| BMP ID: |
7480 |
| Title: |
Install Plunger Lift Systems in Gas Wells |
| Text: |
Installing a plunger lift system is a cost-effective alternative for removing liquids. Plunger lift systems have the additional benefit of increasing production, as well as significantly reducing methane emissions associated with blowdown operations. A plunger lift uses gas pressure buildup in a well to lift a column of accumulated fluid out of the well. The plunger lift system helps to maintain gas production and may reduce the need for other remedial
operations. |
| Source Publication Name: |
Connect Casing to Vapor Recovery Unit |
| Citation Section: |
Lessons Learned |
| Citation Page: |
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| Supplemental Documents: |
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| Usage Type: |
Recommended |
| Timing: |
• Production / Operation / Maintenance
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| Oil / Gas Field: |
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| Surface Ownership: |
• Federal
• State
• Private
|
| Mineral Ownership: |
• Federal
• State
• Private
|
| Primary Contact: |
Environmental Protection Agency
Ariel Rios Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20460 United States |
| Phone: | (202) 272-0167 |
|
Alt. Phone: | (202) 272-0165 |
| Fax: | |
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E-mail: | |
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| Alternate Contact: |
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| Categories: |
Air Quality and Emissions
|
| Location: |
General / Federal |
| Species: |
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| Vegetation Types: |
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| General Comments: |
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| Cost-Benefit Analysis: |
The installation of a plunger lift system serves as a cost-effective alternative
to beam lifts and well blowdown and yields significant economic and environmental benefits. The extent and nature of these benefits depend on the liquid removal system that the plunger lift is replacing.
*Lower capital cost versus installing beam lift equipment.
*Lower well maintenance and fewer remedial treatments.
*Continuous production improves gas production rates and increases
efficiency.
*In calculating the economic benefits of plunger lifts, the savings from avoided emissions are only one of many factors to consider in the analysis. Additional savings may result from the salvage value of surplus production equipment and the associated reduction in electricity and work over costs. Moreover, wells that move water continuously out of the well bore have the potential to produce more condensate and oil.
|
| BMP Efficacy: |
*Reduced paraffin and scale buildup.
*Lower methane emissions. |
| Date Entered: |
2010-07-29 09:28 UTC |
| Last Updated: |
2011-07-17 13:49 UTC |
