Abstract: Flexible production tubing is wound about a reel for convenient transport to and from a well site. A submersible pump is attached to the end of the flexible tubing and is inserted through the well casing to a producing formation. The flexible production tubing includes a high strength injection core, a tubular production conduit, auxiliary hydraulic/pneumatic conduits, signal conductors, power conductors and a load bearing tension member. Insertion and withdrawal of the flexible tubing and pump are accomplished by a hydraulically powered drive assembly mounted above the well head. The production tubing is characterized by a generally pentagonal cross-section and is compressively engaged between a hydraulically powered drive sheave and a pneumatically biased idler sheave.

Abstract: A downhole, electro-hydraulic pump assembly, having a hydraulic power piston connected to a double-acting production piston is disclosed. Hydraulic power for operating the power piston is developed downhole by a mechanical pump which is driven by an electrical motor carried within the pump housing. The electrical motor is energized by high-cycle electrical power conducted from a surface facility for increased pumping capability in very deep wells. Long stroke capability is provided by an annular piston and a tubular connecting ram which ride on a tensioned guide tube. The effective production piston area is maximized for efficient production in both up-stroke and down-stroke by conducting the flow of formation fluid produced in the down-stroke through the bore of the tensioned guide tube.

Abstract: A downhole reciprocating piston pump is driven pneumatically from a surface facility for producing formation fluid from a well bore. The pump is cycled automatically without the use of electrical controls or components. A piston is received within a pump chamber thereby defining a power chamber and a production chamber, with the piston being movable between a retracted position and an extended position. High pressure air accumulated in a power fluid reservoir is admitted into the power chamber through a delivery port to extend the piston in a production stroke, and is vented from the power chamber through a relief conduit retraction of the piston. The delivery port is opened and closed and the vent port is closed and opened by first and second shuttle valves which are actuated by the piston as it nears the limit of its stroke in extension and retraction, respectively, thereby pressurizing and relieving the power chamber automatically.

Abstract: An improved system for lifting formation fluid from a well bore to a surface facility is disclosed. Rigid production tubing and sucker rods are replaced by flexible, composite production tubing in which a production conduit, power conductors, signal conductors, hydraulic/pneumatic conduits and a load-bearing tension member are enclosed by a flexible, tubular covering. The load-bearing member of the flexible production tubing is mechanically coupled to a submersible pump. The pump includes driving means such as an electrical motor, hydraulic motor or pneumatic motor which is driven downhole by electrical or hydraulic/pneumatic power transmitted through auxiliary conduits in the flexible production tubing. The flexible production tubing is wound about a truck-mounted reel for convenient transport to and from a well site. A submersible pump is attached to the end of the flexible tubing and is played out from the reel through the well casing to the producing formation.

Abstract: A downhole reciprocating piston pump is driven pneumatically from a surface facility for producing formation fluid from a well bore. The pump is cycled automatically without the use of electrical controls or components. A piston is received within a pump chamber thereby defining a power chamber and a production chamber, with the piston being movable between a retracted position and an extended position. High pressure air accumulated in a power fluid reservoir is admitted into the power chamber through a delivery port to extend the piston in a production stroke, and is vented from the power chamber through a relief conduit during retraction of the piston. The delivery port is opened and closed and the vent port is closed and opened by first and second shuttle valves which are actuated by the piston as it nears the limit of its stroke in extension and retraction, respectively, thereby pressurizing and relieving the power chamber automatically.

Abstract: Flexible production tubing is wound about a reel for easy and convenient transport to and from a well site. A submersible pump is attached directly to the end of the flexible tubing and is lowered through the well casing to a producing formation. Insertion and withdrawal of the flexible tubing is accomplished with a hydraulically powered drive sprocket assembly mounted above the well head equipment. The flexible tubing is reinforced by striker plate assemblies which are engaged by the teeth of the drive sprocket, thereby providing positive traction for insertion and withdrawal without damaging the flexible core. The flexible production tubing includes a high strength injection core, a tubular production conduit embedded within the core, and a series of striker plate assemblies partially embedded within the core.

Abstract: A connector assembly (30) attaches a length of flexible well production tubing (22) to a submersible pump (20). The connector assembly (30) includes a tubular housing (38) having a threaded end portion (40) defining a pin for engaging the threaded bore of the pump housing (20). A bore (46) extends axially through the connector housing for receiving an end portion of the flexible well tubing, and a counterbore (48) extends axially through the pin (40) defining a sealing chamber. Flexible strands (36) of the flexible production tubing (22) are wound about a binding element (50) which is lodged within the sealing chamber. A plug assembly (52) applies a compressive force against the binding element and against the flexible strands, thereby establishing a mechanical interconnection tie point between the flexible tubing and the connector housing. A quantity of viscous sealing material (67) is injected into the sealing chamber under pressure.

Abstract: A composite, flexible tubing assembly (22) for conveying fluids along plural flow paths is provided by an integrated assembly of a relatively large diameter core tube (32) for conveying production fluid, electrical conductors (42, 44, 46, 48) and a plurality of relatively smaller diameter tubular conduits (38, 40) for conveying electrical power and/or pneumatic/hydraulic fluid to the drive motor of a downhole pump, respectively. High tensile strength is provided by a group (36A) of flexible strands (36) and a protective, high tensile strength polymer sheath (34) which encloses the core tube (32) and tubular conduits (38, 40). The assembly (22) is further strengthened by an injection body (58) of filler material disposed in the annulus intermediate the core tube (32) and the protective sheath (34).