Abstract: A device is provided for pumping fluid from a wellbore up to surface. The device includes a stator unit, a rotor unit run within the stator unit on a rod string, the rotor unit and the stator unit engaging with one another to form an annular space therebetween for passage of fluid. An upstream check valve on the rod string uphole of the rotor unit is moveable from an open position in which fluid is passable through the annular space, and a closed position in which fluid passage through the annular space is prevented. A hollow rod section extends through the rod string in fluid communication with the annular space both downstream and upstream of the upstream check valve, for entry of fluid into a downhole end of the hollow rod section, passage of fluid upstream therefrom and exit of fluids from an uphole end of the hollow rod section, back into the annular space. A method is further provided for pumping fluid from a wellbore after shutdown.

Abstract: An artificial lift system is provided for use for pumping fluid from a downhole wellbore to surface. The system comprises a progressive cavity pump, said progressive cavity pump comprising a stator run on a tubing string and a rotor run on a rod string into the stator and a shuttle valve positioned upstream of the progressive cavity pump, wherein said shuttle valve comprises a non-weighted shuttle and wherein said non-weighted shuttle is moveable axially within said shuttle valve from force of fluid alone. An upstream shuttle valve is further provided for use upstream of a progressive cavity pump, wherein said shuttle valve comprises a non-weighted shuttle that is moveable axially within said shuttle valve from a force of fluid alone, to open and close the shuttle valve. A method is further still provided for pumping fluid from a wellbore in an artificial lifts system.

Abstract: A device is provided for pumping fluid from a wellbore up to surface. The device includes a stator unit, a rotor unit run within the stator unit on a rod string, the rotor unit and the stator unit engaging with one another to form an annular space therebetween for passage of fluid. An upstream check valve on the rod string uphole of the rotor unit is moveable from an open position in which fluid is passable through the annular space, and a closed position in which fluid passage through the annular space is prevented. A hollow rod section extends through the rod string in fluid communication with the annular space both downstream and upstream of the upstream check valve, for entry of fluid into a downhole end of the hollow rod section, passage of fluid upstream therefrom and exit of fluids from an uphole end of the hollow rod section, back into the annular space. A method is further provided for pumping fluid from a wellbore after shutdown.

Abstract: A device is taught for pumping fluid from a downhole reservoir up to surface. The device comprises a conduit extending through at least a portion an axial bore of the rotor unit and in communication with one or more recirculation inlets for receiving a recirculation stream of fluid and directing under pressure through the conduit, wherein an inside diameter and length of the conduit define a flow restriction; and one or more recirculation outlets defined in a stator unit downstream of the pump fluid intake, for delivering the recirculation stream of the fluid under pressure from the conduit and directing it at the pump fluid intake. A method is also taught for washing particulate from an intake end of a pump.

Abstract: A device is taught for pumping fluid from a downhole reservoir up to surface. The device comprises a conduit extending through at least a portion an axial bore of the rotor unit and in communication with one or more recirculation inlets for receiving a recirculation stream of fluid and directing under pressure through the conduit, wherein an inside diameter and length of the conduit define a flow restriction; and one or more recirculation outlets defined in a stator unit downstream of the pump fluid intake, for delivering the recirculation stream of the fluid under pressure from the conduit and directing it at the pump fluid intake. A method is also taught for washing particulate from an intake end of a pump.

Abstract: An artificial lift system is provided for use for pumping fluid from a downhole wellbore to surface. The system comprises a progressive cavity pump, said progressive cavity pump comprising a stator run on a tubing string and a rotor run on a rod string into the stator and a shuttle valve positioned upstream of the progressive cavity pump, wherein said shuttle valve comprises a non-weighted shuttle and wherein said non-weighted shuttle is moveable axially within said shuttle valve from force of fluid alone. An upstream shuttle valve is further provided for use upstream of a progressive cavity pump, wherein said shuttle valve comprises a non-weighted shuttle that is moveable axially within said shuttle valve from a force of fluid alone, to open and close the shuttle valve. A method is further still provided for pumping fluid from a wellbore in an artificial lifts system.