Abstract: A drive assembly for a progressive cavity pump includes a frame supported by the wel piping and a polish rod connected to the sucker rod. The polish rod is received by a rotary union formed by a sleeve portion rotatable with respect to a body portion with a seal structure that seals the sleeve and body portions during rotation. A mechanical drive, such as a hydraulic motor, electric motor or engine, has an output shaft that is linear with the polish rod and that has an axial passageway which receives the polish rod. A coupler mechanically couples an upper portion of the polish rod to the output shaft. The invention also includes a method of rotating a progressive cavity pump by this assembly.

Abstract: A continuous sucker rod preferably comprising fiberglass or composite material for use in an well is described herein. The continuous sucker rod may be connected at one end to a pump drive, via a polished rod, and at a second end to a downhole pump, via sinker bars or other weights. The continuous sucker rod preferably has at least two end fittings, one at each end of the continuous sucker rod. The end fittings, each having two ends and each being attached, at one end, to a respective end of the continuous sucker rod. The end fittings are preferably configured to enable connection to the polished rod and sinker bars respectively. The end fittings are connected to the continuous sucker rod so as to form wedges which enhance the connectability of the end fitting to the rod, and further, the wedge or wedges approach the rod asymptotically so as to avoid any abrupt discontinuities in the wedge or wedges thus substantially eliminating stress concentration areas and potential failure areas in the rod.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to improve delivery of the multi-phase mixture, in particular hydrocarbons from a well, and to limit the free gas volume. According to the invention, this object is attained in that a partial liquid flow (13) is split off on the pressure side from the main delivery flow and guided to the high-pressure side of at least one ejector pump (2) arranged on the suction side as an auxiliary delivery device. The pump installation provides a feed line (7) connecting the pressure chamber of the displacement pump (1) with the high-pressure side of at least one ejector pump (2), whereby the ejector pump (2) is arranged on the suction side in the delivery direction of the displacement pump (1).

Abstract: A pumping system 10 is provided for pumping fluid from a downhole well to the surface through a production tubing string well. A rotatable drive rod 18 extends from the surface to power the downhole pump, and includes a plurality of rod couplings. The downhole pump includes a pump stator 22 and a rotor 24 rotatable within the pump stator. A lifting member 36 provided at the upper end of the stator is engaged by a drive coupling 34 to retrieve the pump from the well. The lifting member has an internal shoulder 44 tapered radially inwardly and upwardly, such that a rod coupling engages the internal shoulder and passes through the lifting member as the rotor is pulled upward.

Abstract: A reciprocated pump positioned at the lower end of a string of tubing in a bore hole that provides a passageway for moving formation fluid to the earth's surface, including a pump barrel supported in communication with the tubing and a standing valve at the lower end thereof providing a first passageway through which formation fluid flows into the pump barrel, the pump barrel having an intermediate vent port providing a second entry passageway, and a tubular plunger reciprocated within the barrel and having an upper and a lower portion with a plurality of non-metallic seal rings separated by metallic spacers received on the plunger upper portion and configured to support a column of formation fluid within the tubing to substantially isolate the portion of the barrel below the non-metallic seal rings from the tubing pressure to thereby allow formation fluid to move into the pump barrel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a split seal for a progressive cavity pump (PCP) drive head stuffing box. In one embodiment, a mechanical seal assembly for a pump is provided. The mechanical seal assembly includes a seal housing; first and second semi-annular mechanical seals, each at least partially disposed in the seal housing bore, and a seal sleeve rotatable relative to the seal housing; third and fourth semi-annular mechanical seals, each disposed at least partially in the seal sleeve bore, at least one of the third and fourth seals rotationally coupled to the seal sleeve; and one or more biasing members biasing the mechanical seals into engagement.

Abstract: An electromagnetic ram for use in artificially lifting fluid from a well and in particular an oil well. The disclosure also teaches a method and system employing the ram. The use obviates existing systems used today in terms of cost, environmental concerns, optimized mechanical efficiencies and maximizing overall production of wells on a case by case basis.

Abstract: A well fluid homogenization device for use in a pumping system configured to recover fluids from a well includes a central hub and a plurality of posts extending from the central hub. The well fluid homogenization device is configured to rotate with a drive shaft to homogenize well fluid as the well fluid passes through a pumping system. The well fluid homogenization device is well-suited to be incorporated within gas separators and pump assemblies.

Abstract: A system comprising a top mounted rotating stuffing box is provided for use with downhole pump (e.g., Progressing Cavity Pump) applications. The system also includes a split standpipe configuration that allows the stuffing box to be quickly installed or removed as needed. The split standpipe feature combined with the top-mounted aspect of the stuffing box allow for the corresponding drive units to stay intact while the stuffing box is being installed or removed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automating the extraction of oil from an oil well, especially low production orphan wells. The system includes an endless loop pump extending into the oil well; a rotational drive motor operably connected to the loop pump; a transfer pump for conveying petroleum product away from the endless loop pump; a microprocessor controller for controlling the rotational drive motor and transfer pump; a number of sensors for sending operational measurements to the microprocessor indicative of the operational characteristics of the rotational drive motor; a collection reservoir for gathering the petroleum product from the endless loop pump; and a liquid level sensor for sending a level measurement to the microprocessor indicative of the level of the petroleum product in the collection reservoir. The system includes a variable sheave-pulley configuration and arrangement as well as complete local and remote system monitoring and reporting.

Abstract: Under low reservoir pressure in oil well bores, oil extraction is carried out by using pumping equipment, which activates submerged pump through up and down reciprocating sucker rods. Tubing rotators and rod rotators are utilized to increase the efficiency of this pumping equipment. The purpose of rod rotators is to prevent unwanted unscrewing of sucker rods, increase longevity of tubing and sucker rod strings that continually wear against each other, decrease deposits on the walls of tubing during the extraction of oil with high wax or paraffin content.

Abstract: Invention refers to a method for conditioning wellbore fluids and to a sucker rod to accomplish the method used in the field of petroleum production. The method the invention refers to involves fact that the injection of the conditioning fluids is done directly through the sucker rods, from the surface, concomitantly pumping (producing) the well, being possible that the conditioning fluid be distributed either in the producing tubing or in the wellbore, or even in the reservoir rock around the wellbore, concomitantly pumping the well. The sucker rod designed for the application of the method is made of steel and it has two sucker rod heads (1) which are tubular, welded to the ends of a tube (2) made of steel, thus forming a continuous tube through which a fluid can flow or an electric or optical cable can be pulled through, or set inside.

Abstract: A tubing string rotator for rotating a tubing string in a well having a downhole pump. The tubing string rotator includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion. At least the second portion of the housing is adapted to be operatively connected to the end of a length of the tubing string such that rotational torque applied to the tubing string through the operation of the pump is transferred to the second portion of the housing. The rotator further includes means to permit the controlled rotation of the second portion, together with the tubing string connected thereto, relative to the first portion of the housing when the ability of the first portion to rotate is retarded or eliminated, and when rotational torque is supplied to the tubing string through the operation of the pump.

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 submersible pump for attachment to the lower end of a well pipe discharge tube for insertion in liquid includes a stationary collecting tube for collecting the liquid and an upward and downward reciprocating pumping tube within the collecting tube for pushing and lifting the liquid into the discharge tube; source of pressurized gas, a casing assembly including a casing tube and a gas valve, and a piston assembly with the casing tube including a piston tube having a lower end connected to the pumping tube for reciprocating the pumping tube and an upper portion having pistons for moving in chambers with the inside of the casing tube. Preferably the same amount of liquid is pumped during the upward movement of the pumping tube as during the downward movement.

Abstract: A pumping system (13) for oil wells (1) comprises a pump (20) immersed at the bottom of the well (4) and a flow-meter (32) associated with the pump (20), the immersed pump (20) being supplied by an electric supply source (26). The flow-meter (32) is an electromagnetic flow-meter, also electrically supplied by the supply source (26) of the pump.

Abstract: A fluid recovery system 10 for collecting formation fluid at the surface of a well 12 includes a downhole jet pump 20 and a surface diaphragm pump 40 having a plurality of diaphragms 42. The jet pump includes a fluid nozzle 22, an intake 24 directing the formation fluid into a jet 26, a mixing tube 28 for mixing the power fluid and the formation fluid, and a diffuser 30 for converting the velocity of the mixed fluid to pressure. A flow meter 50 and a pressure sensor 52 monitor the quantity and pressure of the power fluid to the jet pump.

Abstract: An intermittent lift plunger includes at least one seal mandrel, a bottom sub and an upper valve assembly. The valve assembly is closed by a well bottom stop which inserts into the lift plunger and opened by a lubricator stop at the top of the well. The seal mandrel includes a sleeve seal formed from an elastomeric rubber or plastic, which inflates to engage the well bore surface when the valve is closed and a pressure differential exists.

Abstract: A seal cartridge and barrel manifold seal are provided for use in a subterranean well and in a method to inject fluid, that is initially produced into the well from a subterranean formation or zone, into another subterranean formation or zone. The seal cartridge has two distinct annular seals positioned within opposite sides of a unitary housing to inhibit fluid flow through the housing in both axial directions along a rod that is positioned through the housing. A barrel seal manifold is provided that is unitary in design and has tapered flow surfaces thereby provided increased strength, flow dynamics and life.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole tool for removing metallic debris from a well bore. The downhole tool includes a plurality of magnets disposed on the tool body. The plurality of magnets are arranged in a bucking arrangement such that repulsing forces are generated between neighboring pairs of the plurality of magnets. The bucking arrangement results in an expanded reach of the magnetic fields of the magnets to enhance the removal of metallic debris.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing the pumping duty cycle of a pump assembly associated with an oil, natural gas, or water well with a concomitant reduction in the wear associated with the pump down hole components. An engine is connected with a pump assembly through a pneumatically actuated clutch and a selected event is determined to actuate the clutch to connect the engine with the pump assembly. The selected events may be a timed cycle determined from observations or a direct determination of liquid level in the well bore so that hydrocarbon production is maintained from the well bore. A pressurized gas is supplied on the occurrence of the selected event to actuate the clutch to connect the pump assembly with the engine to remove liquid from the gas well to maintain hydrocarbon production from the well.

Abstract: I disclose an apparatus for driving a submerged pump in a well, of the kind where the pump has a driving rod. A motor is connected to a double-reduction helical gear drive, and the gear drive has a threaded output shaft. The gear drive output shaft is removably connected to the pump driving rod. There is a back plate; the motor and gear drive are connected together to the back plate. The back plate has at least one slotted track for vertically adjusting the position of the motor and gear drive above the pump driving rod. The apparatus has a drive head housing attached to the well head. A pivot connects the drive head housing and the back plate, so that the motor and gear drive may be pivoted clear of the pump driving rod when the gear drive and pump rod are disconnected. A back plate rest connected to the drive head housing supports the back plate (and the motor and gear drive) when the motor and gear drive are pivoted clear of the pump driving rod.

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 groundwater pumping apparatus includes an outer tube, an inner tube, a shield member, a vacuum unit and a pump unit. The outer tube is buried in ground, and has a water-passing portion at its lower part. The inner tube has a substantially same length as the outer tube, and is placed in the outer tube such that the inner tube is spaced from the outer tube. The inner tube has a groundwater inlet at its bottom end, which is provided at a position lower than a top end of the water-passing portion. The shield member shields top ends of the outer tube and the inner tube. The vacuum unit reduces a pressure in the inner tube. The pump unit pumps groundwater that comes in the inner tube through the groundwater inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a well pumping unit driven by a linear motor. The well pumping unit includes a slideway support, a linear motor having a motor complex primary and a motor complex secondary, a polished rod chain, a polished rod chain wheel assembly, a bottom support chain wheel, a counterweight chain wheel, a counterweight chain, and a counterweight. The complex secondary, polished rod chain wheel assembly, bottom support chain wheel and counterweight chain wheel are fixed on the slideway support, the complex primary moving along the slideway support. A first end of the polished rod chain is fixed to an upper end of the complex primary and passes over the polished rod chain wheel assembly, with a second end fixed to a polished rod. A lower end of the complex primary is fixed to a first end of the counterweight chain, the counterweight chain passes over the bottom support chain wheel and counterweight chain wheel and is fixed to the counterweight at a second end thereof.

Abstract: A method for removing fluid from a subterranean zone includes drilling a well bore from a surface to the subterranean zone and forming an enlarged cavity in the well bore such that the enlarged cavity acts as a chamber to separate liquid from gas flowing from the subterranean zone through the well bore. The method includes positioning a pump inlet within the enlarged cavity and operating a pumping unit to produce the liquid through the pump inlet. The well bore may comprise an articulated well bore.

Abstract: The present invention is addressed to a method of retro-fitting a well installation to reconfigure it to provide plunger enhanced chamber lift. The method comprises the steps of providing a reel-carried supply of coil tubing, a primary seating nipple assembly, a primary seal assembly, a primary seal, a receiver housing, and a secondary seating nipple. The receiver housing is connected with the coil tubing, and the coiling tube snubbed until the primary seal engages the primary seating nipple. A wire installable and retrievable sealing plug is provided and installed within the receiver housing. The wellhead is modified to supply gas under pressure into the secondary annulus and the sealing plug is removed. A check valve assembly is provided and positioned within the coiling tube such that the secondary seal engages the secondary seating nipple. A reciprocally moveable plunger is provided and installed within the coiling tube.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved pump (5, 5?) particularly suitable for use in a method of “artificial lift” in an oil/gas well. Known pumps used in artificial lift methods suffer from a number of problems/disadvantages—e.g. low efficiency (hydraulic efficiency). The disclosed embodiments of the invention provide a pump (5, 5?) which provides a positive displacement of a predetermined volume of well production fluid for each operative cycle of the pump-in contra-distinction known to pumps which provide axial flow of well production fluid. The inventive pump (5, 5?) provides a chamber (10, 10?) having a volume (V, V?), an inlet (15) to the chamber (10, 10?), an outlet (20) from the chamber (10, 10?), and means for varying the volume (V, V?) of the chamber (10, 10?). The means for varying the volume (V, V?) of the chamber (10, 10?) is controlled by relative rotation of first and second bodies (30, 35, 30?, 35?).

Abstract: A downhole moineau pump assembly includes a stator with a rotor extending through the stator. The rotor and stator sealingly engage each other at spaced intervals to form a series of annular spaces. A primary inlet is provided for fluids to enter a first of the series of annular spaces. A surface mounted top drive unit rotates the rotor. As the rotor rotates, fluids are drawn through the primary inlet and up the series of annular spaces between the rotor and the stator. A portion of the rotor is hollow with a central flow passage extending from a secondary inlet spaced from the primary inlet to the primary inlet. A portion of the fluids being pumped to surface are diverted into the secondary inlet and pumped under pressure down the central flow passage of the rotor to the primary inlet, thereby washing accumulated solids form the primary inlet.

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: Apparatus, methods and products for monitoring/controlling a reciprocating well producing hydrocarbons from a wellbore, which determine the surface card from a well operating characteristics, determine the downhole card, and display both at the same scale for position.

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: The present invention provides a wellhead hydraulic drive unit to operate various styles of downhole pumps, which is installed as an integral part of a wellhead thereby eliminating the need for a stuffing box. The wellhead hydraulic drive unit comprises a hollow hydraulic cylinder having a piston positioned therein, a hydraulic fluid supply attached to the hydraulic cylinder for raising the piston within the hydraulic cylinder, a hollow ram slideably received within the inner wall of the hydraulic cylinder and connected to the piston for reciprocation in response to the piston; and a production tube inserted through the ram for enabling well fluid to be discharged from the well.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods of operating a pumping system. The pump control apparatus includes a first sensor for measuring strain on a structure of the well pumping system and a second sensor for measuring a position of the structure. The apparatus also has a controller configured to control the well unit by receiving output signals from the first and second sensors and generating control signals according to a motor control sequence. This controller may be mounted to the structure of the pumping system to measure the strain experienced by the structure. The control signals may be transmitted to a motor control panel using a cable-less communications system. Preferably, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the controller are integrated into a single unit. In another embodiment, the pump control apparatus may be self-powered.

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: The present invention provides a wellhead hydraulic drive unit to operate various styles of downhole pumps, which is installed as an integral part of a wellhead thereby eliminating the need for a stuffing box. The wellhead hydraulic drive unit comprises a hollow hydraulic cylinder having a piston positioned therein, a hydraulic fluid supply means attached to the hydraulic cylinder for producing reciprocation of the piston within the hydraulic cylinder, a hollow ram means slideably received within the inner wall of the hydraulic cylinder and connected to the piston for reciprocation in response to the piston; and a production tube means inserted through the ram means for enabling well fluid to be discharged from the well.

Abstract: This device is related to the domain of fully automatic machines for oil extraction. An axle transmission and soft belt suspension system is used in the device. A decelerator connects an electric motor and a driving hub, so that the transmission belt can be driven. When the driven hub and the bridle are connected, the sucker rod will be connected so that the oil-well pump can start working. There are several other units, an absolute value coder that can measure the driven hub's angle of rotation, a augmenter coder that can measure the rotational speed of the electric motor and an oil gauge. In the device, a oil production process controller processes collects signals and then the device controls the machine, the beam and the pump system automatically. It has the advantages of saving energy, high efficiency for oil extraction and long operational life span.

Abstract: The performance of a double-cone device (1) is increased, not only by moving the gap or inlet openings (22) a short distance into the exit cone (47), but also by making the conicity &thgr;3 (55) of the so-formed small diffuser less than the conicity &thgr;2 (109) of the remaining part (53) of the exit cone. Double cone units (7, 60), particularly the ones with this improved diffuser, may be used in pump installations (1, 60), like well-pumps (1), where liquids must be pumped from great depths.

Abstract: A pumpjack speed control system includes a user interface, a controller and a variable speed drive. The user interface includes a mathematical representation of the pumpjack geometry which permits the conversion of rod speed profiles to crank speed profiles.

Abstract: An insertable progressing cavity pump is taught. The pump is insertable in a bore of a tubing string by carriage on a drive string, the insertable progressing cavity pump includes a stator, a helical rotor locatable in the stator and including a coupling for connection to the drive string, a tubular housing for accommodating the stator therein and sized to be insertable into the tubing string, a pump hold-down arrangement in communication with the housing and disposed above the stator for engaging the pump into the tubing string, and a torque transmitting arrangement acting between the rotor and the housing to transmit torque from the rotor to the housing in both the clockwise and counter-clockwise direction, when the housing is carried on the drive string. The insertable progressing cavity pump in another aspect includes a hold down assembly disposed above the stator on the pump housing.

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 gas-lift well having a controllable gas-lift valve is provided. The well uses the tubing and casing to communicate with and power the controllable valve from the surface. Induction chokes at the surface and downhole electrically isolate the tubing from the casing. A high band-width, adaptable communication system is used to communicate between the controllable valve and the surface. Additional sensors, such as pressure, temperature, and acoustic sensors, may be provided downhole to more accurately assess downhole conditions. The controllable valve is varied opened or closed, depending on downhole conditions, oil production, gas usage and availability, to optimize production and assist in unloading. While conventional, bellows-type, gas-lift valves frequently fail and leak—often undetected—the controllable valve hereof permits known precise operation and concomitant control of the gas-lift well.

Abstract: A downhole pump assembly is suspended by tubing in a well. The pump assembly has a separator attached below a progressing cavity pump with a flexible shaft to accommodate the concentric path of the shaft of the separator and the eccentric path of the rotor of the pump. Vanes on the shaft of the separator use centrifugal force to separate the heavier liquids from the lighter gases in the well fluids. The separator discharges the gas into the casing and the liquid to the pump. A motor drives both the separator and the pump. A gear reduction unit is located between the motor and the pump in order to reduce the rotational speed from the motor to the desired rotational speed of the rotor for the pump.

Abstract: A system to provide mechanical energy to well-head equipment by directing pressurized gas existing in nearby pipelines to an engine. The engine is a linearly reciprocating piston in a closed cylinder driven by pressure differentials between the gas on either side of its piston, the differential being controlled by a switching valve which directs higher and lower pressured gas to the appropriate side of the piston, and which recirculates spent gas from the lower pressure side of the piston back to the pipeline. The system is a closed system, and avoids venting or flaring gas used in the engine.

Abstract: A downhole pump system allows fluid to be pumped from a well to the surface through a production tubing string, while also allowing the downhole pump 10 to be retrieved to the surface while the production tubing string remains in the well. The downhole pump may include a hold down housing 12, a mandrel 14, a drive coupling 18, and a lifting nut 20. The pump is driven by a drive rod, which conventionally extends from the surface to the downhole pump. Axial movement of pump components may be prevented by a spring lock mechanism 24, while torque transmitting surfaces 26 prevent rotation of the pump housing 12 with respect to a landing nipple 25.

Abstract: A groundwater pumping apparatus, which has the capability of effectively performing a groundwater collecting/pumping operation with a relatively simple configuration, and making the effective use of an existing deep-well apparatus, is provided. This apparatus has an outer tube buried in ground, and an inner tube having substantially a same length as the outer tube and placed in the outer tube so as to be spaced from the outer tube. The outer tube has a water-passing portion at its lower part, and the inner tube has a groundwater inlet at its bottom end. The groundwater inlet is placed at a position lower than a top end of the water-passing portion. The apparatus also comprises a shield member for shielding top ends of the outer tube and the inner tube, a vacuum unit for reducing a pressure in the inner tube, and a pump for pumping groundwater that comes in the inner tube through the groundwater inlet.

Abstract: A downhole moineau pump assembly includes a stator with a rotor extending through the stator. The rotor and stator sealingly engaging each other at spaced intervals to form a series of annular spaces. A primary inlet is provided for fluids to enter a first of the series of annular spaces. A surface mounted top drive unit rotates the rotor. As the rotor rotates, fluids are drawn through the primary inlet and up the series of annular spaces between the rotor and the stator. A portion of the rotor is hollow with a central flow passage extending from a secondary inlet spaced from the primary inlet to the primary inlet. A portion of the fluids being pumped to surface are diverted into the secondary inlet and pumped under pressure down the central flow passage of the rotor to the primary inlet, thereby washing accumulated solids from the primary inlet.

Abstract: A reciprocating downhole pump has a gas separator located at its bottom end. The separator forms a chamber that is expanded and contracted when the pump is reciprocated. Expansion and contraction of the chamber occurs by either the plunger reciprocating in the chamber or a piston coupled to the plunger reciprocating in the chamber. The chamber has an orifice therein so that during reciprocation fluid flows in and out of the orifice. The orifice is sized so as to subject the fluid to a pressure drop, wherein gas in the fluid is separated from the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a fluid extractor system that has been design to obtain fluid, such as crude oil from wells at a fraction of the cost by using a novel canister assembly lowered in a well to collect the fluid. The canister assembly includes a pump and a storage container for collecting the fluid pumped into it by the pump. When the storage container is full the canister assembly is brought to the surface and emptied. In one embodiment the canister assembly has a battery to independently power the pump. A further feature of the invention includes repeatedly raising and incrementally lowering down the canister assembly to lower levels in the well using a jogging assembly to place the canister assembly only in the top layer of the fluid in the well. The system could also be used for recovering several other types of fluids in a well such as gas or water.

Abstract: A tubing string rotator is disclosed that comprises an outer housing, a gear mandrel, and a tubing string hanger. The outer housing has an internal bore extending from its upper to its lower. The gear mandrel is received and supported within the bore of the outer housing. The gear mandrel has an internal bore extending from its upper to its lower end. The tubing string hanger has a series of circumferentially positioned generally downwardly oriented teeth and is receivable and suspendable within the internal bore of the gear mandrel such that the teeth on the tubing string hanger engage a series of generally upwardly oriented teeth circumferentially positioned about the internal surface of the gear mandrel. Rotational force applied to the gear mandrel is at least partially transferred to the tubing string hanger through engagement of the teeth on the gear mandrel with the teeth on the hanger causing the tubing string hanger to rotate with the gear mandrel.