Pressure Actuated Chamber Technology (PACT)
A New Artificial Lift System for CBM Wells
Leslie Lam, Blackhills Exploration & Production
Ryan Davis, Merrion Oil & Gas
Mark Turland, ProActive Pumping Solutions, Inc.
Jim Wetzel, Nojak Pumping Solutions
Abstract
New artificial lift technology, Pressure Actuated Chamber Technology, PACT, is proving to be a perfect choice for San Juan Basin Producers searching for a more efficient and effective artificial lift method to produce CBM (coal bed methane) and other shallow, low volume gas wells. PACT has shown remarkable success in replacing both sucker rod pumping systems and swabbing as a gas well deliquification method.
The PACT system has no moving parts at the surface, a very small footprint, uses virtually no energy and doesn’t require a pulling unit to install or service.
PACT systems operate by applying regulated and timed gas pressure to a series of downhole fluid chambers connected with 1.5” poly tubing in a closed loop system. Gas pressure is applied and exhausted to alternating fluid chambers and wellbore liquid is lifted, chamber by chamber, to the surface. The gas used to lift fluid is taken from the high pressure discharge side of the compressor. The gas that is exhausted from the system goes back into the low pressure suction side of the compressor.
This paper will explain how the PACT system operates and examine operational data on several wells before and after their conversion to the PACT system.