Method And Apparatus For Removing Liquids From Wells

Abstract

A method and pump apparatus for removing formation fluids from a “liquid loaded” gas well is provided. The pump apparatus is adapted to be positioned downhole a well and is hydraulically operated to lift formation fluid, such as water from the well to “unload” the well and reestablish gas production. The pump apparatus includes a pump body, a hydraulic head connected to the pump body, and a displacement plunger operated by the hydraulic head to reciprocate the displacement plunger within pump body to draw-in and displace formation fluid from the pump apparatus. The pump apparatus is a fluid displacement type pump and has a low power consumption affording use of the pump apparatus at even the most remote well locations. Additionally, a method of operating the pump apparatus is provided

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation in part (CIP) of co-pending application Ser. No. 10 / 926,424 filed Aug. 26, 2004, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to methods and systems for lifting fluids from a well. More particularly, relating to a method and apparatus for removing formation fluid, such as water from a low production gas well to reduce static pressure within the well created by the formation fluid, thereby increasing production of gas from the well. DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART [0003] Many gas wells experience decreased gas production over the service time of the well, and some eventually cease gas production completely. Factors causing this problem include declining reservoir pressure and gas velocities, and increased liquid production. The increased liquid production can results in a column of liquid to accumulating at the bottom of the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and method for efficiently removing fluid from a well is provided. The apparatus is relatively inexpensive to manufacture as it incorporates readily available components and is inexpensive to operate due to a low electrical load requirement, which can be met by using solar power systems or by a small electric generator. The low power requirement make the instant invention very conducive for operation with wells that do not have access to wired electrical power.

Problems solved by technology

Many gas wells experience decreased gas production over the service time of the well, and some eventually cease gas production completely.

Factors causing this problem include declining reservoir pressure and gas velocities, and increased liquid production.

Siphon strings are very difficult to size properly so that the gas velocity meets or exceeds a minimum or critical velocity to prevent the well from loading up.

One deficiency of a plunger lift system in the amount of time required for each cycle of the system.

A pump jack is an old fashion system and is prone to wear resulting in down time required to make necessary repairs.

Submersible pumps are limited to the depth of the well and become less efficient in operation the deeper the well is.

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