Investigation of a new tool to unload liquids from stripper gas wells

Liquid loading in low-production gas wells is a common problem faced in many producing regions around the world. The techniques available to remove liquids from the wellbore impose significant capital and operational costs. This study investigates a new method for unloading and restoring continuous production of low-rate (i.e., stripper) gas wells. The performance of a patented vortex-flow-modifier tool was examined using a 125-ft vertical-flow loop of 2-in.-diameter clear PVC pipe. The vortex device was found to alter the basic flow structure in the pipe, resulting in improved liquid flow. The tool was observed to reduce tubing-pressure loss by up to 17% and lower the minimum gas velocity required to lift liquids up the tubing string.