Title of Project : “ Design Development and in Well Testing of a Prototype Tool for in Well Enhancement of Recovery of Natural Gas ” Via use of a ‘ Gas Operated Automatic Lift Pump ”

A ‘Gas Operated Automated Lift Pump’ has been conceptually developed constructed in prototype and determined to be applicable for use in removing fluids from “stripper wells” thereby increasing production of natural gas. Bench scale and laboratory test of the key tool component, the automated pressure controlled valve assembly, has established the potential applicability of a prototype tool in watered out stripper wells. Tool applicability is targeted to operating conditions of 50 to 600 psi down hole pressure with brine and fluid lift capacity varying from 0.1 to 6.0+ BBL/ tool cycle. In field precursor testing of a pilot predecessor tool of larger dimensions and weight than that targeted for fabrication and deployment as part of the SWC program has shown promising results. A precursor field test of tool [s] have shown improved natural gas production 1.6 X to 2.4X, regular automatic cycling of tool [1 Trip each 1 –1.5 Day] and auto lifting of brines [0.33 – 1.5Bbl/cycle] from a brine producing natural gas stripper well. Field testing of the above referenced designed prototype tool for this phase of the project showed similar brine production [0.25 to 1 Bbl/ tool run with 1 to 2 day cycles] and frequency of tool cycles during the early period of field trials. Field trials of the new prototype tool evidenced metallurgy problems in materials construction compatibility resulting in premature actuator failure and decreasing frequency of tool runs and lesser quantity of fluids production with each subsequent tool trip. Field and laboratory analysis have diagnosed the problem and designed a remedy for further in field-testing. This premature failure was diagnosed as corrosion on one of the actuator components. The problem occurred as a function of miniaturizing of components to achieve a desired, “well tender friendly” smaller tool configuration. Additional lab trials and in field testing of the smaller prototype tool with a modified more corrosive resistant actuator are scheduled for the 4 calendar quarter of 2002. This work will be conducted by BEDCO as part of its on going commitment to establish working G.O.A.L. Tool technology to assist in the production of gas and oil from the nations aging stripper wells. This work will be supported by the SWC and NYSERDA in a follow on award for field trials of G.O.A.L. PetroPump Tools. The cost of the G.O.A.L. PetroPump and the attendant well head modifications in comparison to the improvements of gas production achieved by the prototype tools, at current market prices of $3.00 Mcf, suggest a potential payback on capital investment of 1 to 1.5 years.