The Science of PECL

Natural-gas recovery is an inexact science with every well's unique conditions and setup contributing to its ultimate efficiency and productivity.

Recognizing this, Ferguson Beauregard has engaged in an effort to make the process of gas recovery more exact, resulting in a combination of the best aspects of its renowned plunger-lift and chamber-lift technologies that has led to the creation of Plunger-Enhanced Chamber Lift (PECL™).

"Maximizing every well's productivity and efficiency is front-of-mind for every field operator, and with PECL™ they now have the tools necessary to make this need a reality," said Jack Rogers, President of Ferguson Beauregard. "This combination of our plunger-lift and chamber-lift technologies will help significantly improve a well’s operating economics and efficiencies."

When gas flow drops below critical velocity wells cease to operate efficiently since the produced liquids can no longer be removed effectively from the wellbore. Traditional methods to combat this condition have included the introduction of "gas lift" wherein high-pressure gas is injected into the wellbore’s annulus with a series of valves in the tubing string teaming to lift the liquid to the surface with a corresponding return to critical velocity for the flow rate.

Taking gas lift to the next level is "chamber lift," a process—which can be used in a wide range of wells, from those with long perforated interval reservoirs to those with low-pressure reservoirs—where gas is injected into the annulus where it moves the fluid from the chamber into the production tubing. However, this process can result in a high level of gas slippage through the fluid slug, leading to liquid fallback that compromises gas recovery.

To combat this condition, PECL™ adds a plunger to the chamber-lift operation, thereby improving the efficiency of liquid removal and almost eliminating liquid fallback. This is possible because the introduction of the plunger creates a solid interface between the liquid slug above the plunger and the gas energy that is below the plunger, which effectively sweeps the tubing clear of liquid on its ascent.

The result of this combination of plunger-lift and chamber-lift technologies is significant improvement in the operating economics for well operations. A motor at the surface of a PECL™-enhanced well allows the discharge gas to be used as the prime energy source for the plunger, further enhancing the system’s overall operating performance and environmental friendliness.

"PECL™ is the next generation of gas recovery and an exciting new production aid that we are confident will optimize the flow and production rates of marginal and mature wells worldwide," said Rogers.