SENSING IN ARTIFICIAL LIFT SYSTEMS

摘要

Methods and apparatus are provided for measuring one or more parameters associated with an artificial lift system for hydrocarbon production and operating the system based on the measured parameters. One embodiment of the invention provides a lubricator for a plunger lift system, which generally includes a housing, a spring disposed in the housing for absorbing an impact by a plunger, and a sensor configured to measure at least one parameter of the spring. One example method of operating a plunger lift system for hydrocarbon production generally includes measuring at least one parameter of a spring disposed in a lubricator of the plunger lift system and operating the plunger lift system based on the measured parameter.