Abstract: A gas-lift apparatus and method for use in a well in which liquids accumulate in a liquid zone. The apparatus comprises a first string extending into the liquid zone and having upper and lower ends; a second string surrounding the first string and defining an annulus therewith, the second string extending a distance from the first string lower end such that the annulus has upper and lower ends, the annulus being closed at its upper and lower ends and defining a chamber, the chamber being in fluid communication with the inside of the first string; a check valve controlling the flow of liquid into from the wellbore into the lower end of said annulus; a gas valve allowing the flow of gas from the first string into the upper end of the chamber; and a valve for controlling the flow of gas into the upper end of said inner string.

Abstract: A method is provided comprising the steps of: providing a production tubing to a production interval in a wellbore; providing a check valve in the production tubing at a lower end of the production tubing, the check valve effective to permit flow into the production tubing but not permit flow from the production tubing through the check valve; allowing liquids from the formation to flow into the production tubing; and after liquids from the formation have entered the production tubing, pressuring the production tubing with gas from below the level of the liquids from the formation and thereby forcing at least a portion of the liquids from the formation to the surface; and discontinuing pressuring the production tubing to allow liquids from the formation to again enter the production tubing.

Abstract: The artificial lift control system utilizes a piggy back line, flow computer, pressure transmitter, and software control to control artificial lift of wellbore fluids. The piggy back line is a medium to high pressure line strapped to the outside of the tubing. Supply, make-up gas or other fluids are pumped down the piggy back line at the lowest flow rate possible. Extremely low flow rates are utilized to minimize friction of flow in the piggy back line. A pressure or differential pressure transmitter is installed to monitor pressure on the piggy back line or to measure the differential pressure between the piggy back line and the casing pressure. The flow computer monitors pressures or differential pressures, utilizes software instruction sets to calculate fluid levels in the casing tubing annulus, and cycles artificial lift on and off based on parameters set in the flow computer software.