Downhole · Plunger Lift
Production Tubing
The tubing the plunger travels through from the bottom of the well to surface.
What it does
Guides the plunger and, together with the plunger clearance, forms the seal between the liquid above and the gas below.
Basics
| Key requirement | Uniform inside diameter along the string |
| Moves with | Plunger cycles, elongates and compresses |
| Also used | Coiled tubing velocity strings |
Common failures
- Restrictions or tight spots that stop plunger travel
- Wear from plunger contact
Troubleshooting
- Symptom
- Plunger stuck partway down
- Likely cause
- Crimp, scale, tight spot or change in inside diameter
- What to check
- Drift the tubing with a tool matching the plunger length and OD