Maximum Flow Rate Limits

When the soapstick drops out of a manual or automatic soapstick Launcher, it falls past the wing block outlet on its way into the production tubing. The Wing Block is the cross-shaped tee located above the master valve where the vertical flow from the well is redirected into the horizontal flow line leading away from the wellhead. If the flow from the well is too great, the soapstick will not fall past the wing block. The stick will be captured at the wing outlet instead of falling into the wellbore. Once captured, the stick will remain stuck in place even if the flow from the well is shut down.

The flow from the well consists of gas and liquid. If either the gas or liquid rate is too high, then the flow from the well should be paused momentarily while the soapstick is launched into the production tubing.

Chart 1

When is the flow from the well too high to allow the stick to fall past the wing block?

• These ballpark rate limitations are used when the well is open to flow during the soapstick transit and the wing block size is as shown in the left-hand column.

• These rate limitations must be reduced for those locations flowing with higher tubing pressures.

If the flow from the production tubing is paused for 20-30 seconds during the transit of the soapstick past the wing block, the stick should continue falling successfully. 

The majority of Launcher sales are intended for low production locations. There are Operators who realize the value of a low-cost solution for producing from high-rate locations with larger production tubulars. Chart 2 addresses high-rate locations.

There is an upper flow rate limit within the production tubing / casing against which the soapstick will not descend. Chart 2 is a display of these rate limits. When the production from the well exceeds the limits shown here, the production pause must be extended until the soapstick enters into the water column, i.e., 120 to 180 seconds.   

Chart 2

When is the flow from the well too high to allow the stick to fall down into the tubing/casing?

• These ballpark rate limitations indicate when the well should be closed to flow during the soapstick fall time.

• Rates higher than listed below will require a shut-in of 20 seconds per 1000' of depth - depending on tubing pressure.

When the production rate is below the limits shown here, the well may be re-opened a few seconds after the soapstick has cleared the wing block. When the production rate is above the limits shown in the Chart 2, the production pause should be extended for 2 or 3 minutes. A shut-in for longer period of time will cause the soapstick to descend too deep into the water column, reducing its effectiveness. 

There are multiple variables that affect the fall rate and arrival of the soapstick at and into the water column.  Fill out and submit the Launcher Candidate Survey for a specific recommendation.