Quick Silver Optimization

Plunger lift has been a very simple and elegant solution for extracting wellbore fluids without the need of a prime mover. As horizontal well technology became available, traditional check balls had remained unevolved. This caused bumper springs to be located higher in the tubing so they could close properly and have their design parameters met. In some cases, this would compromise several hundred meters of true vertical depth versus being optimally located in the heel of the well.

Quick Silver Optimization’s invention of the horizontal check valve nicknamed “The Barbell” by industry, has unlocked the potential of every horizontal well.

The design of the barbell alleviates the need for sophisticated techniques that may require additional springs, magnets, pistons, etc. One of the key features of the barbell is the stem which connects the two spheres together. The stem acts as a fulcrum point leveraging the sealing sphere into the seat as hydrostatic force is applied to the top sphere along with the additional surface area and mass now available. This provides the valve with a commanding advantage of not only seating, but seating quicker.

While a single ball is able to ricochet around, the barbell stays in place creating overall stability and reduced wear. Due to the longevity of this equipment, the barbell is a popular candidate even in vertical applications.
The advantage for our producers is now an extremely reliable valve, manufactured from a wide range of quality materials. Whether you were already producing your horizontal well in the curve with a faulty valve or you are now exploring the opportunity to produce your well deeper into the curve, the production improvements will be immediately observed.

While observing over 400 wells during a two-year period in Western Canada, where traditional single ball check valves were replaced with barbells at the same +/- 60 degree deviation, an operator observed a 20% increase in marketable production.

Some other benefits that were noted:
✔ Many wells are now able to be produced which were otherwise shut in.
✔ Several wells showed over 200% production increases.
✔ Noticeably flattened out the natural decline curve.
✔ Extended the life cycle of the wells.
✔ Changed how wells are being drilled going forward, kick off points, etc.
✔ 20% increase in BOE.

Further to the immediate and obvious economic benefits of increased production, this producer (among others) has recognized further savings which include:
✔ Reduction in operator time allows operations to increase their well count or reduce staffing, allowing time for other required tasks. More consistent well run time equals less operator intervention.
✔ Reduction in emissions/venting (lowered events for blowdowns and shut ins).
✔ Increased reserve values, achieved with larger recoverable volumes.
✔ Reduced overall operating expenses by increasing production.
✔ Very quick netback returns.

Horizontal check valves have solidified their existence in the plunger lift environment as a simple, cost-effective, and elegant solution for holding fluid in horizontal wells. Further applications in the oil and gas industry are currently being explored with findings underway, stay tuned!