System and method of well operations using a virtual plunger
US11401788B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 2021 |
| Grant date | Aug 2, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/122
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and system of producing fluid from a well with a gas lift system that includes a virtual plunger made from a plunger forming material. The virtual plunger is formed downhole by injecting the plunger forming material directly into a column of liquid inside production tubing and from an annulus that circumscribes the production tubing. The flow of plunger forming material into the production tubing is controlled by an injection valve intersecting a sidewall of the production tubing. The plunger forming material is added to the annulus from the surface, and enough is added so its upper level is above the injection valve. Adding injection gas to the production tubing below the virtual plunger pushes the virtual plunger and column of liquid to surface. The plunger forming material has properties so that the virtual plunger remains cohesive while traveling uphole.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.