Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for operating a gas-lift plunger, of which the apparatus includes a controller configured to perform operations including receiving a signal from a sensor representing that a gas-lift plunger has reached a position is proximate to a top of a well. The operations include, in response to receiving the signal, causing a compressor to unload, and positioning a valve such that a gas flows from the compressor to a pressure vessel, and not into the well, and from the pressure vessel to the compressor. The operations include determining that the plunger has descended in the well, and in response to determining that the plunger has descended in the well, causing the compressor to load, and positioning the valve such that gas flows from the compressor to the well via the valve, the gas flowing from the pressure vessel into the inlet of the compressor.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for operating a gas-lift plunger, of which the apparatus includes a controller configured to perform operations including receiving a signal from a sensor representing that a gas-lift plunger has reached a position is proximate to a top of a well. The operations include, in response to receiving the signal, causing a compressor to unload, and positioning a valve such that a gas flows from the compressor to a pressure vessel, and not into the well, and from the pressure vessel to the compressor. The operations include determining that the plunger has descended in the well, and in response to determining that the plunger has descended in the well, causing the compressor to load, and positioning the valve such that gas flows from the compressor to the well via the valve, the gas flowing from the pressure vessel into the inlet of the compressor.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a gas lift plunger in a well. The method includes determining that the plunger is at a predetermined position in the well, well. The method also includes introducing gas from a compressor into a sales line in response to determining that the plunger is at the predetermined position in the well. The method also includes and introducing the gas from the compressor into the well at a predetermined amount of time after the plunger is determined to be at the predetermined position in the well.

Abstract: A system and a method for operating a gas lift plunger in a well, of which the method includes determining that the plunger is at a predetermined position in the well. Gas from a compressor is introduced into a pressure vessel in response to determining that the plunger is at the predetermined position in the well. The gas is then introduced from the compressor into the well a predetermined amount of time after the plunger is determined to be at the predetermined position in the well.

Abstract: A downhole tool, e.g., a plunger, and a method for manufacturing a plunger. The downhole tool includes a mandrel including a flow-restriction recess, and a plurality of sealing pads configured to be disposed around the mandrel, biased radially-outward therefrom, and interlocked with one another. Each of the plurality of sealing pads includes a flow-restriction tab having an axial thickness that varies as proceeding circumferentially around the mandrel. The flow-restriction tab of each of the plurality of sealing pads is configured to be disposed in the flow-restriction recess when the plurality of sealing pads are disposed on the mandrel.

Abstract: An improved bypass valve assembly for a plunger lift apparatus comprises a bypass valve cage having improved flow characteristics and a simplified clutch assembly having enhanced durability and low cost.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a gas lift plunger in a well, of which the method includes determining that the plunger is at a predetermined position in the well, introducing gas from a compressor into a sales line in response to determining that the plunger is at the predetermined position in the well, and introducing the gas from the compressor into the well at a predetermined amount of time after the plunger is determined to be at the predetermined position in the well.

Abstract: A gas-lift plunger includes a body having an upper end, a lower end, a bore extending axially from the upper end to the lower end, and a port therein that is in communication with bore, and an obstructing member positioned in the bore. The obstructing member includes a valve stem and is movable between a closed position, in which the obstructing member substantially prevents fluid flow through the bore from the port to the upper end, and an open position, in which fluid flow through the bore from the port to the upper end is permitted. The plunger includes an end nut connected to the lower end of the body, and a clutch assembly including arcuate members that are positioned at least partially around and configured to engage the valve stem to impede movement thereof. The clutch assembly is positioned at least partially within the end nut.

Abstract: A plunger for use in a downhole well includes a body having a bore formed axially-therethrough. An inner surface of the body that defines the bore forms a seat. A stop extends at least partially laterally through the bore. An obstructing member is positioned within the bore and configured to move axially within the bore between the seat and the stop. The obstructing member is configured to prevent fluid flow through the bore in one axial direction when in contact with seat, and to allow fluid flow through the bore in an opposite axial direction when in contact with the obstructing member as the plunger descends in the well.

Abstract: A system and a method for operating a gas lift plunger in a well, of which the method includes determining that the plunger is at a predetermined position in the well. Gas from a compressor is introduced into a pressure vessel in response to determining that the plunger is at the predetermined position in the well. The gas is then introduced from the compressor into the well a predetermined amount of time after the plunger is determined to be at the predetermined position in the well.

Abstract: A gas-lift plunger includes a body having an upper end, a lower end, a bore extending axially from the upper end to the lower end, and a port therein that is in communication with bore, and an obstructing member positioned in the bore. The obstructing member includes a valve stem and is movable between a closed position, in which the obstructing member substantially prevents fluid flow through the bore from the port to the upper end, and an open position, in which fluid flow through the bore from the port to the upper end is permitted. The plunger includes an end nut connected to the lower end of the body, and a clutch assembly including arcuate members that are positioned at least partially around and configured to engage the valve stem to impede movement thereof. The clutch assembly is positioned at least partially within the end nut.

Abstract: A downhole tool, e.g., a plunger, and a method for manufacturing a plunger. The downhole tool includes a mandrel including a flow-restriction recess, and a plurality of sealing pads configured to be disposed around the mandrel, biased radially-outward therefrom, and interlocked with one another. Each of the plurality of sealing pads includes a flow-restriction tab having an axial thickness that varies as proceeding circumferentially around the mandrel. The flow-restriction tab of each of the plurality of sealing pads is configured to be disposed in the flow-restriction recess when the plurality of sealing pads are disposed on the mandrel.

Abstract: An improved bypass valve assembly for a plunger lift apparatus comprises a bypass valve cage having improved flow characteristics and a simplified clutch assembly having enhanced durability and low cost.

Abstract: Gas lift plungers and methods are provided. The gas lift plunger includes a body including a first end, a second end, a valve seat extending from the first end, and a bore extending between the valve seat and the second end. The gas lift plunger also includes a valve element configured to be received through the bore. The valve element includes a first end, a second end, and a valve-engaging portion extending radially outward from a main portion of the valve element. The valve element is movable in the bore between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the valve-engaging portion engages the valve seat, and the valve element extends through the second end of the. Further, in the open position, the valve-engaging portion is separated from the valve seat, allowing fluid communication through the bore.

Abstract: An improved bypass valve assembly for a plunger lift apparatus comprises a bypass valve cage having improved flow characteristics and a simplified clutch assembly having enhanced durability and low cost.

Abstract: Gas lift plungers and methods are provided. The gas lift plunger includes a body including a first end, a second end, a valve seat extending from the first end, and a bore extending between the valve seat and the second end. The gas lift plunger also includes a valve element configured to be received through the bore. The valve element includes a first end, a second end, and a valve-engaging portion extending radially outward from a main portion of the valve element. The valve element is movable in the bore between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the valve-engaging portion engages the valve seat, and the valve element extends through the second end of the. Further, in the open position, the valve-engaging portion is separated from the valve seat, allowing fluid communication through the bore.

Abstract: An improved bypass valve assembly for a plunger lift apparatus comprises a bypass valve cage having improved flow characteristics and a simplified clutch assembly having enhanced durability and low cost.