Echometer Gas Separator

The Echometer Downhole Improved Collar-Size Gas Separator is installed when a well is operated at low efficiency due to poor natural gas separation or due to an inefficient downhole gas separator. The downhole Improved Collar-Size Gas Separator is used when the downhole pump is placed in the producing zone or above the producing zone. The characteristics of inefficient gas separation can be identified from the downhole pump having incomplete fillage, plus the casing annulus above the pump intake having a high gaseous liquid column.

An acoustic liquid level test is used to indicate a high gaseous liquid column above the pump. In a sucker rod lifted well the analysis from a dynamometer test, performed at the same time as the acoustic liquid level test, is used to identify incomplete pump fillage. Periodic acoustic liquid level tests and dynamometer measurements should be performed to verify that the downhole gas separator is operating efficiently.

Several common improper oil field production practices used to combat poor gas separation that result in high operating cost are:

1. Tapping bottom with the pump
2. Running the pumping unit at excessive speed
3. Operating the pumping unit for excessive periods of time
4. Increasing the tubing pressure or increasing the casing pressure.

The proper procedure for correcting inefficient downhole gas separation is identifying the problem and correctly installing the downhole Improved Collar-Size Gas Separator in the well.