Abstract: An optical alignment system is configured to determine lateral and longitudinal offset between a pump jack and a wellhead. The optical alignment system includes a target assembly that is configured to be secured to the pump jack. The target assembly includes a target that faces the wellhead. The optical alignment system further includes an emitter assembly that is configured to be secured directly or indirectly to the wellhead. The emitter assembly includes an emitter that is configured to project one or more visible lines onto the target.

Abstract: A method for aligning a pump with a wellhead begins with the steps of attaching a target assembly to the pump and attaching an emitter assembly to the wellhead. The method continues with the step of emitting a beam of light from the emitter assembly to the target assembly. The method concludes with the step of determining the position of the pump with respect to the wellhead by evaluating the projection of the light beam on the target assembly. Based on this determination, the pump can be accurately aligned with the wellhead.

Abstract: Adaptable systems for a surface pumping unit that includes a low inertia pumping unit mechanism having a pneumatic counterbalance assembly are described, as well as methods for the use of such systems for subterranean fluid recovery. The system is capable of being integrated with well management automation systems, thereby allowing for response to active control commands, and automatically altering and/or maintaining a counterbalance force in the pumping unit by adding or removing air mass from a containment vessel associated with the pumping unit.

Abstract: A beam pumping unit includes a base, a Sampson post supported by the base, a walking beam pivotably supported by the Sampson post and a horsehead on the front end of the walking beam. The horsehead is connected to a polished rod that extends through a wellhead to a subsurface pump. The beam pumping unit includes a linear drive unit connected between the base and the Sampson post to force the walking beam to rock up and down on the Sampson post. The linear drive unit includes a linear drive system and an integrated pneumatic counterbalance system.

Abstract: A beam pumping unit includes an integrated base assembly that has a unitary pedestal, a Samson post supported by the integrated base assembly and a gear box supported by the integrated base assembly. The integrated base assembly further includes a front connection plate and a pedestal connection plate that are configured to provide a bolted support to the Samson post. The front connection plate and the pedestal connection plate can be secured to the integrated base assembly with a series of embedded tubular anchors.

Abstract: A pump jack includes a number of standard components that have been sized and configured according to unique relative dimensions to produce a pump jack that reduces structural stress, increases bearing life and permits a lower cost of manufacture. These geometric ratios can be used to express the relative size and spacing of the crankshaft, crank arms, center bearing, equalizer bearing, walking beam and pitman arms. Pump jacks incorporating one or more of these geometric ratios can be sized and scaled for a variety of pumping applications.

Abstract: A beam pumping unit includes an integrated base assembly that has a precast concrete pad and a support base partially embedded within the precast concrete pad. The beam pumping unit further includes a pedestal supported by the support base and a Samson post supported by the support base. Also disclosed is a method for making and assembling a beam pumping unit near a wellhead. The method includes the steps of producing an integrated base assembly that has a support base within a concrete pad, placing the integrated base assembly near the wellhead, and securing a Samson post to the integrated base assembly.

Abstract: A pump jack includes a base, a pedestal supported by the base and a Samson post that supports a walking beam. The Samson post includes a front leg that is supported by the base and a connection bracket affixed to the front leg. The Samson post further includes an adjustable rear leg that is connected between the connection bracket and the pedestal. The rear leg can be rotated and shifted up and down within the connection bracket to ensure that the opposite end of the rear leg is properly located on the pedestal.

Abstract: Applicants have created systems, methods, and apparatuses for increasing the production of fluid from a subterranean well. The system can include a controller and upper and lower portions. The upper portion can include an injection valve for regulating the amount of a first gas injected into an injection conduit. The lower portion can include a chamber valve for regulating the flow of a second gas through an upper tubing string and a vent valve for regulating the flow of the first gas and a standing valve. The collected fluid creates pressure in the lower portion causing the second gas to flow from the lower tubing string to the upper tubing string. The controller controls the injection valve and is coupled to a pressure gauge for measuring pressure in the lower portion. With the aid of this system, well operators can increase production of subterranean well formations, such as gas wells, without increasing backpressure on those formations.

Abstract: A method for aligning a pump with a wellhead begins with the steps of attaching a target assembly to the pump and attaching an emitter assembly to the wellhead. The method continues with the step of emitting a beam of light from the emitter assembly to the target assembly. The method concludes with the step of determining the position of the pump with respect to the wellhead by evaluating the projection of the light beam on the target assembly. Based on this determination, the pump can be accurately aligned with the wellhead.

Abstract: A hydraulic oil well pumping arrangement employs a compensating type hydraulic pump, a directional valving arrangement and a proportioning valving arrangement. When the directional valve is energized, oil is directed to the rod end of the hydraulic cylinder. In one embodiment, a time delay halts the movement of the sucker rod or pumping string to allow accumulation of oil in a slow following well. In another embodiment, the pumping string rapidly falls to the bottom of the stroke in order to shake or jar debris from the string.

Abstract: A bypass cooling system and method for tilting pad journal and titling pad thrust bearings wherein the cooling may be achieved by spraying the cool inlet oil downhill with gravity instead of always in the direction of the shaft rotation. A bypass cooling system always sprays the cool inlet oil downhill, with gravity instead of always in the direction of shaft rotation.

Abstract: Improved bearing systems and methods for adjusting pivot offsets of bearing systems. The improved bearing systems and methods provide offset pivot adjustability. When an adjustable offset pad insert is installed one way, one pivot offset is set. The pivot offset may be adjusted and set another way by removing the adjustable offset pad insert, rotating it 180 degrees and installing the adjustable offset pad insert back in the journal pad.

Abstract: Improved bearing systems and methods for adjusting pivot offsets of bearing systems. The improved bearing systems and methods provide offset pivot adjustability. When an adjustable offset pad insert is installed one way, one pivot offset is set. The pivot offset may be adjusted and set another way by removing the adjustable offset pad insert, rotating it 180 degrees and installing the adjustable offset pad insert back in the journal pad.

Abstract: A fluid measurement system and method for determining distributed measurement of a fluid type and a fluid velocity in a wellbore, pipeline or other conduit in which fluid is moving. Measurement is made by immersing one or more cables having sequential sampling sections in the fluid and monitoring a cooling effect across a cable on the sampling sections and the response to injection of a high frequency pulse each sampling section. A probabilistic model is then used to determine the distributed velocity and fluid types along the conduit.

Abstract: A bearing system for dynamically varying loads and load vectors comprising a plurality of bearing assemblies interference fit to a stationary component and interface fit to a rotatable component to establish relative rotational movement between the components. Each bearing system configured to establish a lubrication pathway through the bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A five-axial groove cylindrical journal bearing assembly with pressure dams designed for bi-directional rotation for rotatably supporting a rotating body provided with a babbitted inner surface. The journal bearing assembly has two pressure dams that are substantially mirror images of each other along a centerline between the pressure dams and has two pressure dams each located substantially opposite the direction of two vector loads of the journal bearing assembly.

Abstract: Adaptable systems for a surface pumping unit that includes a low inertia pumping unit mechanism having a pneumatic counterbalance assembly are described, as well as methods for the use of such systems for subterranean fluid recovery. The system is capable of being integrated with well management automation systems, thereby allowing for response to active control commands, and automatically altering and/or maintaining a counterbalance force in the pumping unit by adding or removing air mass from a containment vessel associated with the pumping unit.

Abstract: Adaptable systems for a surface pumping unit that includes a low inertia pumping unit mechanism having a pneumatic counterbalance assembly are described, as well as methods for the use of such systems for subterranean fluid recovery. The system is capable of being integrated with well management automation systems, thereby allowing for response to active control commands, and automatically altering and/or maintaining a counterbalance force in the pumping unit by adding or removing air mass from a containment vessel associated with the pumping unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for well control and monitoring including an independent web server computer integrated with a pump controller located at each well in an oil field. The well controller locally controls the well pump, processes well and pump data, generates surface and downhole cards, and communicates production reports, recommendations for production improvements, and production statistics to remote sites via the internet. The controller can be queried remotely to provide production reports, etc. Furthermore, the controller can initiate alerts via email, text messaging, or internet messaging, for example, during fault conditions.