Abstract: Disclosed is a method of utilizing a pressure signature in conjunction with a plunger's fall time as an indicator of plunger location. The disclosed method can also indicate well and/or plunger conditions. A controller that can see and interpret slope change and/or pressure signature and automatically make changes to plunger fall time is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved multi-well control system (MWCS) has a centrally based multi-well controller (MWC) in communication with one or more slave controllers and one or more electronic flow measurement devices (EFMs) for instant data monitoring and control of individual wells. The system also provides for an application host sub-system (AHSS) in communication with the MWC for historical and instant data retention. The system is capable of assigning one or more wells to a group for allocation purposes and organizing groups dependent on production levels of individual wells. The MWC is capable of tracking gas volumes produced by each well independent of groupings and communicating such data to the AHSS. The MWC provides monitoring and tracking data from one or more EFM devices and assigns total flow volume to individual wells. The entire MWCS can result in the reduction of manpower and an increase in overall production efficiency.

Abstract: A multiple stage tool for use with plunger lift is disclosed. The disclosed device can be removably positioned at a desired position in a well's tubing, thus providing an upper limit for the travel distance of a first plunger. Subsequent well tubing partitions can be established with the introduction of subsequent plungers followed by the disclosed device.

Abstract: A downhole plunger for oil and gas wells comprises an electronic ambient environmental sensor via a cargo bay. Although the sensor is preferably a downhole time, temperature, pressure and flow sensor, the device contemplates the use of any appropriate cargo to ascertain well conditions. The device can also be used to sample fluid. The sensor has a measured data memory.

Abstract: A shock absorber for use with a lubricator assembly comprises a body made substantially of a polymer material. An end of the body is supportable by a cup. Upon plunger strike, the cup can travel upward in the lubricator assembly and cause the polymer body to deform and dissipate a force of impact caused by the plunger. The body can resiliently compress and expand to substantially an original form. Equalization slots on the body can enable fluid carried to the surface by a plunger to flow from the lubricator assembly.

Abstract: A downhole plunger for oil and gas wells comprises an electronic ambient environmental sensor via a cargo bay. Although the sensor is preferably a downhole time, temperature, pressure and flow sensor, the device contemplates the use of any appropriate cargo to ascertain well conditions. The device can also be used to sample fluid. The sensor has a measured data memory.

Abstract: A plunger mechanism has an internal shock absorber apparatus that operates to absorb shock during plunger fall and rise, thereby promoting a more reliable plunger lift system. The present apparatus can be used in well applications with or without a bumper spring. With the added reliability of the present system, well applications could be implemented such that fewer restrictions are encountered by a plunger at the well bottom. In addition, added reliability can help reduce plunger damage, whereby plunger life can be extended. Similarly, the present apparatus can minimize damage and extend the life of well components.

Abstract: A plunger apparatus operates to propel one or more jets of gas through one or more internal orifices and/or nozzles out through an aperture and into a liquid load whereby a transfer of the gas into the liquid load causes turbulent aeration to the liquid load during a plunger rise. This action can boost the carrying capacity of a plunger lift system resulting in improved well production.

Abstract: A plunger mechanism comprising radial peripheral holes extending outwardly from a center core to an outer surface through which a downhole gas may pass to clear an obstruction on the outer surface of the plunger, thereby enabling a self-cleaning action.

Abstract: A plunger mechanism comprises an adjustable bypass valve. Depending on well parameters, a user may desire to adjust the descent rate of a plunger in service. The present device allows the user to vary or adjust the bypass orifice to alter the flow of liquid through the plunger core.

Abstract: An improved plunger mechanism apparatus to increase well flow production levels. Efficiency of well flow is increased by a two-piece plunger assembly apparatus that is mechanically latched during lift, separates at the well top, and allows a bottom assembly to efficiently fall to the well bottom. The top plunger piece is held at the well top for a set time or condition and when released, its open internal orifice allows it to fall to the well bottom in an efficient manner, and when at the well bottom it mechanically latches, either via a magnetic or mechanical connection, to the bottom assembly.

Abstract: A downhole plunger for a gas/oil well comprises a valve to regulate fluid flow past the plunger and a thermal actuator to control the valve. The thermal actuator of the disclosed device enables the valve to open and close aperatures without relying on the physical impact generally required of mechanical valve bypass plungers. In addition, the thermal actuator provides for a brake to reduce a plunger's travel rate as it approaches the bottom or top of a well. The thermal actuator partially opens aperatures to slow a plunger down as it approaches the top of a well. Likewise, the thermal actuator partially closes aperatures to slow the plunger as it approaches the well bottom. A thermally actuated plunger comprising an expandable outer diameter is disclosed, as is a plunger in combination with a data logger and a thermal activated brake.

Abstract: An improved plunger lift mechanism comprises an internal hollow body having bypass orifices that, when exposed, allow fluid to pass through during plunger descent in a downhole tube to the bottom of a production well. A slidable sleeve slides along the hollow body to close the orifices, causing the plunger to rise and carry accumulated fluid to the well surface. In addition, the present apparatus comprises surface interfaces between a slidable sleeve and a mandrel to minimize a probability of mandrel and sleeve separation during the plunger's ascent phase and a risk of plunger stall. By integrating a plunger lift having a slidable sleeve with closer limits between the slidable sleeve and an internal hollow body, and a wider plunger surface area, the present apparatus can minimize radial movement which can occur during plunger drop and when impact occurs.

Abstract: A bypass plunger having one or more internal shock absorbing elements and a variety of bypass orifice options is disclosed.