A consistent Plunger Optimization Methodology Improves Operating Efficiency in the Wamsutter Field Nicolas Morlino bp americas Abstract

A Consistent Plunger Optimization Methodology Improves Operating Efficiency in the Wamsutter Field
Nicolas Morlino

BP Americas

Abstract
Wamsutter is a BP-operated gas field located in Wyoming with approximately 1900 wells and a 2013 FY gross production of 256 mmscfd, of which approximately half is coming from plunger wells.

In January 2013, the Wamsutter field leadership team assembled a plunger optimization workfront team including members from  Operations and Base Management. 

The team’s objective was to agree on a set of guidelines to optimize plunger wells across the field and implement these guidelines across Wamsutter’s 700 plunger lifted wells. 
The presentation will highlight the following topics covered by the Wamsutter guidelines: 
1 Choosing the most effective plunger technology for a given well,

2 Ensuring that open and shut time durations are set to maximize production (Min Off followed by Min On operations),

3 Ensuring that wells do not open against high line pressure spikes,

4 Using automation data to develop tools allowing for rapid filtering of optimization candidates. 

The presentation will also include a few well optimization case studies illustrating the benefits of implementing these guidelines.