Abstract: A side pocket mandrel arranged to receive a measuring instrument such as a pressure gauge in the open-bottomed side pocket thereof includes an electrical contact mounted at the top of the side pocket and connected to a cable extending upward to the surface, and an instrument lowered on a wireline kickover tool and inserted upward into the pocket and latched in place with a mating electrical connector automatically engaging the contact. Placement of the electrical contact at the top of the pocket prevents debris from settling around it and preventing reengagement after removal of the gauge for any reason.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a gas lift valve that is latched by a latch assembly into a seating bore in a side pocket mandrel includes a guide flange that is recieved in a slot in an internal wall of the mandrel. The guide flange functions to precisely rotationally orient and to stop the insertion of the valve within its seating bore such that a lateral gas outlet port in the valve body is directed inward toward the main bore of the mandrel. A frictional restraint also is provided to prevent accidental release of the latch assembly.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a side pocket mandrel having a side pocket laterally offset from the open bore has an opening at the upper end of the pocket adapted to receive a gas lift valve. The axis of the opening is inclined in a downward and inward direction toward the axis of the open bore. A kickover tool for replacing and removing valves includes an orienting section having angularly spaced dogs that are cooperable with a sleeve in the mandrel to cause orientation of the tool and to trigger longitudinal movement of a control rod. Rod movement actuates guides on a pivot arm that cooperates with rails or the like in the mandrel to cause the valve to be inserted through the opening to a position extending upwardly into the annulus with a packing sub thereon engaging the opening.

Abstract: A casing pressured operated, variable orifice valve is employed as the operating valve in a single point injection well assembly with tubing pressure (fluid) operated unloading valves acting above the operating valve to provide a continuous flow system. The operating valve includes a throttling range which extends between optimum injection gas pressure levels based on the amount of injection gas pressure available at the well head to thereby increase the overall efficiency of the system. The variable orifice valve includes a pressure charged bellows and a coil spring in series to produce a linear resultant load rate which in turn cooperates with contoured closure surfaces in the valve to produce a linear relationship between orifice size and injection gas pressure. Gas is thus injected into the production column or tubing at a rate which is linearly related primarily to the casing pressure with the throttling range of the operating valve producing a broad response in the gas injection rate.