Abstract: A downhole apparatus for collecting solids fallback in the tubing of an oil producing borehole comprises two or more baskets to collect the solids fall back, each basket partially occupying a portion of the inner cross section of the tubing, leaving a portion of the inner cross section of the tubing having an unrestricted flow path. The baskets when considered in plan view along longitudinal axis of the tubing are distributed such that together they cover substantially the whole area of the tubing while leaving an unobstructed non-straight flowpath around the baskets.

Abstract: A diversion connector is used for a downhole pump having a plunger and a barrel in a well. The diversion connector is useful in a sandy well having particulates. The plunger has an interior and is reciprocated by a rod relative to the barrel. The connector includes one or more bodies, such as a mandrel, attaching the rod to the plunger. The mandrel has a first exterior surface and defines a fluid passage communicating with the interior of the plunger. A sleeve is disposed on the first exterior surface and has an interior surface floating relative to the first exterior surface. The floating sleeve at least partially prevents particulate uphole of the plunger from passing in a gap between the plunger and the barrel.

Abstract: A plunger lift control system for improving the output efficiency of an oil or gas well by a real-time reporting arrangement, the system comprising: a tubing string having an upper end and a lower end, the tubing string arranged within a well casing for receiving a plunger traveling therethrough, a plunger having a sound generating function therewith, so as to transmit a real-time lower-end location signal from the plunger to a signal sensor and processor arranged in communication with a system controller arranged at the upper end of the tubing.

Abstract: The debris collection device operates on an eductor principle with motive fluid delivered from the surface into an eductor housing inlet. The eductor outlet goes into a surrounding annular space and splits with some flow going to the mill below to direct cuttings into the passage in the housing. The cuttings remain in the housing and the flow continues through a screen in the housing passage before reaching the eductor inlet. An auxiliary inlet is normally closed and opened with a reduced flow entering through the mill. The opening of the auxiliary inlet drops the surface pressure delivered to the eductor to act as a surface signal that a plugged or low debris laden inlet flow exists.

Abstract: Methods and mechanisms for fluid sealing are provided. The disclosed mechanisms include a tool having a cavity configured to form a toroidal vortex and a fluid sealing element to induce an azimuthal variation of the toroidal vortex (a “dynamic seal”). The fluid sealing element may include a sharp change in the axial symmetry of the cavity to induce the azimuthal variation. Some exemplary shapes of the fluid sealing element may include a notch in a cavity, a step shaped cavity, or an angular cavity in the tool. Methods for manufacturing such a dynamic seal is also provided as well as methods for producing hydrocarbons with a plunger having the dynamic seals. The tool may be a plunger, a pig, an in-flow control device, or other cylindrical device traveling through a conduit or tubular member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for positively pumping liquids to the surface of a hydrocarbon well where the hydrocarbon well has bee previously completed with a permanent packer and tailpipe. A rod pump having a plunger connected to a hollow rod string can positively pump the liquids collecting at the bottom of the well while the natural gas is produced up the annulus between the production tubing and the hollow rod string. In this invention, the tail pipe is perforated above the rod pump and below the packer to all the natural gas into the production tubing.

Abstract: A pump comprising: a pump barrel for use within a well; a reciprocating plunger disposed within the pump barrel and operatively engaging a removable connector adapted to flushly secure over the top of the plunger; said connector operatively engaging a pumping unit; the connector further comprising: an inner and outer portion with an upwardly disposed tapered edge between the inner and outer portions; and one or more tubular ports extending generally diagonally from the axis of the connector and adapted to expel fluids through hydraulic pressure resulting from the reciprocating action of the plunger and wherein said ports are annularly disposed between the upwardly disposed tapered edge and the inner portion and accessing an inner cavity of the connector; the connector further comprising an axial bore adapted to allow fluids to pass through the connector and further comprising one or more upper fluid bypass ports disposed on the inner portion.

Abstract: An improved plunger has a north end, a south end, and a center region therebetween. A first northward angled shoulder is provided proximate the north end, for catching solids and preventing them from damaging an exterior of the plunger below the shoulder and potentially other pump components. In one embodiment, first and second northward angled shoulders are provided proximate the north end. First and second southward angled shoulders may be provided proximate the south end, making the plunger invertible when the north end becomes worn. The plunger may be comprised of separable regions, having different hardnesses. In one embodiment, the shoulders may provide a tapered outside diameter for the plunger.

Abstract: An elongated plunger arrangement for moving up and down in a tubing string and a plunger lift system for an oil well and a gas well, the plunger having an upper portion, an intermediate portion and a lower portion, all of the portions having an elongated longitudinally directed bore or cavity therewithin, the plunger also having a direction accelerating arrangement therewithin, the direction accelerating arrangement comprising an elongated acceleration inducing valve containing shift rod extending through the elongated bore, wherein the shift rod is longer than the elongated plunger.

Abstract: A downhole pump has a barrel and plunger. The barrel has a first one-way valve and the plunger has a second done-way valve. The plunger reciprocates with respect to the barrel. The plunger has a first end which has a tapered leading edge. Ports are adjacent to the leading edge. The ports communicate with a passage in the plunger. A sucker rod string coupling is located at the plunger first end. The sucker rod string coupling is coupled to walls located between the ports. The end of the sucker rod string coupling that is coupled to the plunger is tapered so that fluid can flow out of the ports. The sucker rod string coupling and the plunger first end form an integral member that couples to the remainder of the plunger.

Abstract: A pump system and method comprising a pump barrel adapted for use within a well. A reciprocating plunger disposed within the pump barrel and operatively engaging a connector between the plunger and a pumping unit. The connector operatively engages the pumping unit and further comprises an inner and outer portion with a groove between the inner and outer portions; one or more ports disposed between the inner and outer portions and accessing an inner cavity of the connector; and the inner portion further comprising one or more ports accessing the inner cavity of the connector. The pump system and method further comprising a cage valve to create hydraulic pressure to expel trapped debris.

Abstract: A method and system operates a well having an outer casing, a tubing positioned inside the outer casing, and a plunger moveable within the tubing to periodically draw out a liquid slug. A chemical to slug size ratio is set by the operator. Thereafter, the gas flow rate is monitored and the well is shut-in when the gas flow rate drops below a predetermined threshold. After well shut-in, a calculated amount of chemical foaming agent is injected. The size of the liquid slug is calculated and then the well is opened, drawing the plunger and liquid slug up to the surface. The calculated amount of chemical foaming agent is calculated based on one or more previous liquid slug size determinations and the set chemical to slug size ratio.

Abstract: A method and pumping unit for use with an inclined wellhead. Proper address of the wellhead is accomplished through incorporation of an elbow-shaped walking beam. The forward section of the walking beam is fabricated such that its longitudinal axis is angled to address the inclination of the wellhead. The rearward section of the walking beam and the four-bar linkage system remains unchanged relative to a prior art pump jack intended for vertical wells. This modification is a simple and effective means of addressing an angled wellhead while preserving the well-known operating characteristics of a prior art pumping unit. Torque factors, polished rod position, speed, acceleration, stroke length, and effective counterbalance remain unchanged.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for producing shock waves in a well wherein a device connected to the bottom of the tubing string in the borehole of the well filled by liquid and containing the upper and lower plungers movably arranged within corresponding cylinders for compressing a liquid the compression chamber and discharging the liquid into the borehole on upstroke thereby generating a shock wave. In addition, providing an exit of the lower plunger out of the lower cylinder at the top of upstroke of pumping unit on the distance ? determined by the following formulae: ? ? ( D 1 2 - D 2 2 ) ? A sw ? H Ed r 2 , where D1 and D2 are the outside diameters of the lower and upper plungers, Asw is the required amplitude of generated shock wave, H is a depth of the lower plunger at the top of upstroke, E is modulus of elasticity of the sucker rod's material, dr is the diameter of sucker rods.

Abstract: A stress and torque reducing tool has a plunger that reciprocates inside of a body. The tool is connected between the pump and the sucker rod string and reduces stress transmitted therebetween. The body and plunger have longitudinally extending surfaces located at the plunger upper end portion, which surfaces cooperate and limit rotation of the body with respect to the plunger. An upper fluid port is located in an upper end of the body, while one or more lower fluid ports are located in a lower end of the body.

Abstract: A stress and torque reducing tool has a plunger that reciprocates inside of a body. The tool is connected between the pump and the sucker rod string and reduces stress transmitted therebetween. The body and plunger have longitudinally extending surfaces located at the plunger upper end portion, which surfaces cooperate and limit rotation of the body with respect to the plunger. An upper fluid port is located in an upper end of the body, while one or more lower fluid ports are located in a lower end of the body.

Abstract: A downhole pump has a barrel and a plunger which reciprocate with respect to each other. The plunger has a first portion with a first seal, a second portion and a third portion with a second seal. The second portion is intermediate the first and second portions. A balancing chamber is formed between the plunger second portion and the barrel. The balancing chamber communicates with the plunger interior by way of an opening. A sand snare chamber is provided with respect to the opening so as to prevent sand from contacting the seals in the balancing chamber.

Abstract: There is provided, in one embodiment, a ball valve for regulating the flow of petroleum fluids therethrough. The ball valve is capable of transitioning between an open and a closed position. The ball valve includes in one embodiment a hydraulic piston, containment union, ported stem, containment cage and drag plunger, and is adapted to regulate the flow of fluid northward through the valve. A ball and seat should be positioned above these components, so that the hydraulic piston may extend therethrough. More specifically, during a pump downstroke, fluid enters the drag plunger, moves northward through the containment cage and into the interior of the ported stem, exits the interior of the ported stem and enters a plurality of angled veins, which impart cyclonic motion on fluid passing northward therethrough, assisting in the removal of debris. Also during the downstroke, a pedestal portion of the hydraulic unseats the ball from the seat.

Abstract: An oil and gas well production unit for the retrieval of oil and gas from a diminishing oil and gas production field. The unit comprises a well casing within the field attached to a lubricator assembly. A plunger is arranged for reciprocable travel within a tubing in the casing and the lubricator to assist in the production of oil and gas removal from the oil and gas well production unit. A plunger examination port is arranged within the lubricator assembly to permit determination of the amount of wear of the plunger without having to remove the plunger from the lubricator assembly.

Abstract: A downhole well cleaning tool adapted for connection between upper and lower sections of an elongate string includes a pump barrel having at least one fluid outlet proximate its upper end. A swab assembly is connected to a pump mandrel for reciprocation within the pump barrel to pump fluids upward to the outlet to draw fluid and debris into the lower string section and trap the debris. A lower portion of the swab mandrel is hollow and open at a lower end thereof with at least one conduit extending through a side wall of the swab mandrel to direct fluid laterally outward from the hollow lower portion against the side wall of the pump barrel during lowering into fluid to reduce debris build-up within the pump barrel. A wear bushing is mounted between the pump mandrel and barrel and a knuckle or swivel joint connects the swab and pump mandrels.

Abstract: A rod actuated downhole well pumping system is provided with spaced apart annular elastomer members secured to the pump rod at predetermined intervals to prevent solids particulates entrained in the pumped fluid from settling down to and clogging the pump mechanism during periods of pumping activity. The elastomer members are provided with longitudinal slits so that they may be sleeved over a pump rod without disconnecting the rod from the pump assembly in retrofitted installations. The elastomer members are preferably secured to the pump rod with a suitable adhesive and are of a diameter at least slightly less than the inner diameter of the tubing through which fluid is being pumped.

Abstract: A plunger mechanism comprises an adjustable bypass valve. Depending on well parameters, a user may desire to adjust the descent rate of a plunger in service. The present device allows the user to vary or adjust the bypass orifice to alter the flow of liquid through the plunger core.

Abstract: There is provided a top plunger adapter assembly for use in controlling sand fouling of an oil pump system wherein the oil pump system reciprocates between upstrokes and downstrokes within a barrel, and wherein the oil pump system includes as components a sucker rod and a plunger. In one embodiment, the top plunger adapter assembly includes an adapter having a first end configured to receive a sucker rod, wherein the adapter includes a chamber which allows fluid movement therethrough; a collection cage rotatably mounted to the adapter, the collection cage defining an interior region, and the collection cage having an upper lip configured to direct sand toward the interior region of the collection cage during an upstroke of the pump; and a bottom cage attached to the adapter and the bottom cage having a bottom end configured to attach to a pump plunger, wherein the bottom cage includes a passage to allow fluid communication through the bottom cage to the chamber of the adapter.

Abstract: An oil well pumping apparatus for pumping oil from a well to a wellhead provides a tool body that is sized and shaped to be lowered into the production tubing string of the oil well. A working fluid is provided that can be pumped into the production tubing. A prime mover is provided for pumping the working fluid. A flow channel into the well bore enables the working fluid to be circulated from the prime mover via the production tubing to the tool body at a location in the well and then back to the wellhead area. A pumping mechanism is provided on the tool body, the pumping mechanism including first and second gerotors. The first gerotor is driven by the working fluid. The second gerotor is rotated by the first gerotor. The two gerotors are connected with a common shaft. The tool body has flow conveying portions that mix the working fluid and the produced oil as the oil is pumped.

Abstract: There is provided a top plunger adapter assembly for use in controlling sand fouling of an oil pump system wherein the oil pump system reciprocates between upstrokes and downstrokes within a barrel, and wherein the oil pump system includes as components a sucker rod and a plunger. In one embodiment, the top plunger adapter assembly includes an adapter having a first end configured to receive a sucker rod, wherein the adapter includes a chamber which allows fluid movement therethrough; a collection cage rotatably mounted to the adapter, the collection cage defining an interior region, and the collection cage having an upper lip configured to direct sand toward the interior region of the collection cage during an upstroke of the pump; and a bottom cage attached to the adapter and the bottom cage having a bottom end configured to attach to a pump plunger, wherein the bottom cage includes a passage to allow fluid communication through the bottom cage to the chamber of the adapter.

Abstract: An effluent pumping method and system include a pump having a rotor and a stator, the rotor being fastened by a first end to a tubular driving string; a device for driving the string into rotation; and a riser having at least one orifice. The riser is fastened to the rotor at the second end thereof, and the rotor includes a line which communicates the inner space of the driving string with the inner space of the riser.

Abstract: A stress and torque reducing tool has a plunger that reciprocates inside of a body. The tool is connected between the pump and the sucker rod string and reduces stress transmitted therebetween. The body has upper and lower fluid ports to allow the ingress and egress of well fluids from the body as the plunger reciprocates. If the tool fails, it typically does so by the body breaking into two parts, namely the upper body and lower body, at the upper fluid ports. The upper end of the plunger is provided with a fishing neck. Thus, upon failure of the body at the upper fluid ports, the fishing neck is exposed and can receive a fishing tool for retrieval of the tool and the pump.

Abstract: An oil well pumping apparatus for pumping oil from a well to a wellhead provides a tool body that is sized and shaped to be lowered into the production tubing string of the oil well. A working fluid is provided that can be pumped into the production tubing. A prime mover is provided for pumping the working fluid. A flow channel into the well bore enables the working fluid to be circulated from the prime mover via the production tubing to the tool body at a location in the well and then back to the wellhead area. A pumping mechanism is provided on the tool body, the pumping mechanism including first and second gerotors. The first gerotor is driven by the working fluid. The second gerotor is rotated by the first gerotor. The two gerotors are connected with a common shaft. The tool body has flow conveying portions that mix the working fluid and the produced oil as the oil is pumped.

Abstract: A progressive cavity pump pumps liquid downhole to a lower formation past a packer set in a casing of a wellbore. The rotor of the pump is axially restrained by a bearing assembly spaced below the pump for controlling uphole reactive loading on the rotor. Preferably the rotor is releasably coupled to the bearing assembly for release and recovery of the rotor from the bearing assembly. Such a releasable coupling is a latch comprising a plunger telescopically and releasably coupled with a housing using a dog and track arrangement, the dog and track utilizing the telescoping action to actuate the coupling and releasing of the latch.

Abstract: A swabbing tool for wells that filters particulates from fluids passing through the swabbing tool. The swabbing tool comprises a mandrel, at least one swab cup on the mandrel, the mandrel and swab cup being arranged to allow fluids to pass from below to above the swab cup; and a sifter attached to the swabbing tool below the swab cup for filtering particulates from fluid passing from below to above the swab cup. The sifter is barrel shaped and is provided with a sealing element attached to the sifter to force fluid into the sifter. The sifter has an interior and the sealing element is dimensioned to seal against a casing or tubing wall and force fluid into the sifter. The openings in the sand sifting element may be slots, with a size between 0.125 mm to 0.635 mm.

Abstract: A rod pump for use in a wellbore is provided. In one embodiment, the rod pump comprises a traveling valve cage attachable to a rod string, the traveling valve cage having a first latch component operatively connected thereto; and a pump housing having a second latch component operatively connected thereto, wherein the first latch component is disposable in latching engagement with the second latch component. The first latch component comprises a surface having a set of grooves, and the second latch component comprises one or more pins.

Abstract: A pumping system comprises a pump barrel that is adapted to be placed into a well casing. A plunger is reciprocatably positioned within the pump barrel and has an open top end, a bottom end, and a traveling valve at the bottom end. A connector is coupled to the plunger below the top end. A rod is coupled to the connector and is translatable to reciprocate the plunger within the pump barrel using an upstroke and a downstroke. Further, the top end of the plunger is adapted to direct particulate into the plunger and away from the pump barrel upon each upstroke.

Abstract: A pad plunger assembly, for use in gas well tubing, includes an elongated mandrel having opposite ends and a longitudinal axis extending between the opposite ends, a pair of opposite end members each attached to one of the opposite ends of the mandrel, and a seal-forming pad subassembly disposed about the mandrel and between the opposite end members thereon. The pad subassembly has an outer exterior surface of an annular concave configuration formed by opposite end portions of the outer exterior surface being disposed farther radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel than an intermediate portion of the outer exterior surface is disposed radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel such that a frictional seal which generates reduced friction is provided on the interior wall surface of the gas well tubing.

Abstract: A device that can be attached to the plunger of a sucker rod pump to extend the operational life of the pump when it is used for producing oil having a high sand content wipes sand from the wall of the barrel in which the plunger reciprocates and re-routes the sand into the stream of oil that flows through the plunger on its downstroke. At the same time, the device applies a torque to the plunger causing it to rotate on the downstroke, thereby distributing wear more uniformly around the cylindrical outer surface of the plunger and the inside surface of the barrel. The device permits commercially available plungers to be used without modification for producing sand-laden oil.

Abstract: A pumping system comprises a pump barrel that is adapted to be placed into a well casing. A plunger is reciprocatably positioned within the pump barrel and has an open top end, a bottom end, and a traveling valve at the bottom end. A connector is coupled to the plunger below the top end. A rod is coupled to the connector and is translatable to reciprocate the plunger within the pump barrel using an upstroke and a downstroke. Further, the top end of the plunger is adapted to direct particulate into the plunger and away from the pump barrel upon each upstroke.

Abstract: The present invention includes an assembly and method to pump fluids produced by a drilled well within a geological formation having a borehole wall fixed by casing. The invention includes a subsurface pump having a stationary member and a mobile member. A pump anchor fixes the pump to the well casing. A hollow continuous tube or coiled tubing extends within the well bore from the surface down to the lower portion of the well bore. The bottom end of the coiled tubing is connected to the mobile member of the pump. Preferably, the coiled tubing can be coiled and uncoiled from a reel located on the surface. A hollow polished rod has a bottom end coupled to a free top end of the coiled tubing. The hollow polished rod is connected to means to operate the hollow rod according to a selected movement, preferably reciprocating axial movement. The pumped fluids are recovered on the surface from the hollow polished rod and coiled tubing.