Plunger Position Detection in Gas Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining when a plunger reaches the bottom of a natural gas well are inefficient, often relying on pressure and acoustic signals that are difficult to identify due to background noise and signal loss, leading to suboptimal well operation and potential damage from premature plunger retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A system using an acoustic source positioned at the well bottom that generates a signal when struck by the plunger, which is transmitted to the surface for processing, allowing precise detection of the plunger's position using acoustic receivers and circuitry that filters out noise and provides an output indicative of the plunger's arrival.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If pressure and acoustic signals are used to detect plunger position, then detection capability is provided, but signal reliability deteriorates due to background noise and signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
An acoustic source is introduced as an intermediary device positioned at the bottom of the well. This acoustic source generates a distinctive acoustic signal when struck by the plunger, serving as a reliable indicator of plunger arrival. The intermediary acoustic source transforms the detection problem from relying on weak, noise-prone pressure signals to detecting strong, distinctive acoustic signals that can be reliably identified above background noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution utilizes mechanical vibration through the acoustic source that is struck by the plunger. When the plunger impacts the acoustic source, it generates vibrations that produce a distinctive acoustic signal. This mechanical vibration approach converts the plunger's kinetic energy into a detectable acoustic signature that is easily distinguishable from background noise, resolving the reliability issue.
2Ease of operation
If plunger retrieval is performed without accurate position detection, then operational simplicity is maintained, but well damage risk increases due to premature retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using the acoustic signal from the acoustic source as a definitive indicator that the plunger has reached the bottom. This feedback mechanism provides clear, unambiguous information about plunger position, allowing operators to confidently retrieve the plunger only after confirmed arrival at the bottom, thereby preventing premature retrieval and associated well damage risks while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If plunger-based lift system is used to remove liquid, then well production is extended, but liquid removal completeness deteriorates without accurate position detection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical position detection methods with acoustic signal detection. Instead of relying on mechanical sensors or direct observation at the bottom of the well, the system uses acoustic signals generated by the plunger's impact with the acoustic source. This substitution enables precise determination of plunger arrival at the bottom, ensuring complete liquid removal before the next cycle begins, thereby maintaining extended well production duration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables accurate and timely detection of the plunger's position, optimizing well operation by ensuring complete liquid removal and preventing damage, thereby extending well production and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic source carried in the well configured to transmit an acoustic signal when the plunger reaches a sense location in the well
Data Source
AI summary
A system (182) for identifying location of a plunger (110) that moves along a length of a well (100), includes an acoustic source (160, 170) carried in the well configured to transmit an acoustic signal when the plunger (110) reaches a sense location in the well (100). An acoustic receiver (184) is positioned at a top (116) of the well (100) and is configured to receive the acoustic signal. Processing circuitry processes the received acoustic signal and provides an output indicative of the plunger reaching the sense location.