Abstract: The disclosure provides systems and methods of manufacturing pertaining to an improved thief hatch. One embodiment provides a base, a cap, and an actuating mechanism disposed between the base and the cap. The base includes an annular lip that defines an opening that is configured to attach above an opening of a storage container such that the openings of the base and the container share a longitudinal center axis. The actuating mechanism is indirectly coupled to a seal such that in the resting position, the biasing mechanism exerts a biasing force on the seal toward the annular lip of the base to create a sealed connection. At least one structural constraint may protrude from the interior surface of the cap in a manner that prevents lateral movement of the actuating mechanism such that it moves exclusively along the longitudinal axis and cannot toggle during operation. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a rotary-pad gas lift plunger. In an embodiment, the pads rotate around the mandrel. This rotation movement results from two features. The first one is the assembly of the mandrel and the pad retaining rings. The second one is the shape of the wearing pad. The rotation movement results from the plunger travel up and down within the tubing. Rotation with uniform wearing helps to maintain the sealing effect between the wearing pads and the inside of the tubing. This uniform wearing on the surface of pads improves efficiency to displace oil and water from oil and gas wells. The uniform wearing also causes a significant increase in the service life of the plunger. Because of the rotation movement, this gas lift plunger can operate in deviated wells where a typical gas lift plunger is restricted.