Abstract: A control system for a gas assisted plunger lift (GAPL) system includes a sensor and a processor circuit. The sensor is configured to measure a plunger speed and/or velocity and the processor circuit is configured to control various parameters of the GAPL based on the measured plunger speed and/or velocity. The processor circuit may be configured to adjust a gas injection rate parameter based on the measured plunger speed and/or velocity, and/or may adjust one or more parameters including: a close time, an afterflow time, a flow rate, a load factor, a tubing pressure, a casing pressure, and a tubing/casing differential pressure. The controller may be further configured to adjust all parameters simultaneously or may sequentially adjust a first sub-set of parameters and then adjust a second sub-set of parameters. The first sub-set may include a gas injection flow rate and the second sub-set may include after-flow and close time parameters.

Abstract: An electrically operated catcher mechanism that is part of a lubricator and catcher unit used in conjunction with a bypass plunger in an oil or gas well include an electrically operated mechanism to move between the catch and release positions. The electrically operated catcher mechanism includes a cam rotated by a motor which causes the device to move between catch and release positions.

Abstract: A unitary wellhead flow block lubricator assembly includes a unitary body and flow passageways that extend through the unitary body. Various openings on the exterior of the unitary body allow flow control devices to be mounted in the flow passageways to control the flow of fluid though the flow passageways. One or more of the control devices could be mountable in two or more orientations that alter the way in which the flow control device controls flow through one or more passageways in the unitary body. One or more choke mechanisms may also be mounted on the unitary body. The choke mechanisms may allow an operator to selectively adjust a flow of fluid through one or more of the passageways in the unitary body.

Abstract: An electrically operated catcher mechanism that is part of a lubricator and catcher unit used in conjunction with a bypass plunger in an oil or gas well include an electrically operated mechanism to move between the catch and release positions. The electrically operated catcher mechanism includes a cam rotated by a motor which causes the device to move between catch and release positions.

Abstract: A bypass plunger includes a unitary or one-piece hollow body-and-valve cage, which retains a dart valve within the valve cage portion of the hollow body using a threaded retaining nut that is secured to the hollow body 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.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a reconfigurable multi-stage gas compressor having a first-stage compression cylinder, a second-stage compression cylinder, and two stepped cylinders. Each of the stepped cylinders include first and second compression cylinders. The gas flow paths through the stepped cylinders are configured in a user-selectable configuration to be in series or in parallel so that the reconfigurable multi-stage gas compressor functions as one of: a three-stage compressor, as a four-stage compressor, and as a hybrid three/four stage compressor. In first and second configurations, the system generates four stages of compression and outputs 4-stage compressed gas through a single exit port, and through dual exit ports, respectively. In a third configuration, the system outputs hot and cooled 3-stage compressed gas through first and second ports and 4-stage compressed gas through a third port.

Abstract: A unitary wellhead flow block lubricator assembly includes a unitary body and flow passageways that extend through the unitary body. Various openings on the exterior of the unitary body allow flow control devices to be mounted in the flow passageways to control the flow of fluid though the flow passageways. One or more of the control devices could be mountable in two or more orientations that alter the way in which the flow control device controls flow through one or more passageways in the unitary body. One or more choke mechanisms may also be mounted on the unitary body. The choke mechanisms may allow an operator to selectively adjust a flow of fluid through one or more of the passageways in the unitary body.

Abstract: A unitary wellhead flow block lubricator assembly includes a unitary body and flow passageways that extend through the unitary body. Various openings on the exterior of the unitary body allow flow control devices to be mounted in the flow passageways to control the flow of fluid though the flow passageways. One or more of the control devices could be mountable in two or more orientations that alter the way in which the flow control device controls flow through one or more passageways in the unitary body. One or more choke mechanisms may also be mounted on the unitary body. The choke mechanisms may allow an operator to selectively adjust a flow of fluid through one or more of the passageways in the unitary body.

Abstract: A valve assembly for delivering a fluid into a wellbore includes a stationary valve assembly that is installed on a production tube that extends down into the wellbore. A dynamic valve assembly that is attached to a capillary line is lowered into the production tube, and the dynamic valve assembly releasably latched onto the stationary valve assembly. The latching of the dynamic valve assembly to the stationary valve assembly also opens a fluid connection between the dynamic valve assembly and the stationary valve assembly, thereby allowing pressurized fluid to flow from the capillary line into the wellbore via the stationary valve assembly. When it is necessary or desirable to perform maintenance or repair operations on the dynamic valve assembly or the capillary line, the dynamic valve assembly and the attached capillary line can all be withdrawn to the top of the well.

Abstract: A lubricator and plunger catcher used in conjunction with an oil or gas well includes a manifold positioned between the wellhead and the plunger catcher. The manifold includes a plunger passageway that extends from the bottom of the manifold to the top of the manifold, with the plunger catcher being mounted to the top of the manifold. The manifold also includes a production passageway through which oil or gas leaving the wellhead is routed. A choke mechanism for at least partially blocking the production passageway is provided on the manifold to selectively vary the volume of the oil or gas leaving the wellhead that is routed through the plunger catcher. This, in turn, can selectively vary a force imparted to a plunger by the oil or gas leaving the wellhead to ensure the plunger is fully seated in the catcher when it arrives at the wellhead.