Abstract: A method for optimizing production from a gas lift well includes the steps of: obtaining a statistical model of production behavior of a gas lift well, the production behavior including known patterns of at least one production characteristic and corresponding operating parameters; operating the gas lift well at initial operating parameters; obtaining a real time value of the production characteristic from the gas lift well at the initial operating parameters; comparing the real time value of the production characteristic to the model to determine whether a known pattern is detected; and if a known pattern is detected, adjusting the operating parameters to the corresponding operating parameters. An apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons are produced from a well having a bottomhole and a wellhead and communicating with a formation, by producing a flow of hydrocarbon-containing formation fluid from the formation at the bottomhole of the well, transforming the flow of the formation fluid from the formation at the location of transformation into a finely-dispersed gas-liquid flow with a liberated gas forming a part of the gas-liquid flow, so that a column of the formation fluid is formed in the well from the depth of the formation to the location of transformation, and a column of the finely-dispersed gas-liquid flow with a liberated gas is formed in the well between the location of the transformation and the wellhead, and automatically maintaining a pressure of the formation fluid at the bottomhole in the well higher than saturation pressure, substantially independently from changes in properties of formation and formation fluid.

Abstract: An oil field assembly for gathering data about or producing an oil well having a self regulating assembly for free movement by gravity or the differential pressure of fluids in the tubing string of a well from the surface of a well or to predetermined down hole positions for collecting data and or producing a well while freely moving between the surface of the well and predetermined positions comprising a self regulating traveling piston for free movement by gravity and or the differential pressure of the fluids of a well from the surface of a well and to predetermined positions for collecting data about a well between the surface and predetermined downhole positions, and having instrumentation connected to the traveling piston for gathering data about the well, and a landing housing located at the surface of a well for receiving the traveling piston, and a receiving station at the bottom of the tubing string for releasably receiving the traveling piston.

Abstract: An auto-cycling plunger and method for lifting out condensate and fluid that accumulate and retard production in oil and gas wells. The auto-cycling plunger comprises a tube that defines an inner chamber, one or more flapper sealing rings mounted on the tube and a detachable valve member positioned at one end of the tube. During the method, the auto-cycling plunger free falls down the production tubing string with the detachable valve accelerating faster than the tube. The detachable valve hits the bottom-hole spring first, the tube follows and engages with the detachable valve thereby creating a seal. The liquid collects above auto-cycling plunger and the plunger moves up the production tubing as gas within the well accumulates below it and creates an upward pressure. The auto-cycling plunger repeats it's movement up and down the well without having to shut-in the well thereby continuously removing liquids without stopping production.

Abstract: A well and method for using the well for removing lighter than water pollutants (e.g. hydrocarbons and other organics) from a water table. The well includes a pneumatic pump having an air exhaust port to which a vacuum hose is attached for applying a vacuum to the pump chamber to enable fluids to be drawn into the pump chamber without regard to the hydrostatic head and at a rate sufficient to provide a drawdown of the water table to enable capture of organic compounds present as a floating layer on the water table.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for pumping a fluid, for instance an oil effluent derived from a source adjacent to a well, towards an outlet, the well comprising a chamber extending substantially over the whole length of the well, and a pipe column passing through the chamber and communicating with it at one end, and, at an intermediate point on its length with the source. The invention comprises the following steps: filling, up to a predetermine height, the lower end of the chamber and of the pipe column with a first liquid with a density higher than that of the effluent; filling the chamber, between the predetermined height and the outlet, with a second liquid with a density lower than that of the first liquid, and injecting an additional amount of the second liquid in the chamber so as to displace the first liquid and the effluent, in order to bring the effluent up towards the outlet. The invention also concerns a pumping installation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for separation of liquids of different densities in production fluid streams from underground wells. Methods and apparatus are also provided for separation of gas, oil and water in production fluids, transportation of the separated fluids to the surface, as well as reinjection of separated water from the production fluids into other formations. Other aspects include new separation arrangements which include gas or liquid driven motors, designs for multi-stage hydrocyclone separators and use of beam or rod pumps.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for completion of a well, such as an oil and gas production well. A packer is positioned in the well to divide the well into upper and lower zones. The packer has multiple passageways between the upper and lower zones. A pumping system is positioned in the lower zone for displacing wellbore fluids flowing from a production formation. The pumping system may include a liquid/gas separator, and express gas-phase components through one of the passageways and liquid-phase components through another. A conduit conveys the gas-phase components to a desired location. The liquid-phase components are conveyed to a collection location in the annular region surrounding the conduit. The conduit may be used for positioning a chemical injection line within the well, or for receiving a parameter sensing unit. The chemical injection and parameter sensing may be performed independently of gas production, and without interruption of either gas or liquid production.

Abstract: A subsea primary separating vessel (2) is installed close to the wellhead (1) of an oil producing well to effect primary separation of the liquid and gas phases of the produced fluids. A line (3) connected to the top of the separating vessel allows the separated gases to flow to a collecting vessel (7) located at any gathering station. The liquid phase flows to the gathering center through a flow line (21) which distributes the fluids into a U-shaped pipe length (13), each end of which is connected to a flow line (4 or 5) along which the liquid phase flows to a surge tank (8). When the volume of liquid phase which has settled out within the flow lines begins to exert a back pressure which has a prejudicial effect on well production, high pressure gas can be injected into the flow lines for a specific period of time to promote flow of the liquid phase to the surge tank (8).

Abstract: A downhole injector 10, 26, 38 and 54 is provided at the lower end of the production tubing string TS for passing liquids from a downhole formation into the tubing string while preventing gases from passing through the injector. The injector may include an improved screen 36 for preventing formation sand from entering the injector. The system may include a packer 44 in the annulus A above the injector. In one application, a vent tube 46 extends upward from the packer into the annulus for maintaining a desired liquid level in the annulus above the packer. A plurality of through ports 40 establish fluid communication in the annulus above the packer and the production tubing string so that a downhole pump P may efficiently pump downhole fluids to the surface. The injector of the present invention may be used with one or more lift valves LV for raising slugs of liquid upward to the surface through the production tubing string.

Abstract: The present invention is a combination wireline retrievable, side pocket locatable, fluid measurement and control assembly, which permits measurement and control of fluid from a first downhole production zone while maintaining fluid flow through the tubing from other downhole production zones. The various components of the fluid measurement and control assembly may be separately installed in or retrieved from by either wireline or coiled tubing intervention methods and can remain installed in the production tubing while installing or retrieving other downhole tools through wireline or coiled tubing intervention methods.

Abstract: A method is for increasing the production of a hydrocarbon wellbore at its medium and last stage of exploitation, based on removal of the accumulated liquid phase from the bottom of the well. The method includes the installation of a device within the well. The device includes a mandrel and sealing assembly, with the nozzle installed inside the mandrel and above the sealing assembly. Apertures are drilled through the mandrel and the nozzle throat. The device creates the low pressure zone in the tubing of the well and evacuates the liquid phase from the tubing wall and the bottomhole to the gas-liquid upwardly directed flow core.

Abstract: A differential pressure operated free piston for lifting well fluids from a subterranean reservoir to the surface through a well conduit. The free piston includes a piston body adapted for up and down sliding disposition within the conduit and a sealing assembly carried in a cylindrical space surrounding the piston body. The sealing assembly includes upper and lower juxtaposed sets of longitudinally separated cylindrical segments providing relatively smooth cylindrical surfaces on the exterior thereof for sliding and sealing contact with inner walls of the conduit, the upper and lower set of segments being radially oriented so that separations between the segments of the upper set and separations between the segments of the lower set are not aligned, providing a seal which, when pressure in the well conduit near the surface is subsequently reduced, sufficiently elevates the piston and well fluids thereabove to the surface.

Abstract: extending into a hot subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation containing water at greater than 100.degree. C. The wellbore is divided into three co-extensive passageways; an annulus, and first and second conduits. The annulus is formed within the wellbore between a block at its bottom above the completion intervals and an outlet at the wellhead. The first conduit extends from the formation, through the bottom of the annulus and to an outlet at an elevation intermediate up the annulus. The first conduit is insulated between the bottom of the annulus and its outlet. A second conduit extends between the bottom of the annulus and an outlet at the wellhead. In operation, by producing fluid from the annulus and the second conduit outlets at the wellhead, formation fluid is induced to rise up the first conduit. While the fluid rises, contained water flashes providing steam-enhanced lift.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for commingling and producing fluids from an upper and lower reservoir wherein one of the reservoirs has a greater flow capacity than does the other. A jet pump is positioned adjacent the upper reservoir and uses the fluid from the higher-flow capacity reservoir as the power fluid for the pump. As the power fluid flows through a nozzle in the pump, it creates a lowered-pressure zone which sucks in the produced fluids from the other reservoir thereby forming a commingled stream of fluids. Where the upper reservoir has the greater flow capacity, a first embodiment of the pump uses the fluids from the upper reservoir as the power fluid. Where the lower reservoir has the greater flow capacity, the situation is reversed and a further embodiment of the pump uses the fluids from the lower reservoir as the power fluid.

Abstract: A double acting artificial lift system for use in a wellbore having two chambers, each having an inlet and outlet; a power gas string connected to both chambers; a liquid string connected to the outlets of both chambers; a vent connected to each chamber for selectively allowing a gas to pass outwardly of the chamber; and a double acting valve connected to the power gas string and the vents. The valve alternately allows the pressurized gas into each chamber, while venting the other chamber. The pressurized gas enters the chambers to cause any liquid in the chambers to pass through the outlet and into the liquid string such that the liquid extends continuously along the entire length of the liquid string. The venting allows the chambers to fill with liquid from the wellbore.

Abstract: A method and system for removing contaminants for the phreatic zone, also known as the saturation zone, or groundwater. The technique involves gas sparging and oxidation while increasing the surface area for mass transfer by the placing of packing balls into the eductor tube. The system is comprised of a means for supplying gas/ozone mixture to the lower extent of a well which induces a flow of groundwater and gas bubbles up the well. The system contains a conduit within the well, which extends below the water table. The conduit has a lower fluid-permeable section which is located below the water table and an upper fluid-permeable section which is adjacent the water table.

Abstract: A method for enriching a mixture of a first fluid and a second fluid in the second fluid by separating at least a portion of the first fluid from the mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid; directing the separated first fluid into a jet pump; injecting a power fluid into the jet pump to form a mixture of the power fluid and the separated first fluid; discharging the mixture of power fluid and separated first fluid; and recovering the enriched mixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing and backside pressure testing petroleum product wells for production, with one or more differential pressure valves being present at spaced intervals within a tubing string and with a well fluid transfer device being located in the tubing string. Either after or preferably before well casing perforation, after setting of the tubing string, casing pressure is elevated to a backside test pressure, above differential pressure causing closure of the differential pressure responsive valves to ensure the integrity of seals and packers. Casing pressure is then increased to a transfer valve opening pressure, above backside test pressure, to open unidirectional flow communication of well fluid from the well casing to the production tubing.

Abstract: Methods for completing and producing hydrocarbon from a well having a highly permeable production formation having a water zone and a hydrocarbon zone are disclosed. In the disclosed techniques a cased well borehole is cemented in place through the production formation. A packer is set in the casing to isolate the hydrocarbon zone from the water zone. Perforations in the water zone and in the hydrocarbon zone produce a mixture of both fluids into the casing/tubing annulus at different bottom hole pressures (FBHP's) due to the installation of a flow restriction limiting the flow of either hydrocarbon or water into the tubing string. Artificial lift means are used to produce the fluid mixture to the surface.

Abstract: A plurality of downhole control systems interconnected by a network including a server for monitoring and controlling network communications. Each downhole control system is associated with a zone in one or more wells. The downhole control systems communicate directly with each other transferring information and commands as necessary. The downhole server monitors network communications to resolve data collisions and provides supervisory functions.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based controller for oil or gas wells using a plunger lift device is disclosed, which responds to variations in the well production and operation through a series of pressure input signals derived from the well operation. The controller will automatically make corrections in the operation cycles to maximize the well performance and maintain environmental safety.

Abstract: A system for recovering liquid hydrocarbons from hydrates on an ocean floor includes a vessel, a positioning subsystem coupled to the vessel for holding the vessel in a desired location over a hydrate formation, a hydrate recovery subsystem coupled to the vessel for delivering hydrates from an ocean floor to the vessel and separating gas from hydrates removed from an ocean floor, a gas conversion subsystem coupled to the hydrate recovery subsystem for converting gas to liquids, and a storage and removal subsystem. Excess energy from the gas conversion subsystem is used elsewhere in the system. A method of recovering hydrates from an ocean floor is also provided.

Abstract: Computer control and sensory information are combined with gas lift valve having a plurality of individual openings which are openable or closeable individually to provide varying flow rates of the lift gas. Each of the openings is controlled and is sensitive to downhole sensors.

Abstract: The invention relates to the gas and oil producing industry and can be used in raising liquids from oil, gas and gas condensate wells. The process for raising liquids from wells involves periodically lowering a lowerable assembly into a tubing string and, subsequently lifting same with a column of liquid above it. Between the lateral surface of the lowerable assembly and the walls of oil well tubings is maintained a ring-shaped gap of constant width, while a lifting operation is carried out at definite speed when some of the gas from the well will pass through the ring-shaped gap from bottom to top preventing the liquid from flowing downwards. The device for raising liquids from wells includes a hoist with a cable, a tubing string and a lowerable assembly placed inside the string with a non-shaped valve fitted with centralizers and securely fastened to the said hoist cable. The lowerable assembly and its non-return valve can be embodied in a plurality of structural variations of the invention.

Abstract: An improved standing valve which regulates the amount of accumulated fluid in the tubing string of an oil and gas well, to an amount that is within the purging capability of the gas-lift method. The present invention provides a hydrostatic standing valve with a floating valve seat which is displaced in response to the weight of an accumulated fluid head. A ball seals against the floating valve seat and floats with it, but the displacement of the ball is limited by a positive stop provided by a rod supported by the standing valve body. When the valve seat displaces beyond that of the ball, as limited by the positive stop, the ball is sealingly disengaged from the valve seat and fluid flows out of the tubing string.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for producing oil and natural gas from an oil well in the later stages of the well's lifetime. The apparatus includes a one-way valve located at the bottom of the conventional production tubing and a string of macaroni tubing inserted inside of the production tubing. The three chambers defined by the casing, the production tubing, and the macaroni tubing, are connectable to either the suction or discharge manifolds of the apparatus, which are in turn connectable to a compressor. With the valves manipulated in the appropriate fashion by the controller, pressure differentials can be created in the down-hole region of the well to force oil first into the macaroni tubing and then force it up and out of the macaroni tubing and to the sales line. An optional plunger may be used to help reduce paraffin or scale buildup in the macaroni tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting groundwater from a well extending below the static groundwater table includes an extraction pipe having a distal end located a predetermined distance below the static groundwater table, and a proximal end adapted for communication with a source of subatmospheric pressure. The extraction pipe includes a "bubbling hole" a short distance above a static water column established in the well to introduce air bubbles into the extraction pipe to augment the vacuum in lifting the water through the extraction pipe.

Abstract: A method and device for removal of production inhibiting liquid from a gas well, wherein a tubing string is placed inside the well to form a fluid communication path from the liquid accumulation zone near the bottom of the well to the ground surface. The diameter of the tubing string is sufficiently small (preferably between 1/16 and 1/2 inch) so as to define a high liquid-to-gas ratio two-phase flow, preferably capillary bubble flow along the tubing string in order to maximize the liquid head and minimize the gas loss in this tubing string, and to reduce or eliminate the additional restriction along the main gas production tubing generally associated with the presence of such tubing string. In some embodiments, the tubing string comprises a plurality of individual tubing channels for increased rate of liquid removal, each channel being of sufficiently small size so as to define a capillary bubble flow.

Abstract: A gas diverter tool is disclosed for use in improving the operation of an oil and gas well that has cracks, holes or leaks in the casing. The tool includes a thick walled tubular body for in-line threaded connection within a tubing string below a packer carried by the tubing string. The thick wall of the tubular body includes four circumferentially spaced passageways extending longitudinally therethrough to provide gas inlet openings. The upper ends of the passageways are removably closed, and the lower ends are diametrically reduced to provide valve seats. Spherical check valves are loosely received within the passageways above to seat downwardly against the valve seats. Elongated wiper rods are loosely slidable in the passageways and downwardly abut against the ball valves to hold the check valves closes.

Abstract: A well plunger system for the production of natural gas is described. The well plunger system includes a closed loop controller for the production of natural gas. The well plunger system includes a plunger tube positioned within a casing of a gas well, a tubing line connected to the plunger tube, a plunger moveable within the plunger tube, a plunger sensor for detecting the presence of the plunger, a valve connected to the tubing line and to the general gas distribution system including a sales line and a gas flow meter, a differential pressure sensor positioned in the sales line, a motor for operating the valve, a first pressure sensor positioned in the tubing line and a second pressure sensor positioned in the sales line. The controller opens the valve based on an open pressure difference which is the difference between the pressure of gas in the tubing line and the pressure of gas in the sales line.

Abstract: An in situ air sparging/soil vapor extraction apparatus includes first, second and third concentrically arranged pipes disposed in a single bore hole. The first pipe extends a first length through the bore hole to discharge pressurized gas from a second end. The second pipe surrounds the first pipe and extends a second distance, less than the first length of the first pipe, through the bore hole to discharge pressurized gas from the second end of the second pipe at a different level in the soil then the pressurized gas discharged from the second end of the first pipe. The third pipe surrounds the second pipe and is connected to a low pressure source to extract substantially all of the air discharged through the second ends of the first and second pipes and the contaminants entrained in the air from the soil and groundwater.

Abstract: A method is provided for automatically determining an optimum gas injection rate for a gas-lifted oil well. The optimum gas-lift slope for the oil well is initially provided and stored in the memory of a programmable logic controller. A lift gas is injected into the well at an initial gas injection rate to displace a liquid at an initial liquid production rate from the well. The initial liquid production rate and initial gas injection rate are stored in the memory. Thereafter, the lift gas is injected into the well at a first incremental gas injection rate differing from the initial gas injection rate by a first incremental value. Additional liquid is displaced from the well at a first incremental liquid production rate and the first incremental liquid production rate and first incremental gas injection rate are stored in the memory. The first incremental slope is determined from the stored data points and compared to the optimum gas-lift slope.

Abstract: A method of producing gas through liquid level detection in oil or gas wells uses various types of artificial lift systems that include sub surface gas lift, beam pumps, progressive cavity pump and submersible pumps. The artificial lift systems are controlled in response to a known liquid level within the well bore to prevent the well from pumping off and damaging the artificial lift system or from reducing the liquid level in the well bore to an unnecessarily low level to thereby increase the energy required by the artificial lift system to remove the liquid from the well bore.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying and venting gas to a downhole accumulation chamber that includes a supply valve having an open supply position to supply gas to the chamber and a closed supply position, a vent valve having an open vent position to vent gas from the chamber and a closed vent position, and an actuator communicating with a source of pressurized fluid at the surface for actuating the supply and vent valves. The actuator moves the supply valve to the open position and the vent valve to the closed position, and alternately moves the vent valve to the open vent position and the supply valve to the closed supply position. The actuator may include a single hydraulically actuated reciprocating member or a pair of hydraulically actuated reciprocating members.

Abstract: A novel venturi device located within a tubular member for accelerating the flow of an effluent is disclosed. The device will generally comprise a tubular member containing a throat section, a diffuser section and an opening contained on the tubular member for allowing the injection of a gas therethrough. The device also includes an inner mandrel contained within the tubular member. The inner mandrel contains a nozzle member defining an internal chamber. The inner mandrel also contains a first passageway and a second passageway for directing the effluent therethrough. The nozzle is operatively associated with the opening contained on the tubular member. In one embodiment, a flow diverter member is included for diverting the production effluent into the first passageway and into the nozzle annulus. A method of accelerating production with a venturi device within a tubing string is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of increasing the production from a well completed to a reservoir is disclosed. Generally, the method comprises the steps of installing a venturi device within the well. A gas is injected within the annulus and introduced into the well. The venturi device creates a zone of low pressure within the well as well as accelerating the velocity of the production fluids so that the inflow from the reservoir is increased. In one embodiment, the venturi device is associated with a gas lift mandrel located in the well.

Abstract: For production of hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon formation through a well in a condition of fluctuations in the formation pressure, in addition to transformation of a formation fluid into a gas-liquid flow, the bottomhole pressure is automatically regulated at a level higher than saturation pressure of the formation fluid, regardless of any changes in properties of the formation and the formation fluid. At the same time, the speed of the flow of the formation fluid from the bottomhole to a location of transformation is maintained automatically at a level to be sufficient for the transformation of the formation fluid into the gas-liquid flow.

Abstract: A gas flow control device for injecting gas into a production string for recovering pressure and reducing frictional losses, so that critical flow can be reached at lower pressure drops and higher production pressure, includes a nozzle having first and second ends, and a flow path therebetween, and a Venturi having first and second ends, and a flow path therebetween. The first end of the Venturi is disposed adjacent to the second end of the nozzle. The Venturi flow path is aligned with the nozzle flow path to provide a continuous flow path through the valve.

Abstract: The artificial lift control system utilizes a piggy back line, flow computer, pressure transmitter, and software control to control artificial lift of wellbore fluids. The piggy back line is a medium to high pressure line strapped to the outside of the tubing. Supply, make-up gas or other fluids are pumped down the piggy back line at the lowest flow rate possible. Extremely low flow rates are utilized to minimize friction of flow in the piggy back line. A pressure or differential pressure transmitter is installed to monitor pressure on the piggy back line or to measure the differential pressure between the piggy back line and the casing pressure. The flow computer monitors pressures or differential pressures, utilizes software instruction sets to calculate fluid levels in the casing tubing annulus, and cycles artificial lift on and off based on parameters set in the flow computer software.

Abstract: During production of hydrocarbons, an oil-gas flow from a well bottom to a well-head is subdivided into a plurality of individual oil-gas flows which flow in a plurality of individual passages located side-by-side with one another.

Abstract: A gas flow control device for injecting gas into a production string for recovering pressure and reducing frictional losses, so that critical flow can be reached at lower pressure drops and higher production pressure, includes a nozzle having first and second ends, and a flow path therebetween, and a Venturi having first and second ends, and a flow path therebetween. The first end of the Venturi portion is disposed adjacent to the second end of the nozzle. The Venturi flow path coaxially aligned with the nozzle flow path to provide a continuous flow path through the valve. A method to increase the production rate, improve the lift efficiency, and eliminate or suppress instability in continuous-flow gas lift wells by use of a flow control device that has a gas flow rate performance that is independent of the tubing pressure even when the tubing pressure is as high as 80% to 93% of the casing pressure.

Abstract: Two production strings extend downwardly from a well head of an oil well to a point adjacent a producing region. Lower ends of the two production strings are connected by a coupling which allows a mechanical interface launched adjacent the well head of one of the production strings to descend along the production string through the coupling and upwardly through the other production string to displace oil from the production strings to a surge tank. High pressure gas is utilized to move the mechanical interface through the production strings and suitable valves are provided for controlling the flow of gas and oil through the production strings.

Abstract: The invention is directed at a method and apparatus for producing liquids, namely hydrocarbons, from a subterranean formation using a well having a collecting wellbore located at least partially within the formation.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which passively removes contaminated gases from a subsurface. The apparatus includes a riser pipe extending into a subsurface which has an exterior end in fluid communication with a valve. When well pressure is greater than atmospheric pressure, the valve opens to release contaminants into the atmosphere, and when well pressure is less than atmospheric pressure, the valve closes to prevent flow of air into the well. The valve assembly of the invention comprises a lightweight ball which is lifted from its valve seat with a slight pressure drop between the well and the atmosphere.

Abstract: Gas in association with liquids is produced from a wellbore by disposing a first tubing string having a first fluid communication path into the wellbore to near or below the bottom of a producing zone, disposing within the annulus between the first tubing string and the outer surface of the wellbore a second fluid communication path from near or below the bottom of the producing zone to an offtake line at the surface, disposing a choke means in at least one of the fluid communication paths, and producing gas while controlling the choke means to establish sufficient gas flow up the first fluid communication path so as to unload liquids from near or below the bottom of the producing zone and produce the liquids up the first tubing string in association with gas flow. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the first tubing string has a sufficiently small diameter that liquids can be unloaded from the well over life of the production.

Abstract: A method of producing gas through liquid level detection in oil or gas wells uses various types of artificial lift systems that include sub surface gas lift, beam pumps, progressive cavity pump and submersible pumps. The artificial lift systems are controlled in response to a known liquid level within the well bore to prevent the well from pumping off and damaging the artificial lift system or from reducing the liquid level in the well bore to an unnecessarily low level to thereby increase the energy required by the artificial lift system to remove the liquid from the well bore.

Abstract: A method of increasing the production from a well completed to a reservoir is disclosed. Generally, the method comprises the steps of installing a venturi device within the well. A gas is injected within the annulus and introduced into the well. The venturi device creates a zone of low pressure within the well as well as accelerating the velocity of the production fluids so that the inflow from the reservoir is increased. In one embodiment, the venturi device is associated with a gas lift mandrel located in the well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a well by varying its downhole pressure. A vacuum is applied to the top of a single string of tubing in a cased wellbore to encourage the formation of free gas at the bottom of the tubing string. The resulting free gas entrains reservoir liquids proximate the inlet opening in the tubing bottom and reduces the pressure gradient in the tubing thus maximizing fluid flow rates to the surface. To further enhance production rates in the event that reservoir gas/oil ratios are too low, supplemental gas volumes may be delivered to the well casing/tubing annulus.

Abstract: A system for inserting injection fluid into a stream of hydrocarbon fluid flowing through a wellbore formed in an earth formation is provided. The system comprises a production conduit for conveying the stream of hydrocarbon fluid through the wellbore to the earth surface, the conduit being provided with at least one valve chamber that is suitable to receive a retrievable valve body therein, the valve body including a valve that is controllable via an electric circuit connected to surface control equipment so as to move the valve between an open position thereof whereby the valve provides fluid communication between the stream and a fluid injection channel extending in the wellbore, and a closed position thereof whereby the valve prevents fluid communication between the stream and the fluid injection channel, wherein the electric circuit comprises an inductive coupler including a primary coil provided within the production conduit and a secondary coil provided within the valve body.