Abstract: An apparatus, and a method which uses the apparatus, for raising a fluid from a lower region to a higher region of an at least partially cased well. The apparatus includes: a tubing string; a contacting structure at the upper end of the tubing string for engaging a stop structure in the well casing such that the tubing string is held in suspension; an exterior sealing element for sealing against the casing wall; and an internal check valve.

Abstract: An apparatus, and a method which uses the apparatus, for raising a fluid from a lower region to a higher region of an at least partially cased well. The apparatus includes: a tubing string; a contacting structure at the upper end of the tubing string for engaging a stop structure in the well casing such that the tubing string is held in suspension; an exterior sealing element for sealing against the casing wall; and an internal check valve.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for raising a fluid from a lower region to a higher region of an at least partially cased well, the apparatus comprising: a tubing string; a contacting structure at the upper end of the tubing string for engaging a stop structure in the well casing such that the tubing string is held in suspension; an exterior sealing element for sealing against the casing wall; and an internal check valve.

Abstract: An improved lubricator assembly for receiving a well plunger or other downhole tool wherein a hinge is connected between a lower portion and an upper riser of the lubricator assembly and a power lifting device is included for moving the upper riser off of and onto the lower portion of the lubricator assembly.

Abstract: A plunger for well casings and tubulars comprising: an upper valve rod segment slideably positioned within the plunger body; a valve rod tube slideably positioned in the lower end of the plunger body; a lower valve rod segment slideably positioned in the valve rod tube; a spring positioned between the upper and lower valve rod segments; and a valve element on the upper valve rod segment for closing the plunger flow passage when the upper valve rod segment moves to a closing position. The plunger preferably also comprises an exterior flexible sealing member and a sealing member actuator operated by the valve rod tube. A shield is also preferably provided in the plunger body to prevent premature closure of the valve element.

Abstract: A plunger for well casings and other tubulars comprising: An elongate body having a flow passage with a lower inlet port and an upper outlet port; an internal valve positioned between the ports; at least one first flexible sealing member positioned around the body below the outlet port; an actuator which urges the first sealing member against the interior wall of the casing when the valve is closed; at least one second flexible sealing member positioned around the body and providing an outwardly expandable sealing chamber; and at least one flow port positioned below the valve and providing fluid communication between the flow passage and the sealed chamber. The second flexible sealing member(s) being outwardly expandable by increasing pressure in the sealed chamber.

Abstract: A float valve assembly comprises a valve body defining an internal chamber having upper and lower openings and a vertically movable ball or poppet in the chamber for moving upwardly to close the upper opening to prevent upward flow of fluid and for moving downwardly away from the upper opening to permit downward flow of fluid. A resilient, deformable seal positioned adjacent the upper opening has three separate seal elements to provide primary, secondary and tertiary sealing phases. The interior of the valve chamber is lined with a continuous liner to minimize abrasion of the valve. The liner and the resilient seal are formed simultaneously as a single unit by in-situ molding and curing of a thermosetting elastomer material.

Abstract: A removable closure apparatus for tubular members of offshore platforms and the like utilizes a body inserted in the tubular member. A seal formed in an annulus between the inner surface of the tubular member and the outer surface of the body is bonded to each of the surfaces of the body and the tubular member. The seal is broken by use of a flexible tensile bearing inlay spirally embedded within the seal. The inlay is torn from the seal to destroy the structural integrity thereof and permit removal of the body. The inlay has one end affixed to the body and a second end extending upwardly through the member for manipulation from the upper end thereof. A force applied to the second end of the inlay causes it to tear the seal along a spiral path.

Abstract: A grout seal for a piling driven through a cylindrical platform leg into submerged strata includes an array of spring members having upper and lower end portions of cylindrical configuration, the lower and upper extremities of the portions, respectively, defining boundaries of inward diversion to form the central portion of the array. A reinforced elastomeric outer cover is provided for the central portion of the array. The array also includes an elastomeric pad mounted within the array and having a cylindrical inner face for contact with the pilings and an outer face conforming with the central portion of the array.

Abstract: In an offshore platform to be erected on hollow legs which receive piles driven down through the legs into the ocean floor, a resilient diaphragm closure for each of said legs to prevent ingress of water as said platform is moved into position. The diaphragm includes a ring of down-facing cutter blades oriented in the upper surface of said diaphragm for registration with a down moving end of the piling to sever the diaphragm and facilitate passage of the end of the piling beyond the location of the diaphragm.