitoring gas pressure in Said tubing String at the Surface
of Said wellbore as Said plunger descends through Said
tubing String toward Said fluid in Said wellbore,
detecting changes in Said gas pressure,
determining when Said gas pressure has increased by a
35
predetermined amount within a predetermined time,
and
generating an indicator that Said plunger has reached Said
fluid when it has been determined that Said gas pressure
40 has increased by Said predetermined amount within
Said predetermined time.
8. The method recited in claim 7 including the step of
providing Said indicator to a plunger lift controller for
optimizing production from Said wellbore.
45 9. The method recited in claim 7 including the step of
providing Said indicator to a plunger lift controller for
determining a time of operation of a flow control valve
connected to regulate flow from Said tubing String.
10. A method for determining a depth from the surface of
50 a wellbore for a plunger positioned in a tubing String which
is located in the Wellbore, comprising the Steps of:
acoustically monitoring the interior of Said tubing String at
the wellbore Surface to detect a Sound produced by Said
plunger as it passes a tubing collar receSS of Said tubing
55 String, wherein Said Sound travels from the plunger to
the wellbore Surface and is received in a first occur
rence and the Sound reflects from the upper end of the
tubing String and travels back to the plunger, and the
Sound reflects from the plunger and travels to the
60 wellbore Surface and is received in a Second
OCCurrence,
measuring a time difference between the receipt of the
Sound in the first occurrence and the Second
occurrence, and
65 determining a distance from the Wellbore Surface to the
plunger as a function of Said time difference and
acoustic velocity of Said Sound in Said wellbore.
 US 6,634,426 B2
21
11. The method recited in claim 10 including the step of
providing Said distance to a plunger lift controller for
optimizing production from Said wellbore.
12. The method recited in claim 10 including the step of
providing Said distance to a plunger lift controller for
determining a time of operation of a flow control valve
connected to regulate flow from Said tubing String.
13. A method for determining a depth of a plunger in a
tubing String which is located in a wellbore, comprising the
Steps of:
monitoring the gas pressure in Said tubing String to
produce a preSSure Signal as Said plunger descends
downward from an upper end of Said tubing String,
wherein Said plunger causes a variation in Said gas
preSSure within Said tubing String as Said plunger passes
each of a plurality of tubing collar recesses in Said
tubing String,
counting Said variations in tubing gas preSSure produced
by Said plunger in Said pressure Signal to produce a
count number, and
determining the depth of Said plunger in Said tubing String
as a function of Said count number of Said variations in
tubing gas pressure and the length of tubing joints in
Said tubing String.
14. The method recited in claim 13 including the step of
providing Said depth to a plunger lift controller for optimiz
ing production from Said wellbore.
15. The method recited in claim 13 including the step of
providing Said depth to a plunger lift controller for deter
mining time of operation of a flow control valve connected
to regulate flow from Said tubing String.
16. A method for determining a depth of a plunger in a
tubing String which is located in a wellbore, comprising the
Steps of:
Sampling the gas pressure in Said tubing String to collect
a plurality of data Samples comprising a pressure Signal
as Said plunger descends downward from an upper end
of Said tubing String, wherein Said plunger causes a
variation in Said gas pressure within Said tubing String
as Said plunger passes each of a plurality of tubing
collar recesses in Said tubing String,
Sampling Said gas pressure at a rate Such that the plurality
of Said data Samples is collected in Said pressure Signal
for each pass of Said plunger past one of Said collar
receSSeS,
counting Said variations in gas pressure in Said pressure
Signal to produce a count number, and
determining the depth of Said plunger in Said tubing String
as a function of Said count number of Said variations in
gas pressure and a length of tubing joints in Said tubing
String.
17. The method recited in claim 16 including the step of
providing Said depth to a plunger lift controller for optimiz
ing production from Said wellbore.
18. The method recited in claim 16 including the step of
providing Said determined depth to a plunger lift controller
for determining a time of operation of a flow control valve
connected to regulate flow from Said tubing String.
19. A method for determining a depth of a plunger in a
tubing String which is located in a wellbore, comprising the
Steps of:
Sampling the gas pressure in Said tubing String to collect
a plurality of data Samples comprising a pressure Signal
as Said plunger descends downward from an upper end
of Said tubing String, wherein Said plunger causes a
variation in Said gas pressure within Said tubing String
22
as Said plunger passes each of a plurality of tubing
collar recesses in Said tubing String,
Sampling Said gas preSSure at a rate Sufficiently fast to
capture in Said pressure Signal a plurality of Said data
Samples for each of Said variations in Said gas pressure
produced as Said plunger passes Said tubing collar
recesses in Said tubing String,
counting Said variations in tubing gas pressure in Said
preSSure Signal to produce a count number, and
determining the depth of Said plunger in Said tubing String
as a function of Said count number of Said variations in
Said gas pressure and a length of tubing joints in Said
tubing String.
20. The method recited in claim 19 including the step of
15 providing Said depth to a plunger lift controller for optimiz
ing production from Said wellbore.
21. The method recited in claim 19 including the step of
providing Said depth to a plunger lift controller for deter
mining a time of operation of a flow control valve connected
to regulate flow from Said tubing String.
22. A method for determining when a plunger in a tubing
String, which is located in a borehole, reaches fluid at a lower
end of the tubing String, comprising the Steps of:
acoustically monitoring the interior of Said tubing String
25
to detect a Sound produced by Said plunger as it passes
each of a plurality of tubing collar recesses in Said
tubing String,
determining when a predetermined period of time has
passed without receiving one of Said Sounds produced
by Said plunger as it passes said collar recesses, and
generating an indication that Said plunger has reached Said
fluid when Said predetermined period of time has
passed without receiving one of Said Sounds produced
by Said plunger as it passes said collar recesses.
35 23. The method recited in claim 22 including the step of
providing Said indication to a plunger lift controller for
optimizing production from Said wellbore.
24. The method recited in claim 22 including the step of
providing Said indication to a plunger lift controller for
40 determining a time of operation of a flow control valve
connected to regulate flow from Said tubing String.
25. A method for determining when a plunger in a tubing
String, which is located in a borehole, reaches fluid at the
lower end of the tubing String, comprising the Steps of:
45 monitoring gas pressure in the interior of Said tubing
String to produce a pressure Signal as Said plunger
descends downward from an upper end of Said tubing
String, wherein Said plunger causes a variation in Said
gas pressure within Said tubing String as Said plunger
50 passes each of a plurality of tubing collar recesses in
Said tubing String,
determining when a predetermined period of time has
passed without receiving one of Said pressure variations
produced by Said plunger as it passes Said collar
55 recesses, and
generating an indication that Said plunger has reached Said
fluid when Said predetermined period of time has
passed without receiving one of Said pressure variations
produced by Said plunger as it passes Said collar
60 CCCSSCS.
26. The method recited in claim 25 including the step of
providing Said indication to a plunger lift controller for
optimizing production from Said wellbore.
27. The method recited in claim 25 including the step of
65 providing Said indication to a plunger lift controller for
determining a time of operation of a flow control valve
connected to regulate flow from Said tubing String.
 US 6,634,426 B2
23
28. A method for producing a display for indicating
performance of a plunger lift System for a wellbore which
has a tubing String installed therein, and a plunger is located
in the tubing String, comprising the Steps of
producing on a display Screen a Schematic of Said well
bore and including a representation of Said plunger in
Said tubing String,
monitoring gas pressure in Said tubing String to produce a
preSSure Signal which includes therein gas preSSure
variations caused by Said plunger passing tubing collar
receSS in Said tubing String,
counting Said tubing pressure variations in Said pressure
Signal to produce a count number,
determining depths of Said plunger in Said tubing String as
a function of Said count number and tubing joint length
for tubing joints comprising Said tubing String, and
positioning Said plunger representation in Said wellbore
Schematic at a plurality of positions which are a func
tion of Said depths determined for said plunger in Said
tubing String.
29. A method for producing a display for indicating
performance of a plunger lift System for a wellbore which
has a tubing String installed therein, and a plunger is located
in the tubing String, comprising the Steps of
producing on a display Screen a Schematic of Said well
bore and including a representation of Said plunger in
Said tubing String,
acoustically monitoring the interior of Said tubing String
to detect Sounds produced by Said plunger as Said
plunger passes tubing collar recesses of Said tubing
String, wherein each Said Sound is associated with one
of Said tubing collar recesses,
counting a plurality of Said Sounds produced by Said
plunger to produce a count number,
determining depths of Said plunger in Said tubing String as
a function of Said number count and tubing joint length
for tubing joints comprising Said tubing String, and
positioning Said plunger representation in Said wellbore
Schematic at a plurality of positions which are a func
tion of Said depths determined for said plunger in Said
tubing String.
24
30. A method for producing a display for indicating
performance of a plunger lift System for a wellbore which
has a tubing String installed therein, and a plunger is located
in the tubing String, comprising the Steps of
5 producing on a display Screen a Schematic of Said well
bore and including a representation of Said plunger in
Said tubing String,
monitoring gas pressure in Said tubing String to produce a
preSSure Signal which includes therein gas preSSure
Variations caused by Said plunger passing tubing collar
receSS in Said tubing String,
counting Said gas pressure variations in Said pressure
Signal to produce a count number,
determining depths of Said plunger in Said tubing String as
15
a function of Said count number and tubing joint length
for tubing joints comprising Said tubing String,
acoustically monitoring the interior of Said tubing String
to detect Sounds produced by Said plunger as Said
plunger passes tubing collar recesses of Said tubing
String, wherein each Said Sound is associated with one
of Said tubing collar recesses,
counting a plurality of Said Sounds produced by Said
plunger to produce a count number,
positioning Said plunger representation in Said wellbore
25
Schematic at a plurality of positions which are a func
tion of Said depths determined by pressure and acous
tically for Said plunger in Said tubing String.
31. A method for evaluating a production performance of
a wellbore which has a plunger lift System in which a
plunger is located within a tubing String which is positioned
in the wellbore, comprising the Steps of:
monitoring casing pressure of Said borehole,
monitor tubing pressure within Said tubing String to
35 produce a tubing pressure Signal,
calculating one or more parameters relating to the pro
duction performance of Said borehole, Said parameters
based on Said monitored casing pressure and Said
monitored tubing pressure, and
40 determining the depth of Said plunger in Said tubing String
based on data in Said tubing preSSure Signal.
k k k k k