Abstract: A plunger for a gas producing well having a production tubing string has a plunger body with a pad receiving profile defined by first and second pad retainers. A plurality of pads is engaged between the first and second pad retainers, which permit limited radial movement of the pads sufficient to contact an inner surface of the production tubing string. A sheet of resilient material, acting as a spring member, is positioned within the pad receiving profile and between the plurality of pads and the plunger body. The spring member defines an annular chamber between the spring member and the plunger body in fluid communication with the downhole end of the plunger body and provides an outward force to the pads. In use, the openings and pressure chamber allow for a pressure differential across the pads.

Abstract: A plunger installation and retrieval tool that incorporates a magnet which magnetically supports a fluid lift plunger during insertion into or retrieval from a lubricator on a natural gas wellhead. The magnet is housed in a magnet holder suspended from an elongate hanger member the upper end of which is connect to a hanger support. An actuation rod slidably extends through the hanger support and through bores in the magnet and magnet holder, such that a downward force applied to the actuating rod will cause the lower end of the actuation rod to project below the magnet and break its magnetic bond with the plunger, thus releasing the plunger from the tool. The tool may be provided with a cylindrical skirt fitting closely around the upper end of the plunger to prevent laterally leading that could break the magnetic bond during plunger insertion and retrieval.

Abstract: A plunger installation and retrieval tool incorporates a magnet which magnetically supports a fluid lift plunger during insertion into or retrieval from a lubricator on a natural gas wellhead. The magnet is housed in a magnet holder suspended from an elongate hanger member the upper end of which is connected to a hanger support. An actuating rod slidably extends through the hanger support and through bores in the magnet and magnet holder, such that a downward force applied to the actuating rod will cause the lower end of the actuating rod to project below the magnet and break its magnetic bond with the plunger, thus releasing the plunger from the tool. The tool may be provided with a cylindrical skirt fitting closely around the upper end of the plunger to prevent laterally loading that could break the magnetic bond during plunger insertion and retrieval.

Abstract: A method of installing annular seals on a plunger. A first step involves positioning an annular seal on a seal installation tool adapted to hold the annular seal in an expanded state. A second step involves positioning the annular seal so that the annular seal overlies a body of a plunger. A third step involves transferring the annular seal from the seal installation tool to a seal groove in the body of the plunger.

Abstract: A method of installing annular seals on a plunger. A first step involves positioning an annular seal on a seal installation tool adapted to hold the annular seal in an expanded state. A second step involves positioning the annular seal so that the annular seal overlies a body of a plunger. A third step involves transferring the annular seal from the seal installation tool to a seal groove in the body of the plunger.

Abstract: A method of installing annular seals on a plunger. A first step involves positioning an annular seal on a seal installation tool adapted to hold the annular seal in an expanded state. A second step involves positioning the annular seal so that the annular seal overlies a body of a plunger. A third step involves transferring the annular seal from the seal installation tool to a seal groove in the body of the plunger.

Abstract: A plunger for a gas well including an elongate body having a first end and a second end. A sleeve overlying the body. The sleeve being shorter in length than the elongate body and is axially moveable between the first end and the second end of the body. At least one circumferential seal on the exterior surface of the sleeve, thereby providing a barrier to the passage of fluids along the exterior surface of the sleeve. At least one fluid flow passage is provided through the sleeve. A first axial stop is provided at the first end of the body and a second axial stop is provided at the second end of the body to limit axial movement of the sleeve. The second axial stop having sealing shoulders which engage the second end of the sleeve to close off the at least one fluid flow passage.