Abstract: A technique for monitoring valve and pump efficiencies for positive displacement pumps. The techniques include utilizing a data acquisition system to attain intake and discharge pressure data in combination with real-time encoder position data. Thus, when combined, output from a pump may be monitored in real-time. As a result, pump life may be extended beyond an anticipated changeout schedule. By the same token, premature pump inefficiencies may also be detected for taking a pump offline in advance of expected life. In either circumstance, multi-pump operations may be substantially enhanced with cost and time savings realized.

Abstract: An inflatable packer used in a well and having a mandrel carrying upper and lower heads, a normally retracted inflatable packer element including an inner elastomer bladder and an outer expansible armor or carcass, the ends of the packer element being anchored to respective heads, and in one embodiment a hydraulically operable system that applies restraining force to the heads which controls the shape and deployment of the packer element during inflation and prevents entrapment of fluid bubbles outside the element and the formation of Z-folds in the bladder. In other embodiments the restraining force is supplied by a stack of disc springs, by frictional engagement between parts, by a shearing action of materials, by swaging a sleeve member, and by axially crushing a sleeve member.