Plunger Lift Screening Calculator
Screen wells for plunger lift candidacy. Evaluates Turner critical velocity, GLR requirements, maximum liquid rate, and recommended cycle time.
Well Parameters
Screening Results
Well is a good plunger lift candidate
Turner Critical Rate
--
Mcf/d (min gas for unloading)
Actual Gas Rate
--
Mcf/d (from GLR × liquid)
Max Liquid Rate
--
bbl/d (plunger limit)
Plunger Rise Velocity
--
ft/min
GLR Screening
--
Min 400 scf/bbl required
Csg-Tbg ΔP
--
psi (driving force)
Slug Volume
--
bbl per cycle
Est. Cycle Time
--
minutes (buildup + travel)
How this was calculated
Turner Critical Velocity: v_crit = 1.593 × σ0.25 × (ρ_l - ρ_g)0.25 / ρ_g0.5 (ft/s). Surface tension σ = 60 dynes/cm for water, 20 for condensate.
Turner Critical Rate: Q_crit = v_crit × A_tubing × (P_avg / P_std) × (T_std / T_avg) converted to Mcf/d.
GLR Screening: GLR > 400 scf/bbl is the industry minimum for plunger lift. Above 800 scf/bbl is ideal.
Max Liquid Rate: Typically 200 bbl/d for 2-3/8" tubing, scales with tubing area. Effective limit depends on gas energy.
Rise Velocity: Approximated at 750-1000 ft/min for a standard plunger in normal conditions.
Assumptions: Vertical well, no significant deviation. Standard plunger (not continuous flow). Steady-state conditions.
Related Tool
IPR Calculator
Inflow performance relationship for production optimization.
Open IPR Calculator →Need help optimizing artificial lift for your wells? Our team specializes in production optimization and AI-driven operations.
Book a free strategy call →Plunger Lift Screening for Production Engineers
Plunger lift is one of the most cost-effective artificial lift methods for gas wells experiencing liquid loading. When a gas well cannot produce at rates above the Turner critical velocity, liquids accumulate in the wellbore, increasing hydrostatic backpressure and eventually killing the well. A plunger acts as a mechanical interface between the gas and liquid, using stored casing pressure to efficiently lift liquid slugs to the surface.
The key screening criteria include: sufficient GLR (generally >400 scf/bbl, ideally >800), adequate casing-tubing pressure differential, manageable liquid volumes (typically <200 bbl/d for 2-3/8" tubing), and a wellbore without severe mechanical issues. This calculator evaluates all these criteria simultaneously to give a pass/fail recommendation.
All calculations run entirely in your browser. Built by Groundwork Analytics, an AI and engineering consultancy for the energy industry.