October 30, 2006
David Green – Well Master Corporation
Wear life of Viper Plungers
Recent evaluations of the wear characteristics of Well Master Viper plungers have shown some remarkable results.
The Viper plunger was introduced in early 2005. The earliest examples were designed for use as a sand plunger and were cut to an undersize dimension to give extra clearance in those demanding applications. Metallurgy was not augmented by heat treating and lifetimes of three to six months were typical.
Since the middle of 2005, all Viper plungers have been heat treated to provide a much harder surface. They are available in standard diameters for most tubing sizes and also can be ordered in a cut down version for sand or other clearance requirements.
Over the past year we have experienced an increase in life by a factor of approximately two. The undersize Viper plungers have typically given six months to one year of service. The full dimension versions are meeting and exceeding this time frame.
Deviated Wells
Two recent cases that we are tracking are in deviated wells. These wells have shown high wear rates for pad plungers, giving three to six months service before preferential wear occurs on one side of the plunger to the extent that it is no longer able to seal effectively. In the test cases we are tracking, the Viper plungers have been in these wells for two and three months respectively as of mid-September 2006. In both cases the plungers are still within specification as new when measured with a micrometer and show no signs of preferential wear due to the deviated tubing.
After 2 months, showing even wear…. ….and still in spec as new
What makes them wear so long?
We know the increased hardness has contributed to the extended life. The other contributing factors though are two-fold and unique to the Viper.
- The patented groove design is intended to create a high intensity turbulent seal against the tubing wall. In addition, this turbulent zone acts as a cushion between the plunger and tubing wall, minimizing physical contact. The result is less wear on the plunger and on the tubing as well.
- The unique deep cut fluted shoe was originally intended to spin the plunger, assisting in the creation of the turbulent zone. The sharp edged deep cuts remove paraffin, sand and scale to help keep the tubing wall clean and able to pass the plunger. This spinning action also prevents the plunger from taking a preferential “set” in deviated tubing, keeping wear spread evenly around the circumference.
Find out for yourself!
More and more of our customers are making the Viper an essential part of their toolbox to get the most from their wells. Check our Partners list on the website today or call 1-800-980-0254 to find out how you can order your plungers. Don’t wait to take advantage of this low cost, highly effective solution from Well Master.
The Viper Plunger is protected under US Patent 6,200,103. Additional US and Foreign Patents Applied For.
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