Abstract: A single tractor unit is provided for pulling a tractor, in which the tractor itself drives a plurality of hydraulic motors which control a crane unit, a coiled tubing injection unit, and the pumps and motors associated with a liquid nitrogen system which is used for injecting gaseous hydrogen into a workover well with coiled tubing. In an alternative mode, the liquid nitrogen system is replaced with one or more nitrogen generators which gather nitrogen from the earth's atmosphere to be pumped through the coiled tubing into the well being treated. Alternatively, the gaseous nitrogen source is one or more tanks of compressed nitrogen gas.

Abstract: A production tool for use in heavy oil production is provided. Operating to provide for better inflow of oil and sand to a bottom hole rotating pump, the production tool prevents sand up conditions and keeps the well cellar and the walls of the casing clean to ensure longer periods between workovers. The production tool has a cylindrical member with at least one helical fin extending substantially to the inner radius of the casing, and a gear reducer which drives the cylindrical member at a reduced rotation from input from the rotor of the bottom hole rotating pump. The rotational motion of the cylindrical member in conjunction with the sense of the helical fin cause bore effluence to move to the intake of the rotating pump, effecting constant inflow.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump has impellers for pumping low flow, high viscous materials. The impellers have high exit angles greater than 30 degrees and preferably greater than 50 degrees. The impellers and diffusers have specific geometry that varies with viscosity. The pump has zones of impellers and diffusers with the exit angles and geometry in the zones differing from the other zones. The exit angles decrease and geometry varies in a downstream direction to account for a lower viscosity occurring due to heat being generated in the pump. One design employs small diameter impellers and high rotational speeds.

Abstract: The assembly functions to clamp onto and frictionally engage the polished rod of a well's rod string, with sufficient force to suspend the string from the wellhead. The assembly comprises an annular body forming opposed, radial, internally threaded side openings extending from its outer circumferential surface to its central vertical bore. An externally threaded locking member is positioned in each side opening and protrudes externally. The locking members can be manually threaded inwardly to engage the polished rod. An external leverage assembly is anchored to the body and engages one of the locking members. This leverage assembly can be manually turned to tighten the locking member against the polished rod with powerful axial force to provide enhanced gripping.

Abstract: The assembly functions to clamp onto and frictionally engage the polished rod of a well's rod string, with sufficient force to suspend the string from the wellhead. The assembly comprises an annular body forming opposed, radial, internally threaded side openings extending from its outer circumferential surface to its central vertical bore. An externally threaded locking member is positioned in each side opening and protrudes externally. The locking members can be manually threaded inwardly to engage the polished rod. An external leverage assembly is anchored to the body and engages one of the locking members. This leverage assembly can be manually turned to tighten the locking member against the polished rod with powerful axial force to provide enhanced gripping.

Abstract: A system for pumping fluid from a well has a submersible pump introducible into a well for pumping fluid from the well to ground, submersible motor introducible into the well and connected to the submersible pump for driving the submersible pump, the motor including at least one upper tandem motor mechanically connectable to another motor and electrically connectable to a power source, and at least one additional upper tandem motor, the additional upper tandem motor being mechanically connected with the first mentioned upper tandem motor so as to drive the submersible pump with a mechanical power derived from the first mentioned upper tandem motor and the additional upper tandem motor, and a power supply which independently supplies electrical power to the upper tandem motors.

Abstract: An insertable progressing cavity pump is taught. The pump is insertable in a bore of a tubing string by carriage on a drive string, the insertable progressing cavity pump includes a stator, a helical rotor locatable in the stator and including a coupling for connection to the drive string, a tubular housing for accommodating the stator therein and sized to be insertable into the tubing string, a pump hold-down arrangement in communication with the housing and disposed above the stator for engaging the pump into the tubing string, and a torque transmitting arrangement acting between the rotor and the housing to transmit torque from the rotor to the housing in both the clockwise and counter-clockwise direction, when the housing is carried on the drive string. The insertable progressing cavity pump in another aspect includes a hold down assembly disposed above the stator on the pump housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pumping fluids in a wellbore. The apparatus includes a pipe string in the wellbore extending between a wellhead end and a production end, the pipe string defining an interior fluid path. A swivel device is connected into the pipe string so that an upper portion of the pipe string rotates relative to a lower portion thereof. A lower connector connects the lower portion with a stator of a rotary pump such that a fluid pumped by the pump is conducted through the interior fluid path of the pipe string. An upper connector connects the upper portion with a rotor of the rotary pump such that rotation of the upper portion rotates the rotor and thus pumps the fluid. The method includes rotatably supporting the upper portion in the wellbore at the wellhead end, connecting the lower portion with the stator, connecting the upper portion with the rotor, positioning the pump in the wellbore and rotating the upper portion in order to rotate the rotor to pump the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided which holds a rod or tubular within a well, allowing a well service provider or operator to safely and more cost effectively disassemble, remove, or otherwise work on a drive assembly. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises an annular body having at least one radial aperture formed therethrough and at least one rod holder disposed through each aperture. The rod holder comprises a push jaw disposed on a first end of a screw. In one aspect, the method comprises shutting down a drive assembly and supporting a rod or tubular with an annular body comprising at least one radial aperture formed there-through, at least one threaded member disposed within the aperture, and at least one push jaw disposed on a first end of the threaded member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for removing contaminates, in particular, volatile organic contaminates from groundwater by providing a well that combines air stripping and air sparging apparatus within a single well to provide in-ground treatment of contaminated groundwater.

Abstract: A wellsite pumping system, comprising a gas processing system including a source of compressed gas, the source of compressed gas having a low pressure inlet and a high pressure outlet, coil tubing connected to the high pressure outlet of the gas processing system, the coil tubing including a first tubing string connected to the high pressure outlet and a second tubing string running parallel to the first tubing string and having an opening for entry of fluid at a remote end from the high pressure outlet; and a venturi connecting the second tubing string to the first tubing string such that, in operation, passage of gas through the venturi from the first tubing string draws production fluid into the second tubing string. Preferably, the second tubing string is suspended within the first tubing string. The venturi may be formed by a horizontal passageway communicating with a vertical passageway with a restriction.

Abstract: A pumping system comprises a pump barrel that is adapted to be placed into a well casing. A plunger is reciprocatably positioned within the pump barrel and has an open top end, a bottom end, and a traveling valve at the bottom end. A connector is coupled to the plunger below the top end. A rod is coupled to the connector and is translatable to reciprocate the plunger within the pump barrel using an upstroke and a downstroke. Further, the top end of the plunger is adapted to direct particulate into the plunger and away from the pump barrel upon each upstroke.

Abstract: A dual displacement pumping system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a subsurface pump, a tubing string, and a surface pumping unit connected to the subsurface pump by a reciprocating member. The subsurface pump includes a pump barrel mounted to the end of the tubing string, and a plunger mounted to the end of the reciprocating member. Valves cause downward motion of the plunger in the pump barrel to force fluid from the lower end of the pump barrel into the reciprocating member, and fill the upper end of the pump barrel with well bore fluid. They also cause upward motion of the plunger to force fluid from the upper pump barrel into the tubing string, and fill the lower pump barrel with well bore fluid. Thus, both pumping movements are exploited, nearly doubling the volume of fluid pumped with a conventional surface configuration.

Abstract: A wellbore pump comprises a plunger having a passage which may be open or closed by a valve operated by a piston which is biased in the open position by a spring of selected strength such that the wellbore pressure may overcome the spring to close the valve when the accumulated hydrostatic pressure reaches a certain value. When the valve closes the reservoir pressure forces the plunger to the surface and causes the accumulated liquids to be pumped out of the wellbore.

Abstract: Methods for staged production from a wellbore include pumps sequentially operated during the life of the well. In described embodiments, production assemblies are used for progressive staged production process in which the production tubing is bifurcated to provide a pair of legs. One of the legs includes a first pump that may be selectively actuated to flow fluid through one of the legs. Means are also provided, including a sliding sleeve and a flapper valve diverter, for blocking production fluid flow through one leg or the other. A second fluid pump is lowered inside of the production tubing to pump fluid after the first pump has failed.

Abstract: Accordingly, an improved pumping system is herein disclosed. In one embodiment, the pumping system includes a subsurface pump, a tubing string, and a surface pumping unit. The subsurface pump is anchored downhole and driven by repeated upward and downward motion of the tubing string. The subsurface pump pumps fluids to the surface via the tubing string. The upward and downward motion of the tubing string is imparted by any suitable surface pumping unit such as, e.g. a beam pumping unit or a hydraulic pumping unit. This pumping system advantageously provides for a minimal number of strings downhole, requiring at most only (1) casing and (2) the production tubing. Accordingly, the well may be drilled using a very slender hole, thereby allowing for sharply reduced drilling and production costs.

Abstract: Improvements in method and apparatus for producing hydrocarbons from marginal oil wells, especially wells that previously used standard pump jacks. Substitution of the present invention for prior art production equipment solves many common problems found in the prior art, such as a well pump that experiences gas lock and pounding, which is a hindrance to efficient production in other known pump systems but is advantageous when using the Smart Pump of this disclosure. Disclosed herein is a pump assembly which senses when fluid is pumped uphole at a rate different than the rate that fluid is produced from the formation, by continually adjusting the time interval of one cycle of operation to coincide with the production history of the well.

Abstract: A seal cartridge and barrel manifold seal are provided for use in a subterranean well and in a method to inject fluid, that is initially produced into the well from a subterranean formation or zone, into another subterranean formation or zone. The seal cartridge has two distinct annular seals positioned within opposite sides of a unitary housing to inhibit fluid flow through the housing in both axial directions along a rod that is positioned through the housing. A barrel seal manifold is provided that is unitary in design and has tapered flow surfaces thereby provided increased strength, flow dynamics and life.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a fluid extractor system that has been design to obtain fluid, such as crude oil from wells at a fraction of the cost by using a novel canister assembly lowered in a well to collect the fluid. The canister assembly includes a pump and a storage container for collecting the fluid pumped into it by the pump. When the storage container is full the canister assembly is brought to the surface and emptied. In one embodiment the canister assembly has a battery to independently power the pump. A further feature of the invention includes repeatedly raising and incrementally lowering down the canister assembly to lower levels in the well using a jogging assembly to place the canister assembly only in the top layer of the fluid in the well. The system could also be used for recovering several other types of fluids in a well such as gas or water.

Abstract: A method of retarding sand build up in heavy oil wells involving a first step of providing a pumping apparatus with subterranean impellers coupled to a rotary top drive unit by a plurality of connective rods. The plurality of connective rods have fixed outwardly extending vanes that rotate with the plurality of connective rods and are configured to provide a supplementary lifting force. A second step involves positioning the plurality of connective rods in a heavy oil well having a circumferential sidewall. A third step involves activating the rotary drive unit to rotate the plurality of connective rods. The vanes attached to the connective rods assist in lifting sand to surface with the heavy oil.

Abstract: A horizontal well system, in accordance with the principles of the invention, includes a porous casing member having an interior space, a first end, and a second end, with at least a portion of the porous casing member being positioned substantially horizontally within an aquifer. This horizontal well system further includes a first casing member and a second casing member, with each of the first and second casing members having an interior space, an outer end, and an inner end. The inner end of the first casing member is connected to the first end of the porous casing member, with the first casing member extending toward the ground surface. The inner end of the second casing member is connected to the second end of the porous casing member, with the second casing member extending toward the ground surface.

Abstract: A pumping system comprises a pump barrel that is adapted to be placed into a well casing. A plunger is reciprocatably positioned within the pump barrel and has an open top end, a bottom end, and a traveling valve at the bottom end. A connector is coupled to the plunger below the top end. A rod is coupled to the connector and is translatable to reciprocate the plunger within the pump barrel using an upstroke and a downstroke. Further, the top end of the plunger is adapted to direct particulate into the plunger and away from the pump barrel upon each upstroke.

Abstract: A submersible pumping system for use in high temperature, wellbore applications. The system includes an electric submersible pumping unit, having at least a submersible motor, a motor protector and a submersible pump powered by the submersible motor. A uniquely designed power cable is coupled to the submersible motor to provide power thereto. The unique design of the power cable and its connector permit the use of the overall system in high temperature environments or applications where the system is exposed to high temperature conditions.

Abstract: An intermittent gas lift well pumping system containing an accumulator, a gas line, a liquid discharge line, and a battery operated controller. By using one or more constrictions in the gas line and acoustical techniques, accurate liquid level is determined in the pumping system for optimum production. Bypasses are connected between the gas line and the liquid discharge line. Each contains a valve that opens at a preset absolute pressure in the gas line, an orifice, and a one-way valve. The bypasses are strategically placed to prevent overloading of the system. A liquid slug sensor on the upper end of the liquid discharge line and a rabbit in this line enables optimum production and gas conservation.

Abstract: Improvements in method and apparatus for producing hydro-carbons from marginal oil wells, especially wells that previously used standard pump jacks. Substitution of the present invention for prior art production equipment solves many common problems found in the prior art, such as a well pump that experiences gas lock and pounding, which is a hindrance to efficient production in other known pump systems but is advantageous when using the Smart Pump of this disclosure. Disclosed herein is a pump assembly which senses when fluid is pumped uphole at a rate different than the rate that fluid is produced from the formation, by continually adjusting the time interval of one cycle of operation to coincide with the production history of the well.

Abstract: A pump drive head for a progressing cavity pump comprises a top mounted stuffing box rotatably disposed around a compliantly mounted standpipe with a self or manually adjusting pressurization system for said stuffing box, To prevent rotary and vertical motion of the polish rod while servicing the stuffing box, a polished rod lock-out clamp is provided with the pump drive head integral with or adjacent to a blow-out-preventer which can be integrated with the pump drive head to save space and cost. A centrifugal backspin braking system located on the input shaft and actuated only In the backspin direction and a gear drive between the input shaft and output shaft are provided.

Abstract: A method of performing a downhole well completion cleanup is provided. In a described embodiment, completion fluids from a first zone are flowed into a tubular string, and then the fluids are discharged into a second zone. An apparatus usable in the method is provided, in which a downhole pump is utilized to pump the fluids from one zone to the other. The pump may be operated in a variety of manners. The apparatus may also include fluid identification sensors and telemetry devices for monitoring the progress of the cleanup operation.

Abstract: A water-well-head adaptor has an adaptor body (1) with matching plate-fastener orifices (7, 8, 9, 10) and matching pump-element apertures (14, 16, 18, 20). The plate-fastener orifices match well-plate fastener orifices (12, 13) in a predetermined class of well-head plates (4) on an adaptor-bottom surface (2) and match pump fastener orifices (11) in a predetermined class of well pumps (6) on an adaptor-top surface (3). The pump-element apertures match plate orifices in a predetermined class of well-head plates on the adaptor-bottom side and match pump-element apertures in bottoms of a predetermined class of well pumps on the adaptor-top surface. The adaptor-bottom surface and the adaptor-top surface are juxtaposed a predetermined distance apart.

Abstract: A pump rod drive and torque release mechanism for use in association with a downhole pump positioned within a well. The pump rod drive and torque release mechanism comprises a central housing having a generally hollow interior, a drive shaft received within the central housing, a drive rod received within the central housing, and a torque transfer mechanism positioned within the central housing. The drive shaft may be operatively connected to a pump rod rotator to impart rotational movement to the drive shaft. The drive rod may be operatively connected to a downhole pump so as to enable transference of rotational energy from the drive rod to the downhole pump. The torque transfer mechanism has an engaged position wherein it operatively connects the drive shaft to the drive rod such that rotation of the drive shaft causes rotation of the drive rod. The torque transfer mechanism also has a disengaged position wherein it operatively disconnects the drive shaft from the drive rod.

Abstract: Accordingly, an improved pumping system is herein disclosed. In one embodiment, the pumping system includes a subsurface pump, a tubing string, and a surface pumping unit. The subsurface pump is anchored downhole and driven by repeated upward and downward motion of the tubing string. The subsurface pump pumps fluids to the surface via the tubing string. The upward and downward motion of the tubing string is imparted by any suitable surface pumping unit such as, e.g. a beam pumping unit or a hydraulic pumping unit. This pumping system advantageously provides-for a minimal number of strings downhole, requiring at most only (1) casing and (2) the production tubing. Accordingly, the well may be drilled using a very slender hole, thereby allowing for sharply reduced drilling and production costs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump drive assembly for a deep well, submersible, progressing cavity pump that includes an internal hydraulic pump for slowing the counter rotation of the polished rod induced by recoil in the sucker rod. The pump drive assembly includes a housing enclosing a hydraulic fluid reservoir and a gear chamber separate from the reservoir. A drive shaft extends into the housing and includes a drive gear integral with or keyed to the drive shaft. A main shaft also extends into the housing and includes a main gear integral with or keyed to the main shaft. The main gear is engaged with the drive gear within the gear chamber, where the gear chamber includes an inlet and an outlet channel providing fluid communication between the gear chamber and the reservoir, so that the gears form a reversible gear pump within the housing. The reversible gear pump operates to pump hydraulic fluid from the reservoir into the gear chamber and back into the reservoir.

Abstract: A technique is described for producing fluids from a series of wells. Production fluids from production wells are raised from the wells and deposited in a collection well. The production fluids may include both liquid and gas phase components. The collection well may serve to permit separation of the gas and liquid phase components under the forces of gravity. The fluids deposited in the collection well are separately displaced to a further collection and processing location. The head requirements for the pumping systems of the production wells is reduced by the need only to transmit the production fluids to the collection well. A pumping system in the collection well then produces some or all of the deposited fluids. Where the fluids include significant quantities of gas, the collection well pumping system may only produce the liquid-phase components, reducing the capacity requirements for the collection well pumping system.

Abstract: Accordingly, an improved pumping system is herein disclosed. In one embodiment, the pumping system includes a subsurface pump, a tubing string, and a surface pumping unit. The subsurface pump is anchored downhole and driven by repeated upward and downward motion of the tubing string. The subsurface pump pumps fluids to the surface via the tubing string. The upward and downward motion of the tubing string is imparted by any suitable surface pumping unit such as, e.g. a beam pumping unit or a hydraulic pumping unit. This pumping system advantageously provides for a minimal number of strings downhole, requiring at most only (1) casing and (2) the production tubing. Accordingly, the well may be drilled using a very slender hole, thereby allowing for sharply reduced drilling and production costs.

Abstract: A borehole sucker-rod pumping plant for pumping out gas liquid mixtures comprising a driving rocker to which a string of sucker rods is connected that is secured to a plunger of a deep well pump having a first and suction valve in the lower part of a cylinder, a second suction valve in the cylinder wall at a distance from the first valve, and a pressure valve mounted in the plunger. The plant further comprises a receiving chamber separating the gas liquid mixture into a gas phase and a liquid phase and ensuring that the gas phase gets compressed. The chamber is arranged to be disposed upstream of the cylinder and has in one of the embodiments thereof an outlet valve mounted in its upper part upstream of the first suction valve. In another embodiment, the receiving chamber has an outlet pipeline disposed in the upper part thereof and communicated with the second suction valve.

Abstract: A method of limiting core deflection in the manufacture of relatively long sections of progressing cavity pump production tubing wherein a core is held within the bore of a length of tubular casing to provide a form for the molding of a stator element. The core is centered and stabilized within the tubular casing at selected intervals prior to the injection of elastomeric material by one or more core centering bearings. The bearings are effective to prevent core deflection during manufacture and, rather than being removed after curing of the stator, are left in the casing to function as rotor bearings for the progressing cavity pump. The bearings, themselves encapsulated by elastomeric material during the manufacturing process, help maintain the rotor in optimal alignment within the production tubing thereby benefitting pump performance and longevity.