Abstract: The artificial lift control system utilizes a piggy back line, flow computer, pressure transmitter, and software control to control artificial lift of wellbore fluids. The piggy back line is a medium to high pressure line strapped to the outside of the tubing. Supply, make-up gas or other fluids are pumped down the piggy back line at the lowest flow rate possible. Extremely low flow rates are utilized to minimize friction of flow in the piggy back line. A pressure or differential pressure transmitter is installed to monitor pressure on the piggy back line or to measure the differential pressure between the piggy back line and the casing pressure. The flow computer monitors pressures or differential pressures, utilizes software instruction sets to calculate fluid levels in the casing tubing annulus, and cycles artificial lift on and off based on parameters set in the flow computer software.

Abstract: A compact set of circular, wire-formed brushes, within a housing, provides the surfacing upon which, and in which, air bubbles can coalesce for subsequent venting thereof from the housing, and the housing has porting formed therein to accommodate a through-flow of an aqueous solution, of a hydronic system or the like. A sleeve-type diffuser, having a multiplicity of holes formed therein, encloses and supports the set of brushes, and diffuses and distributes the housing-admitted liquid or vapor.

Abstract: A circular body, having a throughgoing orifice, an externally threaded periphery, and a pair of stepped recesses, defines a valve seat for a reciprocating piston. A retaining ring is made fast in one of the recesses, and a seal which contracts upon cooling to the ambient, after having been exposed to elevated temperatures, is set in the other recess. The seal is formed of a composite of plastic in which are dispersed carbon fibers to render the seal resistant to creep. A housing having a pair of chambers formed therein has the orificed body and piston interposed between the chambers for valvingly controlling inter-chamber communication.

Abstract: A pump housing has a plurality of chambers formed therein, and a shaft journaled within, the shaft having impellers keyed thereto. Each chamber has one of the impellers disposed therein. One of the impellers is the primary liquid-working element, and has rigid vanes. The vanes are generously spaced apart from the enclosing chamber walls. A second impeller has flexible vanes, and serves as a priming element; it has an intimate fit in its chamber and cooperates with an outlet flapper valve to create a negative pressure in the liquid inlet. Consequently, the pump can self-prime even when absolutely dry.

Abstract: A pilot spool is interposed between the compressed air supply and the diaphragm pump-operating main spool, to insure that, at any one time, only one end of the bore in which the main spool reciprocates receives the compressed air. The pilot spool has an annular recess of a length which does not bridge across passageways which admit the air to the main spool, so alternatively, each passageway opens onto an end of the main spool bore. The reciprocating pump structure, that is, the double diaphragms, shaft, and clamp plates, cause the pilot spool to shift, to communicate one of the passageways, with each shift, with the air supply and the main spool bore. No lubrication is provided or needed, and the pilot spool insures that the main spool will not stall.