Abstract: A process for aging gas lift valves utilizing a controlled decompression to prevent damage to seals of the gas lift valves. The process includes pressuring one or more gas lift valves to a predetermined pressure (e.g., 5000 psig) and maintaining this pressure for a predetermined time (e.g. five minutes). After this time period, decompression is performed in discrete steps. For instance, the pressure of the pressure vessel may be reduced in predetermined pressure increments (i.e. reductions). After each pressure reduction, the reduced pressure is maintained for a predetermined time. This allows gasses and fluids within the elastomeric O-rings time to dissipate without causing damage to the seals.

Abstract: A plunger having a generally hollow interior between an open upper end of the plunger and a closed bottom end of the plunger. One or more orifices extend through a sidewall of the plunger near the closed bottom surface. The orifices fluidly connect the hollow interior of the plunger with the tubing below the plunger when the plunger is in use. The orifices allow for a transfer of gas from the well bottom into the liquid load above the plunger during plunger ascent. The orifices also allow liquids to pass through the plunger during plunger descent.

Abstract: Provided herein, is magnetic catch assembly that may be utilized with and/or incorporated into lubricator of a wellhead. The magnetic catch assembly permits maintaining a plunger within the lubricator without requiring any moving mechanical components.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a collar stop configured for insertion into well production tubing where the collar stop provides an interference fit with a collar recess disposed between two adjacent sections of production tubing. The collar stop may be utilized to provide a bottom hole assembly at a desired location in a well bore. The collar stop device is configured to lock once positioned. Such locking prevents accidental removal during high fluid flows.

Abstract: The disclosed device provides a high-accuracy plunger arrival detection system comprising a low-power magnetometer with high sensitivity and which is capable of sampling low or high intensity magnetic fields. The device processes gathered data from sensors, stores at least some processed data in memory, executes a trending algorithm which compares the magnetic field of the plunger to the ambient magnetic field or a predetermined set of initialization values, and generates an output which is relayed to a well controller. An output signal may be via hard wire, RF, wireless or other known means. In addition, the implementation of two sensing devices mounted in series and in spaced relation to each other, can provide for an actual plunger average velocity. An actual plunger average velocity, as opposed to approximate average velocity, can be used to better optimize well control and improve safety of the overall well production system.

Abstract: A downhole assembly in a wellbore includes a production logging tool disposed in the wellbore and a jet pump device set in a bottom hole assembly uphole from the production logging tool. The jet pump has a central axis, and includes one or more internal components that are radially offset to allow a slickline to pass through the jet pump device. The slickline is configured to actuate the production logging tool. While the jet pump device is operating to produce fluids, the production logging tool is further reciprocated within the wellbore on the slickline to obtain measurements at various locations.

Abstract: The disclosed device provides a high-accuracy plunger arrival detection system comprising a low-power magnetometer with high sensitivity and which is capable of sampling low or high intensity magnetic fields. The device processes gathered data from sensors, stores at least some processed data in memory, executes a trending algorithm which compares the magnetic field of the plunger to the ambient magnetic field or a predetermined set of initialization values, and generates an output which is relayed to a well controller. An output signal may be via hard wire, RF, wireless or other known means. In addition, the implementation of two sensing devices mounted in series and in spaced relation to each other, can provide for an actual plunger average velocity. An actual plunger average velocity, as opposed to approximate average velocity, can be used to better optimize well control and improve safety of the overall well production system.

Abstract: A two-piece well plunger is provided having an upper sleeve and a lower lance member that engages (e.g., unites) and disengages the upper member. The upper and lower member are sized for receipt within production tubing of a well and are configured to move upwardly in the production tubing when united and to fall separately when disengaged (e.g., separated). The upper sleeve is generally cylindrical and has an central bore. The lower lance member includes a dislodging rod that is sized to extend through central bore of the upper sleeve when the two pieces are united. The lance member and rod seal the central bore when the members are united. An upper end of the rod extends beyond a top end of the sleeve when the members are united and is utilized to disengage the members when the united plunger arrives in a well head.

Abstract: An isolation tool is presented for use in fluidly isolating first and second sections of tubing and more typically to a bleed valve/port of a gas lift mandrel. The isolation tool is configured for disposition within an interior of a gas lift mandrel. The isolation tool includes one or more resilient elements that may be compressed to expand to and seal against an inside surface of the tubing/mandrel. Such expansion and sealing by the resilient element(s) fluidly isolates sections of the tubing/mandrel. The isolation tool may be removed through the tubing when desired by releasing the compression of the resilient element(s) such that the resilient element(s) disengage the inside surface of the tubing/mandrel.

Abstract: The disclosed device provides a high-accuracy plunger arrival detection system comprising a low-power magnetometer with high sensitivity and which is capable of sampling low or high intensity magnetic fields. The device processes gathered data from sensors, stores at least some processed data in memory, executes a trending algorithm which compares the magnetic field of the plunger to the ambient magnetic field or a predetermined set of initialization values, and generates an output which is relayed to a well controller. An output signal may be via hard wire, RF, wireless or other known means. In addition, the implementation of two sensing devices mounted in series and in spaced relation to each other, can provide for an actual plunger average velocity. An actual plunger average velocity, as opposed to approximate average velocity, can be used to better optimize well control and improve safety of the overall well production system.

Abstract: A chemical/additive injection controller, system and method (i.e., utilities) are provided that control when an injection pump turns on and off in order to inject a predetermined volume of additives into a hydrocarbon production conduit over a predetermined number of cycles per day. The controller determines when to activate and deactivate (i.e., turn on and turn off) an injection pump to provide a desired total additive injection volume over an injection period (e.g. 24 hours). More specifically, the utilities incorporate a flow meter that monitors the actual amount of additive that is injected during a pump cycle. Once an injected volume meets or exceeds a target injection volume the pump is deactivated. The flow meter continues to monitor the injection volume including amounts injected after power to the pump is deactivated to provide an accurate measure of the total injection. Subsequent injections are varied based on the actual measured volume of one or more previous injections.

Abstract: A system comprising a well flow optimization program and associated control equipment for monitoring changing variables and well conditions and dynamically performing adjustments to one or more established set points. The system is designed to work with a plunger lift system but is also functional on a well that is not running a plunger lift or any type of artificial lift system. The system is also capable of controlling open flow and open flow set points and sales flow and sales flow set points by means of a pneumatic flow control device. The disclosed system also minimizes the time that is needed to optimize a well by a producer/operator.

Abstract: The disclosed device provides a high-accuracy plunger arrival detection system comprising a low-power magnetometer with high sensitivity and which is capable of sampling low or high intensity magnetic fields. The device processes gathered data from sensors, stores at least some processed data in memory, executes a trending algorithm which compares the magnetic field of the plunger to the ambient magnetic field or a predetermined set of initialization values, and generates an output which is relayed to a well controller. An output signal may be via hard wire, RF, wireless or other known means. In addition, the implementation of two sensing devices mounted in series and in spaced relation to each other, can provide for an actual plunger average velocity. An actual plunger average velocity, as opposed to approximate average velocity, can be used to better optimize well control and improve safety of the overall well production system.

Abstract: A two-piece well plunger is provided having an upper sleeve and a lower lance member that engages (e.g., unites) and disengages the upper member. The upper and lower member are sized for receipt within production tubing of a well and are configured to move upwardly in the production tubing when united and to fall separately when disengaged (e.g., separated). The upper sleeve is generally cylindrical and has an central bore. The lower lance member includes a dislodging rod that is sized to extend through central bore of the upper sleeve when the two pieces are united. The lance member and rod seal the central bore when the members are united. An upper end of the rod extends beyond a top end of the sleeve when the members are united and is utilized to disengage the members when the united plunger arrives in, a well head.

Abstract: An isolation tool is presented for use in fluidly isolating first and second sections of tubing and more typically to a bleed valve/port of a gas lift mandrel. The isolation tool is configured for disposition within an interior of a gas lift mandrel. The isolation tool includes one or more resilient elements that may be compressed to expand to and seal against an inside surface of the tubing/mandrel. Such expansion and sealing by the resilient element(s) fluidly isolates sections of the tubing/mandrel. The isolation tool may be removed through the tubing when desired by releasing the compression of the resilient element(s) such that the resilient element(s) disengage the inside surface of the tubing/mandrel.

Abstract: The disclosed device provides a high-accuracy plunger arrival detection system comprising a low-power magnetometer with high sensitivity and which is capable of sampling low or high intensity magnetic fields. The device processes gathered data from sensors, stores at least some processed data in memory, executes a trending algorithm which compares the magnetic field of the plunger to the ambient magnetic field or a predetermined set of initialization values, and generates an output which is relayed to a well controller. An output signal may be via hard wire, RF, wireless or other known means. In addition, the implementation of two sensing devices mounted in series and in spaced relation to each other, can provide for an actual plunger average velocity. An actual plunger average velocity, as opposed to approximate average velocity, can be used to better optimize well control and improve safety of the overall well production system.

Abstract: A chemical/additive injection controller, system and method (i.e., utilities) are provided that control when an injection pump turns on and off in order to inject a predetermined volume of additives into a hydrocarbon production conduit over a predetermined number of cycles per day. The controller determines when to activate and deactivate (i.e., turn on and turn off) an injection pump to provide a desired total additive injection volume over an injection period (e.g. 24 hours). More specifically, the utilities incorporate a flow meter that monitors the actual amount of additive that is injected during a pump cycle. Once an injected volume meets or exceeds a target injection volume the pump is deactivated. The flow meter continues to monitor the injection volume including amounts injected after power to the pump is deactivated to provide an accurate measure of the total injection. Subsequent injections are varied based on the actual measured volume of one or more previous injections.