Plunger lift controller
AssigneeTexas Electronics Resources, Inc.
InventorsAlfred Majek, Chris Fields
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A microprocessor-based controller for oil or gas wells using a plunger lift device is disclosed, which responds to variations in the well production and operation through a series of pressure input signals derived from the well operation. The controller will automatically make corrections in the operation cycles to maximize the well performance and maintain environmental safety.
Claims17
A controller to control production of a well using tubing positioned in a casing and a plunger in the tubing and a plunger detector near the surface of the well and a valve between the tubing and an outlet line, comprising:
- a microprocessor having an output connected to the valve to open and close the valve, a first pressure sensing means for sensing pressure in the tubing and a second pressure sensing means for sensing pressure in the casing and an input connected to the plunger detector;
- said microprocessor having an entry means for setting a first pressure value for said first pressure sensing means and a second pressure value for said second pressure sensing means;
- and
- said microprocessor having a test means for sensing said first pressure sensing means reaching said first pressure value and said second pressure sensing means reaching said second pressure value and then opening the valve.
A method of controlling production of a well having tubing positioned in a casing and a plunger in the tubing and a plunger detector near the surface of the well and a valve between the tubing and an outlet line, comprising the steps of:
- detecting the event of a first pressure reaching a first pressure value in the casing and a second pressure reaching a second pressure value in the tubing;
- opening the valve upon the event;
- detecting the presence of the plunger using the plunger detector;
- closing the valve;
- and
- monitoring said tubing and said casing for said first pressure to reach said first pressure value and said second pressure to reach said second pressure value.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.