Hydraulic Gas Pump and Gas Well De-Watering System: Two New Artificial-Lift Systems for Oil and Gas Wells

ABSTRACT This paper presents the concepts for two new artificial lift systems. The systems utilize the same operating principles. One system is for oil wells, the other unloads gas wells. The first system uses gas pressure to produce liquids through the tubing. This is called a Hydraulic Gas Pump. The other system uses gas pressure to unload gas wells and is called Gas Well De-watering System. In this system gas is produced through the tubing and liquid is produced through the casing tubing annulus. The Hydraulic Gas Pump is suitable to pump oil wells with high gas liquid ratio and viscous crude production. The De-watering System can be used to maintain a gas well in an unloaded condition for maximizing its production rate and recoverable reserves. Additional advantages of these systems are: They can be installed in shallow, deep, directional or offshore wells. They are wireline retrievable systems. Gas Lock and cavitation are not problems. They preform well in corrosive environments.

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