This paper is a follow up to SPE 115934, which introduced a preliminary plunger lift model built around the availability of Smart Plunger(**) data. These devices are equipped with internal gauges to record pressure and temperature with time, which can be downloaded whenever the plunger is at surface.

We present an updated model that accounts for pressure drop only due to gravitation, but satisfactorily reproduces the dynamics of a field installation in East Texas, USA.

We also present a comparison of the predictions from the new model and the corresponding results from some earlier plunger lift models available in the public domain.

Keywords:
mass flow rate, flow rate, plunger lift, liquid level, plunger velocity, Upstream Oil & Gas, field data, time step, smart plunger, Plunger Lift Model
Subjects:
Artificial Lift Systems, Plunger lift
Copyright 2009, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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