Abstract: A gas equalizer device for use in conjunction with a reciprocatory pump located downhole in a wellbore. The device of the present invention avoids a condition commonly known in the pumpjack art as "fluid pounding", which is brought about when compressible gases accumulate in the working chamber of the downhole pump. The gas equalizer device of this invention includes a pushrod having a marginal end reciprocatingly enclosed in a slidable manner within a housing which is mounted to the usual traveling valve cage of the downhole pump. The pushrod is alternately moved from an extended into a retracted position each upstroke and downstroke of the pump. The free terminal end of the pushrod is arranged to engage the ball check valve of the traveling valve assembly as the pump commences the downstroke. This unseats the ball, thereby allowing any accumulated gases to escape from the variable pump chamber.

Abstract: A gas equalizer device for use in conjunction with a reciprocatory pump located downhole in a wellbore. The device of the present invention avoids a condition commonly known in the pumpjack art as "fluid pounding", which is brought about when compressible gases accumulate in the working chamber of the downhole pump. The gas equalizer device of the invention includes a pushrod having a marginal end reciprocatingly enclosed in a slidable manner within a housing which is mounted to the usual traveling valve cage of the downhole pump. The pushrod is alternately moved from an extended into a retracted position each upstroke and downstroke of the pump. The free terminal end of the pushrod is arranged to engage the ball check valve of the traveling valve assembly as the pump commences the downstroke. This unseats the ball, thereby allowing any accumulated gases to escape from the variable pump chamber.