Introduction to Liquid Foamers
At Danlin Industries Corp. our goal is to provide the best service and chemical possible. While working hand and hand with our customers to maximize the production of wells.
What is a foamer?
A foamer is a compound that is used to suspend or trap gas in the aqueous phase of the produced field.
How does a foamer unload the produced fluids?
It allows the same amount of energy and/or gas volume to produce foam in the presence of a foamer. Depending on the gas to liquid ratio and the volume of foaming agent used, the resultant fluid may exist as true foam or foam energized fluid. The light gas and water mixture or foam is then lifted out of the well until the well is unloaded.
Benefits of the Liquid Foamer:
Why should I use a foamer?
- A foamer will assist in achieving the critical velocity to allow pressure to unload the fluid in the well bore. Critical Velocity is the amount of velocity, pressure differential needed to lift the liquid form a well bore through a given diameter tubing.
- Reduces Hydrostatic Pressure, as the well unloads the fluid from the well bore, the downward pressure from the fluids in the tubing is decreased. Foam has an approximate weight of 1.8 to 1.9 pounds per gallon versus 8.3 pounds per gallon of water.
- The foamer allows the well to produce the maximum amount of gas possible at relatively low cost. A foamer is used to help increase production and the profitability of liquid loaded wells.
- It is easier on most formations, because cyclic production results in formation damage from the relative high rates of gas and liquids when a valve is opened suddenly whereby the inertia frees up fines that can result in plugging. Plunger lift wells and shutting in wells for buildup and blowing are prime examples of cyclic production.
Different Types of Delivery Systems for Liquid Foamer
- Continuous Injection
- Capillary Injection
- Batch Treatment
Is the foamer working?
Wellhead Conditions
The backside pressure has decreased and/or the backside pressure is fluctuating. This is and indication that the hydrostatic pressure has decreased as the well unloaded. Wells with packers have more consistent pressure.
Observations
The gas chart shows a more consistent differential with less down time. The well produces a more regular amount of fluid each day. The water dumping into the water tank is causing foam.
Records
The well records show the well is producing more gas with less down time. A steady amount of water is being produced, minimizing the amount of hydrostatic pressure.
Information
The production graph on the well shows an increase in production or the decline curve slows and the well produces with less down time or less cycling.
How do you know you have the right foamer for the well?
Danlin personnel will run a foam test on the well before a foamer is chosen and installed. The foam test consists of adding an amount of foamer into the produced fluids and then agitating the two components for thirty seconds to produce foam. The amount of foam generated is measured and the foam is timed for a half life. Half life is determined when the foam has dissipated back to a liquid state.
Testing foamer for compatibility
Several considerations must be thought of when determining which liquid foamer to use on a gas well.
- Temperature stability of Foamers
- Hydrocarbon presents
- Scale present BaSO4
- Iron Content
- Corrosion Inhibitor Compatibility
Contact Information:
Danlin Chemical Corporate Office
P.O. Drawer 307
Thomas, OK 73669
Mike Brown
Division President
Toll Free: 888.881.3248
24 Hours: 580.819.0387
Email: mbrown@danlin.us