KINETIC ENERGY MONITORING FOR A PLUNGER LIFT SYSTEM

摘要

In an aspect, a method of operating a plunger lift system, a controller and a plunger lift system in a well is provided. The velocity of a plunger is measured by a velocity sensor positioned proximate a top of the well when the plunger passes the velocity sensor. The measured velocity can then be used to determine a kinetic energy of the plunger as it passed the velocity sensor. Each time the plunger passes the velocity sensors, the kinetic energy of the plunger can be determined. This determined kinetic energy can then be used to determine if the well should be shut down or if portions of the plunger lift system should be replaced.