Surface · Plunger Lift
Controller
A microprocessor controller at the wellhead that opens and closes the motor valve to run the plunger cycle. It is typically powered by a solar panel and battery.
What it does
Decides when the well shuts in and when it flows. It can run simple timer cycles or programmable logic based on plunger arrival, line pressure, liquid level or pressure differentials.
Basics
| Power | Solar panel and battery |
| Logic | Timer cycles or sensor based |
| Typical inputs | Plunger arrival, tubing, casing and line pressure |
| Advanced logic | Adjusts cycles from arrival and rise velocity data |
Common failures
- Cycle settings that do not match the well
- Loss of power from the solar and battery supply
Troubleshooting
- Symptom
- Plunger does not reach surface
- Likely cause
- Not enough casing pressure built for the liquid load
- What to check
- Lengthen the shut in; at its end casing pressure exceeds tubing pressure by the hydrostatic of the liquid
- Symptom
- Springs wear early
- Likely cause
- Plunger arriving too fast from incorrect controller settings
- What to check
- Adjust the cycle to slow the plunger