Abstract: A method of operating an artificial lift system producing fluid from a wellbore is provided. The artificial lift system comprises a reciprocating downhole pump. The method comprises monitoring one or more properties indicative of a fluid level characteristic of the wellbore. A set of operational parameters for the pump may be selected at least partly based on the monitored one or more properties. The set of operational parameters comprises pump operation setpoints and rules for automatically adjusting one or more of the pump operation setpoints. The pump operation setpoints comprise a respective upper pumping speed limit; a respective lower pumping speed limit; and a respective pumping speed rate of change. The method further comprises controlling operation of the pump as a function of the set of operational parameters.

Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for altering fluid flow in downhole pumps. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a body comprising: an inner core positioned at a longitudinal axis of the body, the inner core comprising an elongate element having an upper domed end and a lower domed end; and at least two fluid channels extending through the body, the at least two fluid channels spaced circumferentially around the elongate element. The apparatus may be used in combination with a ball check valve to improve the velocity profile of the fluid flowing around the valve ball. Related assemblies and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and kits for assembling a flow cage assembly are provided. The flow cage assembly may be used in a traveling valve, a standing valve, or a top plunger adapter of a downhole reciprocating pump. In some embodiments, the method comprises assembling a body, a tubular insert, and a retaining element such that the retaining element forms an interference fit with the body and thereby securely retains the tubular insert within the body. Top plunger adapters are also provided, assembled from embodiments of the methods and kits.

Abstract: There is provided apparatus and systems for filtering of solid material, from reservoir fluid being produced from a subterranean formation, with downhole filtering medium, and backflushing the filtering medium for removing solids that have become coupled to the filtering medium.

Abstract: Methods and kits for assembling a flow cage assembly are provided. The flow cage assembly may be used in a traveling valve, a standing valve, or a top plunger adapter of a downhole reciprocating pump. In some embodiments, the method comprises assembling a body, a tubular insert, and a retaining element such that the retaining element forms an interference fit with the body and thereby securely retains the tubular insert within the body. Top plunger adapters are also provided, assembled from embodiments of the methods and kits.

Abstract: Valve assemblies for reciprocating downhole pumps are provided. The valve assembly may comprise: a flow cage comprising a housing and a tubular insert; an annular valve seat positioned below the tubular insert; and an elongated sealing member positioned above the annular valve seat and at least partially received into the tubular insert. In some embodiments, the elongated sealing member may be more stable and may more securely engage the valve seat compared to spherical valve balls. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and kits for assembling a flow cage assembly are provided. The flow cage assembly may be used in a traveling valve or a standing valve of a downhole pump. In some embodiments, the kit comprises a tubular body having an axial bore, a tubular insert, and a retaining element. The kit may be assembled such that the retaining element forms an interference fit with the tubular body and thereby retains the tubular insert within the axial bore. In some embodiments, the interference fit between the retaining element and the tubular body may reduce or eliminate a possible failure point within the flow cage assembly.

Abstract: A standing valve assembly comprises a flow cage, a ball seat, and a valve ball. The flow cage includes a cage body defining an axial fluid passage therethrough, and a bridge extending across the fluid passage. The cage body and the bridge collectively define a plurality of openings to the fluid passage. The valve ball is received between the bridge and the ball seat and is axially movable within the flow cage. The bridge has an upper face and defines at least one guide ramp in the upper face. Each guide ramp extends at a downward angle to a respective one of the plurality of openings.

Abstract: Valve assemblies for reciprocating downhole pumps are provided. The valve assembly may comprise: a flow cage comprising a housing and a tubular insert; an annular valve seat positioned below the tubular insert; and an elongated sealing member positioned above the annular valve seat and at least partially received into the tubular insert. In some embodiments, the elongated sealing member may be more stable and may more securely engage the valve seat compared to spherical valve balls. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an adaptor apparatus for a downhole artificial lift system. The apparatus includes an upper adaptor section and a base adaptor section. The upper adaptor section includes a top connector portion for connecting to first equipment, and a neck portion below the top connector portion. The base adaptor section includes a bottom connector portion for connecting to second equipment. The base adaptor section and the neck section define a longitudinal fluid passage therethrough. The upper adaptor section includes slots extending from the fluid passage to an outer surface of the neck. The upper adaptor section also includes a plurality of fluid channels recessed in the outer surface of the upper adaptor piece.

Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for altering fluid flow in downhole pumps. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a body comprising: an inner core positioned at a longitudinal axis of the body, the inner core comprising an elongate element having an upper domed end and a lower domed end; and at least two fluid channels extending through the body, the at least two fluid channels spaced circumferentially around the elongate element. The apparatus may be used in combination with a ball check valve to improve the velocity profile of the fluid flowing around the valve ball. Related assemblies and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a standing valve assembly comprising a flow cage, a ball seat, and a valve ball. The flow cage includes a cage body defining an axial fluid passage therethrough, and a bridge extending across the fluid passage, the cage body and the bridge collectively defining a plurality of openings to the fluid passage. The valve ball is received between the bridge and the ball seat and is axially movable within the flow cage. The bridge has an upper face and defines at least one guide ramp in the upper face, each guide ramp extending at a downward angle to a respective one of the plurality of openings.

Abstract: Methods and kits for assembling a flow cage assembly are provided. The flow cage assembly may be used in a traveling valve or a standing valve of a downhole pump. In some embodiments, the kit comprises a tubular body having an axial bore, a tubular insert, and a retaining element. The kit may be assembled such that the retaining element forms an interference fit with the tubular body and thereby retains the tubular insert within the axial bore. In some embodiments, the interference fit between the retaining element and the tubular body may reduce or eliminate a possible failure point within the flow cage assembly.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an adaptor apparatus for a downhole artificial lift system. The apparatus includes an upper adaptor section and a base adaptor section. The upper adaptor section includes a top connector portion for connecting to first equipment, and a neck portion below the top connector portion. The base adaptor section includes a bottom connector portion for connecting to second equipment. The base adaptor section and the neck section define a longitudinal fluid passage therethrough. The upper adaptor section includes slots extending from the fluid passage to an outer surface of the neck. The upper adaptor section also includes a plurality of fluid channels recessed in the outer surface of the upper adaptor piece.

Abstract: The insert for a ball and seat valve comprises a tubular cylindrical body formed by vertically spaced apart top and bottom rings joined by helically inclined and circumferentially spaced apart ribs defining side openings. The ribs support inwardly arching ball guide flanges which thin in cross-section as they extend inwardly and upwardly from the ribs. The inner upper ends of the flanges are connected with and tied together by an elongate, upwardly extending reinforcing member protruding above the top ring. The reinforcement member provides structural strength to the thinned flanges. Thinning of the flanges leads to increasing the open area of the top outlets, thereby promoting the volumetric fluid capacity of the valve.

Abstract: The insert for a ball and seat valve comprises a tubular cylindrical body formed by vertically spaced apart top and bottom rings joined by helically inclined and circumferentially spaced apart ribs defining side openings. The ribs support inwardly arching ball guide flanges which thin in cross-section as they extend inwardly and upwardly from the ribs. The inner upper ends of the flanges are connected with and tied together by an elongate, upwardly extending reinforcing member protruding above the top ring. The reinforcement member provides structural strength to the thinned flanges. Thinning of the flanges leads to increasing the open area of the top outlets, thereby promoting the volumetric fluid capacity of the valve.