Development and application of remote-controlling automatic bar dropper system

Downhole fluid accumulation is a common phenomenon in the process of natural gas production, therefore water drainage operation is required constantly, leading to heavy workload related to routine maintenance. Conventional automatic bar dropper systems are characterized by deployment of internal pressure and high risks in operation safety. To eliminate such problems, an innovative remote controlling automatic dropping system with foam-drainage bars has been developed. Major components of the system include wellhead bar dropper, local control system and remote control system. With pressure balancing devices and bar dropper monitoring devices deployed, the newly development system can effectively balance the pressure in the bar-dropping chamber and the wellhead pressure to protect the foam-drainage bar against damage caused by strong gas flow around the wellhead. In addition, these devices may be used to monitor and record bar dropping processes. Host computer systems for the innovative remote controlling system have been tested in field to control the automatic bar dropper system safely and reliably. The newly developed system can effectively reduce manpower, enhance foam drainage efficiency and can be applied more extensively.