Horizontal gas wells provide operators with greater access to gas reserves, helping improve gas collection performance and recovery. However, as waste cells settle over time, these wells can develop low spots where liquids, including condensate and leachate accumulate. When liquid becomes trapped in these sections of the well, gas flow is restricted, reducing the effectiveness of the gas collection system.
To address this challenge, Blackhawk Technology developed horizontal piston pump solutions specifically designed to remove trapped liquids from horizontal landfill gas wells and help operators maintain consistent gas flow and recovery.
When Settlement Slows Gas Recovery
Unlike vertical wells, horizontal gas wells can extend hundreds of feet through a landfill. As the ground settles unevenly, low areas or "bellies" may form within the well, allowing condensate and leachate to collect.
These liquid-filled sections can prevent landfill gas from being effectively extracted under vacuum, reducing overall gas recovery.
Traditional electric submersible pumps are often not ideal for these applications. Many operate at higher pumping rates than necessary, can be damaged when run dry, and introduce electricity into a potentially hazardous landfill gas environment.
Operators needed a solution capable of reaching trapped liquids deep within horizontal wells while providing safe, reliable operation.
Built to Go the Distance
Blackhawk's Model 101 and Model 102 piston pumps are specifically engineered to operate on a horizontal plane, making them well suited for landfill gas well dewatering applications.
The pumps can be extended significant distances into horizontal wells, up to 500 feet in some applications, to reach trapped liquids and restore gas flow.
Unlike conventional pumping systems, Blackhawk piston pumps can run dry without damage and keep the working head and drive components accessible at the surface, simplifying maintenance and reducing service requirements.
Key advantages include:
Designed specifically for horizontal well applications
Capable of reaching liquids trapped deep within wells
No electricity introduced into the well environment
Surface-accessible service components
Reliable operation in settling landfill conditions
Improving Gas Recovery for the Long Haul
By removing trapped liquids from horizontal landfill gas wells, Blackhawk piston pumps helped improve gas recovery while reducing maintenance demands.
Additional benefits included:
Improved landfill gas extraction
Reduced downtime
Elimination of routine pump replacement issues
Simplified controls and operation
Improved serviceability from the surface
Enhanced safety, eliminating electrical equipment within the well
As landfill conditions continue to change over time, maintaining consistent gas recovery requires equipment designed to perform in challenging environments. Blackhawk horizontal piston pumps provide operators with a dependable solution for removing trapped liquids, restoring gas flow, and reducing maintenance demands.
The result is a safer, more serviceable approach to horizontal well dewatering that helps support long-term gas collection performance while maximizing the value of existing gas recovery infrastructure.
