Mechanically Actuated Valve Carried By Piston Patents (Class 417/60)
  • Patent number: 11401789
    Abstract: A bypass plunger includes a unibody, or one-piece hollow body and valve cage, retains a dart valve within the valve cage portion using a threaded retaining nut secured by crimple detents, and includes sealable flow parts. A series of helical grooves surround the central portion of the outer surface of the hollow body of the plunger to control spin during descent. A canted-coil-spring disposed within the retaining nut functions as a clutch. The valve cage includes ports that may be configured to control flow through the plunger during descent. Other embodiments include clutch assemblies using canted-coil springs with split bobbins, and surfaced valve stems surfaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: FLOWCO PRODUCTION SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell A. Boyd, Garrett S. Boyd
  • Patent number: 11255170
    Abstract: Artificial lift systems, methods, and apparatuses are described. An example artificial lift system may include a plunger have an energy-storing component to store energy as the plunger descends through a wellbore and release the stored energy as the plunger ascends through the wellbore. The energy-storage component may be a spring. The spring may be compressed in response to rotation of a propeller coupled to the spring. The propeller may rotate in a first direction in response to interaction of the propeller and a liquid in the wellbore as the plunger descends. The spring may expand during uphole movement of the plunger to rotate the propeller in a second direction, opposite the first direction, and assist in lifting the plunger to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Amr Mohamed Zahran
  • Patent number: 11180977
    Abstract: A plunger includes a sleeve having a passage therethrough and a valve member in the passage. When the plunger falls in a production string of a hydrocarbon well, the valve member is open and allows gas flow through the plunger. When the plunger contacts a liquid slug in the production string, the valve closes so that pressure from below reverses movement of the plunger so it pushes liquid above the plunger toward the earth's surface and ultimately to a well head where liquid and gas are separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventors: William Charles Harris, Edward Alexander Wells
  • Patent number: 11105189
    Abstract: A bypass plunger combines a unitary or one-piece hollow body-and-valve cage, retains a dart valve within the valve cage portion of the hollow body using a threaded retaining nut secured by crimple detents. A series of helical grooves surround the central portion of the outer surface of the hollow body of the plunger to control spin during descent. A canted-coil-spring disposed within the retaining nut functions as a clutch. The valve cage includes ports that may be configured to control flow through the plunger during ascent. Other embodiments include clutch assemblies using canted-coil springs with split bobbins, and valve stems surfaced to achieve specific functions. Combinations of these features provide enhanced performance, durability and reliability at reduced manufacturing cost, due primarily to the simplicity of its design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: FLOWCO PRODUCTION SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Garrett S. Boyd, Mitchell A. Boyd
  • Patent number: 10753185
    Abstract: Wellbore plungers with non-metallic tubing-contacting surfaces and wells including the wellbore plungers. The wellbore plungers are configured to be utilized within a tubing conduit of the downhole tubing. The downhole tubing includes a non-metallic tubing material that defines a non-metallic tubing surface. The non-metallic tubing surface at least partially defines the tubing conduit. The wellbore plungers include an uphole region, which defines an uphole bumper-contacting surface, a downhole region, which defines a downhole bumper-contacting surface, and a plunger body. The plunger body extends between the uphole region and the downhole region and defines a downhole tubing-contacting surface. The downhole tubing-contacting surface is configured for sliding contact with the non-metallic tubing surface, defines a sealing structure configured to form an at least partial fluid seal with the downhole tubing, and is at least partially defined by a non-metallic tubing-contacting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Daniel R. Flowers, Anthony J. Bermea, Michael C. Romer
  • Patent number: 10060235
    Abstract: A plunger piston assembly for a plunger lift system used to remove fluids from a subterranean wellbore includes a sealing sleeve having a central axis, an upper end, a lower end, and a throughbore extending axially from the upper end of the sealing sleeve to the lower end of the sealing sleeve. The throughbore of the sealing sleeve defines a receptacle extending axially from the lower end of the sealing sleeve. In addition, the plunger piston assembly includes an intermediate sleeve having a central axis, an upper end, a lower end, and a throughbore extending axially from the upper end of the intermediate sleeve to the lower end of the intermediate sleeve. The throughbore of the intermediate sleeve defines a receptacle extending axially from the lower end of the intermediate sleeve. The upper end of the intermediate sleeve is configured to be removably seated in the receptacle of the sealing sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: EOG RESOURCES, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Damiano, James A. Keeton
  • Patent number: 8347954
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Stellarton Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Amies, Grant George, Jordan James, Geoff Steele
  • Patent number: 8262367
    Abstract: A metering body for a chemical injection system comprises a free piston having a pair of mechanically-actuated poppet valves which may individually open to permit fluid to pass from one side of the free piston to the other. The free piston slides within a cylinder having cylinder heads at opposing ends. Input/output ports are provided in the cylinder heads. In a preferred embodiment, the poppet valves have actuators that extend beyond the opposing faces of the free piston. If one face of the piston moves to within a predetermined distance of a cylinder head, the actuator contacts the cylinder head and further movement of the piston causes the corresponding poppet valve to open, permitting fluid to flow through the piston. In this way, a fault-tolerant system may be implemented. If a power interruption or other failure of the controller occurs, the system will continue to supply fluid at the most recently selected flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard R. Watson
  • Patent number: 7954545
    Abstract: A plunger lift system has a bumper and a landing positioned in tubing below a safety valve of a well. A plunger moving between the bumper and landing lifts columns of liquid above the plunger when pushed by downhole pressure. A valve on the plunger's housing is movable between open and closed positions to either permit or prevent flow through the plunger. When the plunger engages the landing, a striker rod on the landing opens the valve permitting fluid communication through the plunger to a sales line at the surface. The valve is biased to the closed position to prevent fluid communication through the plunger. When the plunger is disengaged from the striker rod, the valve closes so that application of downhole pressure can again move the plunger uphole. A controller cycles the plunger between the bumper and the landing by controlling fluid flow in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: William Hearn, Todd Chretien
  • Patent number: 7794660
    Abstract: A fluid content monitor including a cuvette, a calorimeter adapted to generate a signal indicative of contents of a fluid sample contained in the cuvette, a container for holding a reagent, and a pump assembly for delivering reagent from the container to the cuvette. The pump assembly includes a tube extending from the container to the cuvette, check valves preventing reverse flow in the tube, and a hammer driven by a solenoid for repetitively compressing the tube to pump reagent to the cuvette. The cuvette can be removed for cleaning and replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: HF Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Rowan Connelly, Joel Leal
  • Publication number: 20090068026
    Abstract: An apparatus for pumping fluids from a geologic formation comprising a submersible motor having a motor shaft, wherein said submersible motor is reversible and has a plurality of speed settings; a pump housing connected to said submersible motor by a motor mount, wherein said pump housing has a lubricant contained therein; and a tube connected to said pump housing having a pump barrel disposed therein, wherein said pump barrel has an upper barrel connector that is connected to a standing valve; whereby a reciprocating motion by a ball nut applies said lubricant on a ball screw, and associated method of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: James Henry, David Henry, Milt Skillman
  • Patent number: 7377312
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Raymond C. Davis
  • Patent number: 7275592
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Raymond C. Davis
  • Patent number: 7134503
    Abstract: The wellbore pump of the present invention comprises a plunger having passage means which may be open or closed by a valve operated by a piston which is biased in the open position by a spring of selected strength such that the wellbore pressure may overcome the spring to close the valve when the accumulated hydrostatic pressure reaches a certain value. When the valve closes the reservoir pressure forces the plunger to the surface and causes the accumulated liquids to be pumped out of the wellbore. A stem extending from the top of the piston engages a top plate and causes the valve to open when the plunger reaches the top of the wellbore. Means is provided whereby the valve opens when it reaches the top of the wellbore and a latch may be provided to retain the plunger from returning to the bottom of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Natural Lift Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Lee
  • Patent number: 7080691
    Abstract: A plunger lift tool and method of using the same in a well having tubing comprising a tubular housing, having a top portion, a bottom portion, and said housing further defines a passageway therein; a positioning means attached to said housing for removably installing said housing in said well tubing; and a selective sealing means attached to said housing for creating a seal between said housing and said well tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Kevin L. Kegin
  • Patent number: 7080692
    Abstract: A plunger lift tool and method of using the same in a well having tubing comprising a tubular housing, having a top portion, a bottom portion, and said housing further defines a passageway therein; a positioning means attached to said housing for removably installing said housing in said well tubing; and a selective sealing means attached to said housing for creating a seal between said housing and said well tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Kevin L. Kegin
  • Patent number: 7021387
    Abstract: The wellbore pump of the present invention comprises a plunger having passage means which may be open or closed by a valve operated by a piston which is biased in the open position by a spring of selected strength such that the wellbore pressure may overcome the spring to close the valve when the accumulated hydrostatic pressure reaches a certain value. When the valve closes the reservoir pressure forces the plunger to the surface and causes the accumulated liquids to be pumped out of the wellbore. A stem extending from the top of the piston engages a top plate and causes the valve to open when the plunger reaches the top of the wellbore. Means is provided whereby the valve opens when it reaches the top of the wellbore and a latch may be provided to retain the plunger from returning to the bottom of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Natural Lift Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Lee
  • Patent number: 6971856
    Abstract: A plunger for well casings and tubulars comprising: an upper valve rod segment slideably positioned within the plunger body; a valve rod tube slideably positioned in the lower end of the plunger body; a lower valve rod segment slideably positioned in the valve rod tube; a spring positioned between the upper and lower valve rod segments; and a valve element on the upper valve rod segment for closing the plunger flow passage when the upper valve rod segment moves to a closing position. The plunger preferably also comprises an exterior flexible sealing member and a sealing member actuator operated by the valve rod tube. A shield is also preferably provided in the plunger body to prevent premature closure of the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: PAAL, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Windel O. Mayfield, Robert L. Moore
  • Patent number: 6851480
    Abstract: An improved, unattended, liquid pumping device for oil and gas wells featuring a bellows controlled flow valve that opens and closes at preset pressures. Additionally a well head receiver design that releases shut in production gas below the pumping device and provides a positive pressure differential across the pumping device prior to valve opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Brandywine Energy and Development Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald L. Swoyer, Charles H. Hunt, Paul M. Yaniga, Richard J. Bordogna
  • Publication number: 20030215337
    Abstract: The wellbore pump of the present invention comprises a plunger having passage means which may be open or closed by a valve operated by a piston which is biased in the open position by a spring of selected strength such that the wellbore pressure may overcome the spring to close the valve when the accumulated hydrostatic pressure reaches a certain value. When the valve closes the reservoir pressure forces the plunger to the surface and causes the accumulated liquids to be pumped out of the wellbore. A stem extending from the top of the piston engages a top plate and causes the valve to open when the plunger reaches the top of the wellbore. Means is provided whereby the valve opens when it reaches the top of the wellbore and a latch may be provided to retain the plunger from returning to the bottom of the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Dan Lee
  • Patent number: 5462115
    Abstract: A swab is movably mounted within a well casing and automatically removes fluid from the well upon accumulated pressure at the bottom of the casing reaching a predetermined amount to raise the swab within the casing. The swab has a hollow body with an inner cylindrical bore. A control rod is slidably mounted within the bore and has a cross-sectional configuration whereby only a plurality of sliding contact lines occur between the rod and bore wall to reduce rod hangup and provide increased flow area between the rod and bore wall. A fluid inlet port is formed by an open bottom end of the swab body and is open and closed by a valve member located external of the swab body. The valve member has a generally pointed nose to reduce drag when the swab is descending into the casing, and upon contact of the nose with a stop at the bottom of the well casing, will automatically move to a closed position with the fluid inlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Belden & Blake Corporation
    Inventors: Steven V. Belden, Dennis D. Belden, Jr., John G. Corp
  • Patent number: 5427504
    Abstract: A gas operated plunger for lifting well fluids from a subterranean reservoir to the surface through a well conduit comprising: a plunger body slidably mountable within the conduit having an upper portion, a lower portion and an intermediate cylindrical portion of reduced diameter; and a sealing assembly surrounding the intermediate cylindrical portion of the plunger body. The sealing assembly may include a plurality of longitudinally divided cylindrical segments of relatively smooth cylindrical surfaces for sliding and sealing contact with the well conduit walls to provide a seal which allows the plunger to gravitate through the well conduit to the reservoir and provides sufficient sealing upon an increase in gas pressure therebelow to elevate the plunger and well fluids thereabove to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventors: Robert W. Dinning, Joseph B. Heath, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5253713
    Abstract: An interface tool freely slidable within a production pipe or conduit of an oil or gas well capable of creating a positive seal in order to lift liquids and particulates above the device to the surface where they are collected. An internal bypass valve permits the free flow of the particulates and liquids through an internal chamber of the tool during its return descent toward the producing formation. To efficiently utilize the pressure forces of gases trapped below the tool for lifting liquids to the surface when the bypass valve is closed, an elastomeric and expansible cylindrical sleeve is provided encircling a central region of the tool. Both the bypass valve and the elastomeric sleeve are operated by a slidable mechanical push rod received longitudinally within the tool body. The rod is actuated at extreme ends of the production pipe or conduit and detents provide for positive positioning of the rod during ascent and descent of the tool during well operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Belden & Blake Corporation
    Inventors: David P. Gregg, Lawrence R. Lamp, John G. Corp
  • Patent number: 5127803
    Abstract: An improved pump tool (10, 110, 200) is provided for lifting oil from within a casing 18 of a well. The gas in the well provides the lifting action. The pump tool includes a body (22) which is preferably formed of ABS plastic. The body defines an upper chamber (24) and a lower chamber (26) which is connected through a hydrostatically operated valve (44). The plastic body weighs less, is chemically resistant and reduces the risk of spark and explosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventor: James C. Walter
  • Patent number: 4986727
    Abstract: An oil well swabbing device having a pressure activated valve for use in closing a fluid passage therein when the swabbing device is submerged under liquid in a well casing corresponding to a predetermined valve closing pressure; the pressure-activated valve comprising a pressure collapsible bladder such as a bellows or diaphragm, a valve and seat interposed in the fluid passage, and an actuator rod connecting the valve to the pressure collapsible bladder such that the valve is closed when the bladder is collapsed to a degree corresponding to the predetermined valve closing pressure. Improved speed brakes, catchers, and position indicators for oil well swabbing devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Petro-Well Supply, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Blanton
  • Patent number: 4984969
    Abstract: A plunger tool is provided having a nose assembly to slow the descent of the tool into the well, a valve assembly, and a piston cylinder assembly. When the tool is dropped into the well, the gas and liquids in the well flow through restrictions in the nose assembly, thereby braking the fall. The fluid flows along a fingered collet which retains an angled valve. The fluid flows around the opened valve and out of the upper end of the plunger lift tool. The valve is connected to the piston which is exposed to ambient pressure on one side and a predetermined pressure on the other. Thus, the piston is set to close the valve at a predetermined pressure. As the pressure builds up, the piston moves the valve so that a lower portion of the valve is gripped by a detent mechanism, in this case collet fingers. When adequate pressure is built up to unsnap the valve, the piston forces the valve out of the detenting collet fingers and into its seat. Formation pressure from below the seal increases the sealing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Eastport International
    Inventor: Douglas H. Fineberg
  • Patent number: 4923372
    Abstract: A gas operated, plunger lift type pump for use in a subterranean well conduit which extends from a pool of well liquids to the surface comprises a tubular plunger slidably and sealingly mounted in the well conduit and defining a fluid flow passage through the tubular body. An annular valve seat is fixedly mounted within the tubular body and an axially shiftable valve head is engagable with the valve seat to prevent fluid flow through the fluid passage. The valve head is biased to an open position by a surface applied trapped fluid pressure which approximates the hydrostatic pressure existing in the well at the liquid level to which the plunger is permitted to descend, and is further retained in the open position by a latching collet. As the plunger rises in the well due to the gas pressure existing below the plunger, it will raise the fluids trapped above the plunger to discharge through vertically spaced discharge ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Ferguson Beauregard Inc.
    Inventors: Paul L. Ferguson, Robert W. Dinning
  • Patent number: 4576197
    Abstract: The invention involves positioning the working end of a vertical pump below the surface elevation of the fluid, enclosing a space around the pump with a structure extending below the surface and having a submerged opening to the main reservoir, and drawing a vacuum in the enclosed space in order to raise the surface elevation in the enclosed chamber in order to maintain a minimum working depth for the vertical pump that will prevent air entrainment by vortexing during periods of low fluid levels outside the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Assignee: Midwest Energy Services Company
    Inventor: Eugene K. Kempers
  • Patent number: 4239458
    Abstract: An internal bypass free piston provides for continuous flow of gas during upward and downward travel of the piston; the piston is structured to rotate during downward travel to equalize wear and the frictional force between wall and piston is utilized to maintain the position of parts of the piston during upward as well as downward travel and is readily adjusted; further, such frictional force is automatically maintained at a higher value during upward motion than in downward motion in the well tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Inventor: Connie M. Yeatts