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 Trident Probe Groundwater Exchange System (NC#096456). The apparatus includes a groundwater conductivity sensor, designed to determine a groundwater conductivity surface; a water conductivity sensor, designed to determine a surface water conductivity groundwater; a temperature sensor, designed to determine a groundwater temperature; a surface water temperature sensor, designed to determine a surface water temperature; and a processor operatively coupled to a plurality of sensors and designed to receive information from the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A method for environmental monitoring and bioprospecting includes the steps of: (a) utilizing a testing device having: (i) a container having a fluid inlet and outlet, (ii) a plurality of capillary microcosms situated within the container, each of these capillaries having an inlet and outlet that are configured so as to allow for fluid flow through the capillaries, each of these capillaries further having a means for covering its inlet and outlet so as to prevent flow through the capillary, (iii) a pump connected to the container outlet, the pump being configured so as to draw fluid from the surrounding environment into the container's inlet and through the capillaries, (iv) connected to the outlet of the container, a means for collecting the flow through the container, and (v) a check valve connected downstream of the container to prevent the backflow of fluid into the container, (b) adding specified test substances to the device's capillaries, wherein these substances are to be analyzed for their ability to

Abstract: Assembly and method for extracting fluids, preferably crude oil, from a drilled well within a geological formation by means of reciprocating pumping with hollow sucker rods. The assembly includes: a) a stationary bottom set that attached to the casing at the desired depth and providing the rod pump anchoring system; b) a reciprocating axial movement rod pump having an anchoring system and a centralizer; c) a centralized hollow rod string extending within the well, which is connected to the mobile member of the pump; d) a hollow polished rod connected to the hollow rod string and linked to a system that imparts the reciprocating axial movement to the pump; e) a production bridge connecting the polished rod to the driving tubing through rotating joints, and f) a rigid head that provides a venting exit of the annular space formed between the string and the casing.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of delivering at least one chemical into an underground well equipped with a reciprocating plunger includes retaining the plunger above the well after the well is unloaded and shut in, dispensing at least one chemical into the well and releasing the plunger so that the plunger may drop in the well after the chemical(s).

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: An electrical wireline conveyed baling system for removing large volumes of liquids from a well borehole with a single trip of a bailer tool string. The system also utilizes one or more blow out preventers thereby allowing wireline bailing operations to be carried out while controlling well pressure. A bailer tool string that is conveyed by the wireline comprises a tool head containing a pump, at least one carrier section, and a no-return valve. Once deployed in the borehole, a first signal transmitted via the wireline from the surface activates the pump thereby reducing pressure within the carrier section. A second signal transmitted via the wireline from the surface opens the no-return valve thereby allowing liquid to flow from the borehole into the carrier section. The bailer tool string containing liquid is subsequently retrieved via the wireline thereby removing liquid from the borehole.

Abstract: A plunger for use in a plunger lift system of an oil or natural gas well includes one or more sensor assemblies, each including one or more sensors for measuring various physical and operational conditions during the operation of the well. The data acquired from the sensors is stored in memory within the sensor assemblies and downloaded to the plunger lift system controller when the plunger is located in the catch/lubricator. The data can then be analyzed by the controller or other computer to vary the well's operating parameters to maximize the well's operating efficiency and the data can be used in reservoir management, such as transient testing, reservoir modeling and interference testing.

Abstract: A bailer is configured to remove particulate solids from fluid passing through the bailer. The bailer preferably includes a housing that includes an intake and an outlet to permit the flow if well fluids through the housing. The bailer also includes a magnetic plate that includes at least one aperture that provides a path for the fluid flow. The bailer optionally includes one or more elongate magnetic bars that extend along the longitudinal axis of the bailer housing. The bailer can be used in conjunction with other components in a downhole pumping system, a surface pumping system or a transport system.

Abstract: A subsea pumping assembly locates on a seafloor for pumping well fluid from subsea wells to the level. The pumping assembly has a tubular outer housing that is at least partially embedded in the seafloor. A tubular primary housing locates in the outer housing and has a lower end with a receptacle. An annular space surrounds the primary housing within the outer housing for delivering fluid to a receptacle at the lower end of the primary housing. A capsule is lowered in and retrieved from the primary housing. The capsule sealingly engages the receptacle for receiving well fluid from the annular space. A submersible pump is located inside the capsule. The pump has an intake that receives well fluid and a discharge that discharges the well fluid exterior of this capsule. The capsule has a valve in its inlet that when closed prevents leakage of well fluid from the capsule. The capsule may be retrieved through open sea without a riser.

Abstract: A downhole fluid pump including a pump chamber, and a piston disposed in the pump chamber so that the piston will move in one selected from a charge stroke and a discharge stroke when the piston is exposed to a differential pressure. The downhole fluid pump may form part of a formation evaluation while drilling tool.

Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatuses for extracting, transporting and/or releasing various kinds of liquid and semi-liquid materials. The materials may have very high viscosity and may include solids. Generally speaking, the apparatus includes a container, a gateway that functions as a valve without moving parts, and a means for controlling air pressure within the container. In addition, the apparatus may include flexible hoses and/or a separator for separating the solids in the material from the liquids. Applications include industrial and manufacturing processes, construction, dredging, remediation, laboratory, and home-based uses. When used in wells, the invention can bail water, oil, and sediment (cleanout operations). The tools according to the present invention are scalable to nearly any size.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for utilizing both a wellbore completion and a formation treatment system. The formation treatment system comprises a bypass that directs well treatment fluid around the wellbore completion. The bypass protects the wellbore completion from potentially corrosive or erosive well treatment fluids which, in turn, allows the wellbore completion to remain downhole during the introduction of well treatment fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to petroleum recovery operations, and more particularly, to the use of pulse technology to enhance the effectiveness of waterflooding operations. The systems of the present invention generally comprise an injection means for continually injecting a fluid into the subterranean formation, and a pressure pulsing means for periodically applying a pressure pulse having a given amplitude and frequency to the fluid while the fluid is being injected into the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus suitable for coupling seismic or other downhole sensors to a borehole wall in high temperature and pressure environments. In one embodiment, one or more metal bellows mounted to a sensor module are inflated to clamp the sensor module within the borehole and couple an associated seismic sensor to a borehole wall. Once the sensing operation is complete, the bellows are deflated and the sensor module is unclamped by deflation of the metal bellows. In a further embodiment, a magnetic drive pump in a pump module is used to supply fluid pressure for inflating the metal bellows using borehole fluid or fluid from a reservoir. The pump includes a magnetic drive motor configured with a rotor assembly to be exposed to borehole fluid pressure including a rotatable armature for driving an impeller and an associated coil under control of electronics isolated from borehole pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cleaning the open perforations in a well and for bailing a well. The apparatus has a tubular conduit with at least one seal attached to it that forms a seal between the well casing and the exterior of the conduit. The seal is held in place on the tubular conduit by two shoulders formed where the upper and lower sections of the conduit meet a middle section. The upper end of the conduit is adapted to releasably engage the lower end of a bailer. The upper end of the conduit releasably engages the middle section and can be removed to replace the seals when worn. The apparatus has a valve section designed to releasably engage the lower end of the tubular conduit or the lower end of a bailer.

Abstract: A tank contains both Zeolite and a hydrate in a gas chamber formed beneath a piston in the sample tank. Out of safety considerations, we avoid using source cylinders of nitrogen whose pressures exceed 4000 psi. Thus, the gas chamber of the sample tank is initially pressurized by the source cylinder to no more than 4000 psi of nitrogen at room temperature at the surface. Nitrogen gas is sorbed onto the zeolite at room temperature. As the tank is heated by being lowered downhole, nitrogen desorbs from the zeolite and the gas pressure increases. However, once this tank reaches a temperature high enough to release the hydrate's water of hydration, the released water is preferentially sorbed by zeolite, displacing sorbed nitrogen, and causing the pressure in the gas volume to increase even further. Because well temperatures are not high enough to desorb water from zeolite, any water sorbed onto a Zeolite sorption site will permanently block released nitrogen from resorbing at that site.

Abstract: A well pump device, especially for use in connection with the recovery of hydrocarbons, wherein the pump is carried to a predetermined position within a well pipe. The pump is provided with an external seal which is arranged to prevent fluid from flowing from the pressure side of the pump past the pump to the suction side thereof.

Abstract: A downhole pump having a barrel with a reciprocating plunger therein has at least one valve. The valve has a cage, a seat and a ball. The cage has a passageway extending between two ends, with the passage including a ball chamber. The ball chamber is between a perforated member and a stop. The ball is located in the ball chamber between the perforated member and the seat, which abuts the stop. The ball is movable along a raceway. The raceway has ribs with channels therebetween. The raceway skews away from a longitudinal axis of the ball chamber from the seat toward to the perforated member. The raceway can be made of a material that is either harder or softer or the same as the hardness of the inner wall of the ball chamber. In another embodiment, the valve has a throat with a stop for receiving a seat. The ball chamber has portions that are hardened. The clearance between the ball and the hardened portions of the ball chamber is at least twice as large as the clearance between the ball and the throat.

Abstract: A fluid well pumping system includes at least one stage for removing fluid from a well. The at least one stage includes a product line assembly adapted for positioning in the well casing as a unit. The product line assembly includes a first product tube and first and second gas lines in a passage of the product tube. The at least one stage also include a fluid reservoir adapted for positioning in a well casing as a unit that is attachable to the product line assembly in end-to-end fashion. The fluid reservoir includes a housing defining a chamber for storage of fluid and a float in the chamber. The fluid reservoir also includes a third gas line in fluid communication with the first gas line, a fourth gas line in fluid communication with the second gas line, and a product line in fluid communication with the product tube when assembled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole cementing apparatus run into a borehole on a tubular. The apparatus is constructed on the pipe in such a way that pressure surge during run-in is reduced by allowing fluid to enter the pipe and utilize the fluid pathway of the cement. In one aspect of the invention, an inner member is provided that filters fluid as it enters the fluid pathway. In another aspect of the invention, various methods are provided within the cementing apparatus to loosen and displace sediment in the borehole prior to cementing.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump dump valve and methods of use for utilization in the hydrocarbon industry. The device is preferably used with barrel pumps although it may be used with tubing pumps. The device is positioned at the bottom of the wellbore immediately above the stinger and immediately below the standing valve and allows for complete dumping of the hydrostatic head in the production tubing whenever the tubing must be pulled.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump vent-dump and methods of use for utilization in the hydrocarbon industry. The device is preferably used with barrel pumps although it may be used with tubing pumps. The device is positioned at the bottom of the wellbore immediately above the stinger and immediately below above the standing valve. The device allows for controlled back-flushing of a wellbore thereby clearing the hold-down of sand buildup dumping the sand into the rat-hole and allows for spotting of chemicals in the production tubing. The device also allows for complete dumping of the hydrostatic head in the production tubing whenever the tubing must be pulled.

Abstract: A plunger for use in downhole tubulars in wells which produce fluids and/or gases under variable pressure, which has an internal passage to facilitate more rapid descent of the plunger to the well bottom or well stop. The plunger has a stopper housed inside a chamber that is actuated when the plunger and stopper stem reach bottom or a well stop and which is held in a closed position by the build up of pressure below the plunger. The plunger may also have a jacket mounted about a core which has sealing, holding, and lifting capabilities. The plunger may also have fingers which project inwardly from the underside of the jacket toward the inner core which may also be grooved and which provides an inner turbulent or labyrinth-type seal.

Abstract: A plunger for use in tubulars in wells which produce fluids and/or gases under variable pressure. The plunger has at least two separate jackets comprised of segments mounted about one body or bodies joined by a connector, which collectively have increased sealing, holding, and lifting capabilities. A inner turbulent or labyrinth-type seal is accomplished by circumferential grooves on the core and/or fingers which project inwardly from the underside of the segments. The plunger body may also have an internal passage to facilitate more rapid descent, and a simplified stopper housed inside a chamber which is actuated when the plunger reaches a well stop or well bottom and which is held in a closed position by the build up of pressure below the plunger. When the pressure inside the tubulars above the plunger is reduced, the plunger and fluids move upwardly to the surface.

Abstract: A fluid well pumping system includes at least one stage for removing fluid from a well. The at least one stage includes a product line assembly adapted for positioning in the well casing as a unit. The product line assembly includes a first product tube and first and second gas lines in a passage of the product tube. The at least one stage also include a fluid reservoir adapted for positioning in a well casing as a unit that is attachable to the product line assembly in end-to-end fashion. The fluid reservoir includes a housing defining a chamber for storage of fluid and a float in the chamber. The fluid reservoir also includes a third gas line in fluid communication with the first gas line, a fourth gas line in fluid communication with the second gas line, and a product line in fluid communication with the product tube when assembled.

Abstract: A viscosity handling system for facilitating the movement of certain fluids. The system utilizes kinetic energy in the form of a rapidly and repetitively moving component that imparts energy in the form of heat to surrounding fluid. The system is particularly useful in applications, such as downhole pumping systems, used to produce hydrocarbon-based fluids from beneath the surface of the earth. The viscosity handler lowers the viscosity of the fluid produced to permit greater flow rates and more efficient utilization of production pumps.

Abstract: An electrical submersible pump assembly has first and second modular component sections, each of the sections having an outer housing and an inner shaft member. A coupling sleeve having a bore is disposed between the modular component sections and receives the shaft member of each of the component sections. The bore of the coupling sleeve and the shaft members having mating radial load transmitting shoulders for transmitting torque. An axial load transmitting shoulder is affixed to the shaft member of the first modular component section and located in the bore of the coupling sleeve. A locking element is carried by the shaft member of the second modular section and engages the axial load transmitting shoulder to secure the shaft members to one another for transferring axial tension from one of the shaft members to the other.

Abstract: An intermittent gas lift well pumping system containing an accumulator, a gas line, a liquid discharge line, and a battery operated controller. By using one or more constrictions in the gas line and acoustical techniques, accurate liquid level is determined in the pumping system for optimum production. Bypasses are connected between the gas line and the liquid discharge line. Each contains a valve that opens at a preset absolute pressure in the gas line, an orifice, and a one-way valve. The bypasses are strategically placed to prevent overloading of the system. A liquid slug sensor on the upper end of the liquid discharge line and a rabbit in this line enables optimum production and gas conservation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drawing small milling debris into a combination milling and debris retrieval tool, during the performance of the milling operation. A milling tool has a fluid intake port near its lower end, where debris-laden fluid is drawn into the milling tool and subsequently into a separator section. The separator section has a debris deflection tube and a screen for separating the debris from the fluid. Fluid is drawn into the tool by either a set of eductor nozzles or a downhole motor and pump.

Abstract: Accordingly, an improved pumping system is herein disclosed. In one embodiment, the pumping system includes a subsurface pump, a tubing string, and a surface pumping unit. The subsurface pump is anchored downhole and driven by repeated upward and downward motion of the tubing string. The subsurface pump pumps fluids to the surface via the tubing string. The upward and downward motion of the tubing string is imparted by any suitable surface pumping unit such as, e.g. a beam pumping unit or a hydraulic pumping unit. This pumping system advantageously provides-for a minimal number of strings downhole, requiring at most only (1) casing and (2) the production tubing. Accordingly, the well may be drilled using a very slender hole, thereby allowing for sharply reduced drilling and production costs.

Abstract: A sand removing apparatus which is intended to be used in the lower area of underwater wells and is suspended from the end of a pipe string, includes a container having a closeable inlet for allowing a flow of liquid accompanied by sand thereinto. The container has a separate outlet assigned a suction side of a pump constituting the drive device for the apparatus. The drive device is kept going until a degree of filling of the container has been achieved. Between a separate inlet provided with a one-way valve and the separate outlet, a filter is disposed, so that sand remains in the container while the carrier liquid exits the container. In one embodiment, the drive device is a liquid-driven jet jump.

Abstract: A counter apparatus for counting the cycling of fluid flow in an automatic pneumatic pump. A magnet inside the pump repetitively moves along a fixed path in response to the pump cycling. A magnetic sensor for detecting magnetic flux is mounted on the pump. The sensor transmits an electrical signal to a counter in response to detecting the magnet at a certain location. When the magnet leaves this location the sensor stops transmitting the signal. Since the magnet is only at any location along the path only once during a complete pump cycle, the transmitted signal represents a pump cycle which is then counted by the counter.

Abstract: A progressive cavity pump is located in a well and driven by a downhole electrical motor. A connector locates between the drive shaft of the motor and the rotor of the pump. The connector includes a connector shaft which has a lower end restrained on a longitudinal axis. The upper end orbits with the lower end of the rotor. The connector shaft has splined ends that are received in couplings. The connector shaft flexes during the orbiting movement.

Abstract: A purge water management system for effectively eliminating the production of purge water when obtaining a groundwater sample from a monitoring well. In its preferred embodiment, the purge water management system comprises an expandable container, a transportation system, and a return system. The purge water management system is connected to a wellhead sampling configuration, typically permanently installed at the well site. A pump, positioned with the monitoring well, pumps groundwater through the transportation system into the expandable container, which expands in direct proportion with volume of groundwater introduced, usually three or four well volumes, yet prevents the groundwater from coming into contact with the oxygen in the air. After this quantity of groundwater has been removed from the well, a sample is taken from a sampling port, after which the groundwater in the expandable container can be returned to the monitoring well through the return system.

Abstract: A float operated pneumatic pump has an outer pump body forming an outer chamber and a dip tube forming an inner chamber therein. The inner chamber of the dip tube is in communication with the outer chamber of the pump body through a back flow discharge check valve. An inlet is located at a first end of the outer pump body for permitting liquids to enter both the inner and outer chambers. A discharge housing is located at a second end of the tubes and contains a liquid discharge port in communication with the second end of the dip tube. An air inlet port is located in the discharge housing for permitting pressurized air to enter the second end of the outer pump body. An air exhaust port is provided for permitting air in the outlet chamber to escape to atmosphere when fluid is entering the inner and outer chambers. A float is disposed on the outside of the dip tube within the outer chamber of the pump body. The float provides buoyancy to actuate the pump and provides weight to de-activate the pump.

Abstract: A containment device is provided that includes a bottom tray (20) that is of cylindrical shape having a lower surface and one open end. The lower surface has a hole (26) disposed therethrough which is operable to be disposed about a flange on a wellhead with a seal (32) formed between the outer peripheral edges of the hole (26) and the peripheral edge (14) of the flange (12) on the wellhead. The stuffing box (16) will have leaks therefrom collected in the bottom of the tray (20). A cowling (20) is disposed about the stuffing box (16) and supported on a shelf (36) to maintain an amount of any fluid in the bottom of the tray (20). Cap (22) is disposed over the cowling with a hole (38) disposed in the upper surface thereof to allow the polish rod (18) to extend therethrough. An orifice (42) is operable to allow fluid to escape from the tray (20). Each of the bottom tray (20), cowling (24) and the cap (24) are split to allow assembly over and around the wellhead.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, treating a well using a tool string is disclosed. The method includes the steps of supplying a predetermined amount of treatment fluid to the well; pumping fluid from the well and holding the fluid in the tool string; and releasing the treatment fluid from the tool string into the well. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes repeating the pumping and releasing steps until the well is adequately treated.

Abstract: A submersible well probe sleeve made of a cylindrical tube attached to a submersible pump. The cylindrical tube has a number of slots exposing access to a protective pouch. Inside the protective pouch a fluid level sensing probe is placed. The fluid has access to the pouch through slots in the sleeve. Opposite the pouch at a predetermined level is a number of fluid inlet holes which provide access to the center of the cylinder by fluid in the well. The submersible pump draws fluid into the center of the cylinder past the probe. The submersible well probe sleeve provides a fixed relative position between the probe and the inlets such that the level of the well can be maintained at a precise level and the probe can be installed in the well while under the protection of the sleeve.

Abstract: A chamber in a well is connected to two externally separate tubing strings to unload liquid which is applying backpressure against a formation so that the production of fluid from the formation is obstructed. Volumes of the liquid are intermittently collected in the chamber and lifted out of the well through one of the tubing strings in response to high pressure gas injected solely into the chamber through the other tubing string.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for a submersible pump so as to permit the electrical cable to the submersible pump to be extended upwardly through the pipe column, which supports the submersible pump, to the upper end of the well. The positioning of the pump electrical cable in the pipe column prevents the electrical cable from being pinched between the pipe column and the well casing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for dewatering an interior of a hollow tension leg connecting a tension leg platform to a floor of a body of water. The apparatus includes a pump having a suction inlet defined on its lower end and a discharge outlet on its upper end. An elongated storage tank is attached to the upper end of the pump above the pump and has a tank interior communicated with the discharge outlet. The assembly is lowered on an electric wireline through which power is conducted to the pump. The pump fills the tank and then the assembly is withdrawn from the tension leg and the water is drained therefrom. The assembly can be repeatedly lowered into the tension leg and withdrawn therefrom until the tension leg is substantially completely dewatered. Solid debris can be removed from the tension leg prior to dewatering.

Abstract: A cleanout tool for removing debris from a deep borehole, the borehole being characterized by having a relatively low hydrostatic head or level of liquid in the borehole. A series of unique check valves acting in cooperation with a pumping section are used to collect the debris into the debris reservoirs while passing the liquid upwardly through the cleanout tool. The check valves are unique in the fact that they are less prone to plugging and two sets are supplied in pairs so as to provide an extra margin of valving efficiency. The cleanout tool is operable in under low hydrostatic head conditions due to its improved pumping efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an inlet valve assembly for a subsurface sucker rod operated reciprocating piston pump and, more particularly an inlet valve assembly which is locked in its closed position when the pump is in its unanchored, non-pumping position within the production tube of a deep well. When the subsurface piston pump is anchored within the production tube of the deep well of the inlet valve assembly is freely movable between open and close positions upon reciprocation of the piston.

Abstract: A sand pump for an oil well includes a tail pipe connected to a barrel. A swab on a mandrel is reciprocatingly operated within the barrel to draw fluid upward from the bottom of the tail pipe. A flap valve at the bottom of the tail pipe and a ball check valve at the top of the tail pipe and below the barrel prevent debris and fluid caught within the pump from running backward through the tail pipe or the barrel. A traveling ball check valve is located immediately above the swab within a knocker on the mandrel to force the fluid upward. A double action swab is used on the mandrel to wipe the barrel bore clean to reduce problems with the sand which is within the liquid being pumped. Also, square shoulders on working parts are used to prevent guiding sand into areas having close tolerance. The fluid openings on the barrel bore are small and restricted so that the velocity of the movement of the mandrel is restricted.

Abstract: An elastic rebound pump comprises a flexible inner tube having a substantial elastic rebound surrounded by a pump housing. The inner tube defines an inner chamber and the pump housing forms an outer chamber for confining a pump fluid. The pump allows pressurized gas or hydraulic fluid into the outer chamber to collapse the inner tube thereby discharging liquid from the inner chamber through an outlet opening. The pump alternatively releases the pressurized fluid from the outer chamber thereby allowing the inner tube to rebound to a full configuration and draw liquid into the inner chamber through the inlet opening. By repeatedly allowing pump fluid into the outer chamber and sequentially releasing the pump fluid from the outer chamber, the pump produces a substantially steady flow of liquid. An extraction pump system includes the elastic rebound pump for removing liquid hydrocarbons from ground water collected in a well.

Abstract: A perforating gun having no firing head and no primary explosives is attached to a tubing string and the tubing string is run into a borehole. A new well apparatus, having a firing head, is run into the tubing string until the firing head is adjacent the perforating gun. The firing head in the well apparatus detonates, firing the perforating gun. If the firing head fails to detonate, one need only remove the well apparatus from the tubing string in order to gain access to the firing head, for repair and replacement thereof. One need not remove the tubing string to gain access to the firing head.

Abstract: An elastic rebound pump comprises a flexible inner tube having a substantial elastic rebound surrounded by a pump housing. The inner tube defines an inner chamber and the pump housing forms an outer chamber for confining a pump fluid. The pump allows pressurized gas or hydraulic fluid into the outer chamber to collapse the inner tube thereby discharging liquid from the inner chamber through an outlet opening. The pump alternately releases the pressurized fluid from the outer chamber thereby allowing the inner tube to rebound to a full configuration and draw liquid into the inner chamber through the inlet opening. By repeatedly allowing pump fluid into the outer chamber and sequentially releasing the pump fluid from the outer chamber, the pump produces a substantially steady flow of liquid. An extraction pump system includes the elastic rebound pump for removing liquid hydrocarbons from ground water collected in a well.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for removing sand and debris from a well bore utilizes an elongated string which includes a pump functioning to pump debris into the string interior from the lower end of the well bore. The pump includes a stationary hollow piston with a hollow piston rod which is connected to the lower portion of the string, and a cylinder which is connected to the upper portion of the string. The cylinder is keyed to the piston rod to transmit rotary motion from the upper portion of the string via the pump to a lower portion of the string in which the debris is trapped. Check valves are provided below and above the pump in the string to prevent retrograde flow of liquid downwardly in the string. By reciprocating the upper portion of the string, debris is pumped into the lower portion of the string, along with well liquids. The liquid pumped into the string from the well continues upwardly in the string, passing through the interior of the piston rod and piston and into the pump cylinder.

Abstract: A progressive cavity pump located in a well and driven by a downhole electrical motor. A connector locates between the drive shaft of the motor and the rotor of the pump. The connector includes a connector shaft which has a lower end restrained on a longitudinal axis. The upper end orbits with the lower end of the rotor. The connector shaft has splined ends that are received in couplings. The connector shaft flexes during the orbiting movement.