Abstract: The invention relates to jet device used for extracting oil from wells. The inventive device comprises a packer, a pipe column, a jet pump, a transmitter and a receiver of physical fields. The body of the pump comprises a through stepped channel embodied in a parallel position with respect to the axes of the pipe column and having a seat disposed between steps for arranging a sealing unit, which is provided with an axial channel. Said pump body is also provided with an active nozzle. The axis of the active nozzle is disposed in a parallel position with respect to the axis of the through channel at a distance equal to or higher than 1.1 of the radius thereof. The diameter of the through channel above the seat is 0.5 mm greater than the diameter thereof below said seat. The diameter of the axial channel of the sealing unit is equal to or less than 0.6 of the external diameter thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to jet devices for extracting oil from wells and intensifying the oil influx rate. An output cone, a packer and a jet pump are mounted on a tubing string. One or several active nozzles are arranged inside the pump body, and a stepped pass channel provided with a mounting seat for a pressure-sealing unit which is disposed between stages and several channels for supplying a pumped-out medium are embodied inside said pump body. The axes of the nozzles are disposed in a parallel position with respect to the axis of the pass channel at a certain distance therefrom. The inventive device is provided with a radiator and a receiver-transducer of physical fields mounted on a cable in such a way that it is replaceable by other instruments. Said cable passes through the axial channel of the sealing unit which is arranged in such a way that it is successively replaceable by functional inserts such as a testing and depression inserts etc.

Abstract: A device for improving recovery of hydrocarbons through a well by creating, regulating and maintaining under the device a calculated bottomhole pressure at a desired level and creating above the device a two-phase gas-liquid homogenous flow for efficient lifting of hydrocarbons to a surface, the device has a body having a central throughgoing opening with a shape corresponding a shape of a Laval nozzle and with a cross section which changes steplessly and gradually, and a mandrel attachable to a tubing and associated with the body without interfering with a flow of fluids.

Abstract: First and second networks of switching devices, each of which are an insulated gate bipolar transistor with an intrinsic reverse-biased clamping diode, are controlled to selectively connect a sinusoidal input voltage and an output to different nodes within a series of capacitors during different portions of input and output voltage cycles to produce a stepped sinusoidal output voltage. The topology requires a low part count, produces relatively low harmonics without filtering when powering artificial lift equipment within a borehole, and scales up to medium voltages without a step-up transformer. During variable speed operation of the lift equipment, optimized switching angles for controlling the switching devices during the voltage cycles may be selected based on modulation producing the desired speed and phase measurements.

Abstract: An automated plunger catcher and releaser and chemical launcher for a well tubing method and apparatus. In one configuration, arrival of a plunger is sensed as the plunger ascends from the wellbore through the production tubing and a signal is sent to a controller. A signal is sent from the controller to actuate a stem in order to hold the plunger in a surface catcher chamber. A flowline is thereafter closed by signal from the controller in order to stop fluid flow through the production tubing. A signal is sent from the controller to an actuated valve on a chemical launcher, thereby opening the valve and releasing chemical. Thereafter, the valve is closed to stop release of chemical. The plunger is held in position for a predetermined time and then the stem is retracted in order to permit the plunger to fall by gravity. Finally, the flowline is opened in order to permit fluid flow therethrough and the process is sequentially repeated as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to jet device used for extracting oil from wells. The inventive method consists in the following: a pump, a connecting and disconnecting unit, a valve unit, a packer and a shank are mounted on a tubing string before actuating the inventive device. A perforator is run into the well on a mounting seat in the pass channel of the pump, the packer being released. Differential pressure being produced, the perforator is blasted against the productive stratum which is then drained. The perforator being replaced by the transmitter and receiver-transducer of physical fields, the stratum is studied while the pump operates. Said transmitter and receiver-transducer being pulled from the well, a valve chamber and a blocking insert separating the cavity of the tubing string from environment are thrown into the well. The well starts to work in a natural flow regime.

Abstract: A system and method for pumping water from a wellbore to a surface location using an improved motorless water pump. The improved motorless water pump is a downhole hydraulic ram pump powered by the renewable energy source, groundwater. As water falls down a wellbore from an upper strata to a lower strata, the conversion of the water's momentum to energy is used to compress air captured in the ram's pressure chamber. The compressed air contained in the pressure chamber pushes down on the water captured in the pressure chamber causing the water to exit the pressure chamber through an outlet and into tubing. The water in the tubing is responsive to the pressure in the chamber rising to the surface.

Abstract: A method for removing fluid from a subterranean zone includes drilling a well bore from a surface to the subterranean zone and forming an enlarged cavity in the well bore such that the enlarged cavity acts as a chamber to separate liquid from gas flowing from the subterranean zone through the well bore. The method includes positioning a pump inlet within the enlarged cavity and operating a pumping unit to produce the liquid through the pump inlet. The well bore may comprise an articulated well bore.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing hydrocarbons from a well, and especially for producing gas from low pressure gas wells containing water, are disclosed. An electrical submersible pump is attached to and in fluid communication with the bottom end of a string of pipe joints or tubing extending in the well bore from the surface to below the water-containing gas interval, a further string of pipe joints or tubing having one or more openings therein at the bottom end thereof extends from the surface to below the water-containing gas interval, and water supplied from the surface via the further string of pipe joints or tubing along with water from the water-containing gas interval is constantly pumped by the electrical submersible pump at a rate sufficient to prevent the pump from overheating and failing and to prevent production-limiting water build-up in the well bore.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for improving production from a wellbore. In one aspect, a downhole pump for use in a wellbore is provided. The downhole pump includes two or more chambers for the accumulation of formation fluids and a valve assembly for filling and venting gas to and from the two or more chambers. The downhole pump further includes a fluid passageway for connecting the two or more chambers to a production tube. In another aspect, a downhole pump including a chamber for the accumulation of formation fluids is provided. In another aspect, a method for improving production in a wellbore is provided. In yet another aspect, a method for improving production in a steam assisted gravity drainage operation is provided. Additionally, a pump system for use in a wellbore is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluidics, in particular to jet devices for lifting various liquids, essentially for lifting petrol out of wells and for well examination. The inventive jet device comprises a packer and a flow column provided with a bearing assembly. Bypass openings are embodied in said bearing assembly and a jet pump is arranged inside the body thereof. A channel for running a medium mixture off the jet pump into an annular space connected to the bypass openings, a channel for supplying fluid pumped-out from the well to the jet pump and a channel for supplying ejecting medium to a nozzle of the jet pump are embodied inside the body. In addition, a pressure-sealing unit is arranged in the channel for supplying the pumped-out fluid in such a way that it is superposed with respect to the jet pump. A bypass channel is embodied in the pressure-sealing unit in such a way that it enables a logging cable to be passed through said channel and the channel for supplying the pumped-out liquid.

Abstract: An engine for actuating a hydraulic downhole pump having a piston vertically reciprocated in a cylinder includes a reversing valve carried with the power piston and serving, when in a first position, to direct fluid flow to force the piston upwardly and in a second position to provide bypass fluid flow to cause the piston to move downwardly. A pilot valve carried by the power piston and serving, when in a lower position, to direct fluid flow to move the reversing valve from the first to the second position. A probe is configured to move the pilot valve to the lower position when the piston reaches an upper limit of travel.

Abstract: A fluid level controlled pumping system includes a pumping unit disposed within a fluid cavity. The pumping unit includes an inlet operable to receive a fluid to be pumped from the fluid cavity. The system also includes a valve slidably coupled to the pumping unit. The valve includes a passage for receiving pumped fluid from an outlet of the pumping unit. In response to a decreasing fluid level within the fluid cavity, movement of the valve relative to the pumping unit aligns the passage with a port of the pumping unit to recirculate the pumped fluid from the outlet to the inlet.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved pump (5, 5?) particularly suitable for use in a method of “artificial lift” in an oil/gas well. Known pumps used in artificial lift methods suffer from a number of problems/disadvantages—e.g. low efficiency (hydraulic efficiency). The disclosed embodiments of the invention provide a pump (5, 5?) which provides a positive displacement of a predetermined volume of well production fluid for each operative cycle of the pump-in contra-distinction known to pumps which provide axial flow of well production fluid. The inventive pump (5, 5?) provides a chamber (10, 10?) having a volume (V, V?), an inlet (15) to the chamber (10, 10?), an outlet (20) from the chamber (10, 10?), and means for varying the volume (V, V?) of the chamber (10, 10?). The means for varying the volume (V, V?) of the chamber (10, 10?) is controlled by relative rotation of first and second bodies (30, 35, 30?, 35?).

Abstract: A system is provided for unloading accumulated liquids and enhancing the recovery of gas from a reservoir having diminished pressure. An annulus between a tubing string and casing is isolated by a packer and continually pressurized with a slipstream of compressed gas while the well continues to produce. A unique valve positioned in the tubing string is shuttled between a production position in which production fluids are permitted to bypass the valve to the surface and a lift position in which the bypass is blocked and an unloading port is opened to vent high pressure annulus gas to the tubing string above the valve, lifting accumulated liquids with it. Preferably, the valve is actuated to the lift position by the impact of a plunger dropped from a lubricator at the wellhead, when the pressure in the annulus has reached a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An auto-cycling plunger including a hollow, longitudinally extending body, at least one first directional outer seal, at least one second directional outer seal and a valve stem. Both the at least one first directional outer seal and the at least one second directional outer seal are disposed on an exterior surface of the body for creating a seal between the body and a well bore. Portions of the seals extend in a direction substantially parallel to the length of the longitudinally extending body such that these portions are spread resiliently outwardly from the body with an applied pressure, thereby increasing the degree of sealing. The first directional outer seal extending in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of the at least one second directional outer seal. The valve stem includes a valve member, extends through the longitudinally extending body, and has actual ends extending from the body. The valve stem is operable to be shuttled between an open and a closed position.

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: A method of assisting production of an oil and/or gas well involves reducing the pressure at the top of a well and aid in oil and gas production. If any gas exists in the produced fluid, gas expansion at the resulting reduced pressure will reduce the fluid density in the production pipe, thus further assisting fluid production. If some secondary production enhancement is in use (balance beam, downhole pump, gas lift, surfactant, etc.), this invention will increase the efficiency of the secondary lift. If supplemental gas is introduced anywhere along the production pipe as a “gas lift” method of secondary production, this supplemental gas expansion at the resulting reduced pressure will reduce the fluid density in the production pipe, thus further assisting fluid production.

Abstract: An improved, unattended, liquid pumping device for oil and gas wells featuring a bellows controlled flow valve that opens and closes at preset pressures. Additionally a well head receiver design that releases shut in production gas below the pumping device and provides a positive pressure differential across the pumping device prior to valve opening.

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: Methods and apparatus employing inert gases injected into the lower level of sloping underground oil-bearing formations as a driving mechanism and water injected into the upper level of the formations as a gas blocking mechanism for increasing and extending the production of oil from underground formations is described. Also described is an inert gas oil production system comprising an exhaust gas processing system, a well inert gas and water injection system, an oil production well system, and a fuel gas generator. A hydraulically operated crude oil pump is also described.

Abstract: A method of cleaning debris from a string of production tubing in a well enables removal without pulling the string of rods that extend through the tubing. A rotary pump is suspended to a lower end of the tubing for pumping well fluid through the tubing to a wellhead at the surface. A motor assembly at the surface rotates the rods to drive the pump. A closure member is placed on a lower end of an elastomeric hose that will open when a selected level of internal fluid pressure is applied. The operator applies internal pressure to the hose at a pressure less than the selected level to increase rigidity of the hose. The operator inserts the hose through a port in a sidewall of the wellhead, the hose deflecting downward and into the tubing. At a desired point, the operator increases the internal pressure in the hose to open the closure member, then discharges a cleansing fluid into the tubing, which flows back up the tubing along with debris.

Abstract: A downhole pump includes a pump barrel defining a pumping chamber having a first end and a second end, a first one-way valve positioned at the first end of the pumping chamber, a second one-way valve positioned at the second end of the pumping chamber and a plunger movable disposed in the pumping chamber. The first one-way valve is operable to permit a flow of fluid out of the first end of the pumping chamber, while the second one-way valve is operable to permit a flow of fluid out of the second end of the pumping chamber. The plunger has first and second ends facing the first and second ends of said pumping chamber respectively. The pumping chamber has an inlet adapted to be in flow communication with a production zone. The plunger is movable in the pumping chamber between at least a first position and a second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to jet devices for extracting oil from wells and intensifying the oil influx rate. An output cone, a packer and a jet pump are mounted on a tubing string. One or several active nozzles are arranged inside the pump body, and a stepped pass channel provided with a mounting seat for a pressure-sealing unit which is disposed between stages and several channels for supplying a pumped-out medium are embodied inside said pump body. The axes of the nozzles are disposed in a parallel position with respect to the axis of the pass channel at a certain distance therefrom. The inventive device is provided with a radiator and a receiver-transducer of physical fields mounted on a cable in such a way that it is replaceable by other instruments. Said cable passes through the axial channel of the sealing unit which is arranged in such a way that it is successively replaceable by functional inserts such as a testing and depression inserts etc.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling pressure surges in a wellbore. One embodiment provides a downhole surge control tool equipped with a fluid motivator. The fluid motivator may be, for example, any type of motor or a venturi. The fluid motivator motivates wellbore fluid through a bypass channel formed in the tool and then out an exhaust port of the tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to jet device used for extracting oil from wells. The inventive device comprises a packer, a pipe column, a jet pump, a transmitter and a receiver of physical fields. The body of the pump comprises a through stepped channel embodied in a parallel position with respect to the axes of the pipe column and having a seat disposed between steps for arranging a sealing unit, which is provided with an axial channel. Said pump body is also provided with an active nozzle. The axis of the active nozzle is disposed in a parallel position with respect to the axis of the through channel at a distance equal to or higher than 1.1 of the radius thereof. The diameter of the through channel above the seat is 0.5 mm greater than the diameter thereof below said seat. The diameter of the axial channel of the sealing unit is equal to or less than 0.6 of the external diameter thereof.

Abstract: In a well production management and storage system having at least one collecting tank and the well pump and a control panel with a timing trigger for activating the well pump and deactivating the well pump for a first predetermined run cycle and a first predetermined rest cycle, the improvement is a controller for adjusting at least one of the first predetermined run cycle and the predetermined rest cycle. This controller detects either changes in rate of rise in liquid in the collecting tank and/or water level in the well when the pump is in a run cycle. When these parameters change, by a predetermined increment, the pump run cycle and/or rest cycle is automatically adjusted.

Abstract: A system is provided for unloading accumulated liquids and enhancing the recovery of gas from a reservoir having diminished pressure. An annulus between a tubing string and casing is isolated by a packer and continually pressurized with a slipstream of compressed gas while the well continues to produce. A unique valve positioned in the tubing string is shuttled between a production position in which production fluids are permitted to bypass the valve to the surface and a lift position in which the bypass is blocked and an unloading port is opened to vent high pressure annulus gas to the tubing string above the valve, lifting accumulated liquids with it. Preferably, the valve is actuated to the lift position by the impact of a plunger dropped from a lubricator at the wellhead, when the pressure in the annulus has reached a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system is provided for unloading accumulated liquids and enhancing the recovery of gas from a reservoir having diminished pressure. An annulus between a tubing string and casing is isolated by a packer and continually pressurized with a slipstream of compressed gas while the well continues to produce. A unique valve positioned in the tubing string is shuttled between a production position in which production fluids are permitted to bypass the valve to the surface and a lift position in which the bypass is blocked and an unloading port is opened to vent high pressure annulus gas to the tubing string above the valve, lifting accumulated liquids with it. Preferably, the valve is actuated to the lift position by the impact of a plunger dropped from a lubricator at the wellhead, when the pressure in the annulus has reached a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The main problem area this invention is solving, is concerning reservoirs containing gas with to low well-head pressure. It is therefore desirable to increase the well-head pressure by applying downhole pumps, however this is not possible if gas is present. The core idea in this present invention, is to place a pump (5) in a “bath” of oil (14), in which oil “bath” (14) makes a gas seal (11), assuring the pump only to be imposed to oil without gas. Oil and gas from the reservoir (1) flows trough perforations (2), into a ring-space (3). This creates a significantly pressure drop of the mixture, in which creates turbulence so the gas content will separate from the oil. The pressure drop is regulated by the gas pressure valve (4).

Abstract: An auto-cycling plunger including a hollow, longitudinally extending body, at least one first directional outer seal, at least one second directional outer seal and a valve stem. Both the at least one first directional outer seal and the at least one second directional outer seal are disposed on an exterior surface of the body for creating a seal between the body and a well bore. Portions of the seals extend in a direction substantially parallel to the length of the longitudinally extending body such that these portions are spread resiliently outwardly from the body with an applied pressure, thereby increasing the degree of sealing. The first directional outer seal extending in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of the at least one second directional outer seal. The valve stem includes a valve member, extends through the longitudinally extending body, and has actual ends extending from the body. The valve stem is operable to be shuttled between an open and a closed position.

Abstract: In a plunger lift oil/gas well a prior art plunger is replaced with a metal ball.

Abstract: A hydraulic jet pump comprising: a nozzle housing; a nozzle member disposed within said nozzle housing and including an inlet aperture communicating through a jet nozzle with a mixing chamber along a power fluid inlet flow path; a deflector member including an axial bore formed partially therethrough from an input aperture at a first end thereof towards a second end thereof, said input aperture communicating with said mixing chamber, said deflector member further including a plurality of radially-disposed deflector outlet ports communicating with said axial bore and disposed at an acute angle with respect to said input aperture to form a flow path having an output flow direction disposed at an acute angle with respect to an input flow direction from said input aperture, said deflector member further including a plurality of axially-aligned vacuum inlet ports formed therethrough from said first end to said second end and in communication with said mixing chamber but not with said deflector outlet ports.

Abstract: A submersible pump assembly has a pump and a valve connected to the outlet of the pump. An outlet of the valve is connected to a riser. A valve member in the valve housing is vertically movable between a pumping position and a priming position, the valve member being biased toward the priming position. A priming conduit connects the outlet of the valve housing to the inlet of the pump for directing well fluids flowing through the conduit into an intake of the pump for re-priming the pump. When the pump is pumping well fluid, the valve member is moved to the pumping position by the fluid pressure, well fluids flowing from the inlet of the valve housing to the outlet of the valve housing but not through the priming conduit. When pumping ceases, the valve member returns to the priming position, well fluids flowing through the priming conduit for re-priming the pump.

Abstract: Natural gas produced from a well by executing a multiple-phase gas recovery cycle which includes a phase during which a relatively lower evacuation pressure is applied within the entire well bore to assist in accumulating liquids at a well bottom. The relatively lower evacuation pressure augments the national earth formation pressure to produce natural gas and liquid more rapidly. The phases of the gas recovery cycle are also coordinated with the phase in which the relatively lower evacuation pressure is applied throughout the well to facilitate a greater natural gas production rate.

Abstract: An electric submersible pumping system provides for the production of fluids from a well and for limiting the amount of sediment accumulation in the well. The apparatus includes an electric submersible pumping system lowered into a well on a production tubing. The electric submersible system includes an electric submersible pump having an intake at or near a lower end thereof. A seal is connected to the intake and a motor is connected to a lower end of the seal. The apparatus further includes an auxiliary pump having an auxiliary pump discharge at an upper end thereof and an auxiliary pump intake at a lower end thereof. The auxiliary pump is connected to the motor. The system is lowered into the well so that it is positioned below the perforations in a well which communicate a producing formation with the interior of the well. The auxiliary pump intake will receive fluid along with sediments that may be produced by the formation.

Abstract: An auto-cycling plunger including a hollow, longitudinally extending body and at least one first directional outer seal disposed on an exterior surface of the body for creating a seal between the body and a well bore. A portion of the seal is spread resiliently outwardly from the body with an applied pressure, thereby increasing the degree of sealing. The plunger also includes a valve stem including a valve member. The valve stem extends through the body and has actuable ends extending from the body. The valve stem includes an actuating head external to and proximal a first end of the body, the head being larger than the internal diameter of the first end of the body. The valve stem can be shuttled between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the valve member is longitudinally spaced from a valve seat on the body to allow fluid flow through the body. In the closed position, the valve member is seated on the valve seat, thereby sealing the body and preventing fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanical oil recovery method and system with a sucker-rod pump. The method calculates the lowest power loss or the lowest cost. The method comprises sequentially arranging internal diameter, steel grade of rod, pump diameter, pumping depth and stroke amplitude, searching the combinations of rods to calculate pump efficiency and the number of strokes, on the basis of Pinput=Pactive−Pexpansion+Ploss, and calculating, corresponding to the input power Pinput, active power Pactive, expansion power Ppeng, ground power loss Pd, sliding power loss Ph and viscose power loss Pv and the sum of losses Ploss. The mechanical oil-recovering cost is then calculated for each combination, and each mechanical oil-recovering parameter is chosen.

Abstract: Plunger lift operations are difficult to optimize due to lack of knowledge of tubing pressure, casing pressure, bottom-hole pressure, liquid accumulation in the tubing and location of the plunger. Monitoring the plunger position in the tubing helps the operator (or controller) to optimize the removal of liquids and gas from the well. The plunger position can be tracked from the surface by monitoring acoustic signals generated as the plunger falls down the tubing. When the plunger passes by a tubing collar recess, an acoustic pulse is generated that travels up the gas within the tubing. The acoustic pulses are monitored at the surface, and are converted to an electrical signal by a microphone. The signal is digitized, and the digitized data is stored in a computer. Software processes this data along with the tubing and casing pressure data to display plunger depth, plunger velocity and well pressures vs. time.

Abstract: An air-operated, submersible pump features a bladder-controlled inlet applicable to water pumping or fluid separation, including the recovery of viscous hydrocarbon products. The inlet area fluidly penetrates through a portion of the wall of the pump, and the bladder, disposed within the pump body, is supported in overlying registration therewith. A pressure-operated valve in fluid communication with the discharge port facilitates a refill mode of operation, wherein fluid surrounding the pump flows into the pump body through the inlet area, and a discharge mode of operation wherein the air inlet is pressurized, causing the bladder to inflate and seat against and seal off the inlet area, and fluid which flowed into the pump body to be discharged through the discharge port. In the preferred embodiment, the inlet area comprises a plurality of apertures formed through the wall of the pump body arranged as one or more linear arrays lengthwise along the pump.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus employing inert gases injected into the lower level of sloping underground oil-bearing formations as a driving mechanism and water injected into the upper level of the formations as a gas blocking mechanism for increasing and extending the production of oil from underground formations is described. Also described is an inert gas oil production system comprising an exhaust gas processing system, a well inert gas and water injection system, an oil production well system, and a fuel gas generator. A hydraulically operated crude oil pump is also described.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for improving production from a wellbore. In one aspect, a downhole pump for use in a wellbore is provided. The downhole pump includes two or more chambers for the accumulation of formation fluids and a valve assembly for filling and venting gas to and from the two or more chambers. The downhole pump further includes a fluid passageway for connecting the two or more chambers to a production tube. In another aspect, a downhole pump including a chamber for the accumulation of formation fluids is provided. In another aspect, a method for improving production in a wellbore is provided. In yet another aspect, a method for improving production in a steam assisted gravity drainage operation is provided. Additionally, a pump system for use in a wellbore is provided.

Abstract: A plunger for use in downhole tubulars in wells which produce fluids and/or gases under variable pressure. The plunger is slidingly engageable within the tubulars and capable of movement up and down the tubulars, and has a jacket comprised of segments mounted about a core which have sealing, holding, and lifting capabilities. An inner turbulent or labyrinth-type seal is accomplished by circumferential grooves on the core and/or fingers which project inwardly from the underside of the segments. When the pressure inside the tubulars above the plunger is reduced, the plunger and fluids move upwardly to the surface.

Abstract: An auto-cycling plunger for use in lifting a fluid out of a well bore. The auto-cycling plunger includes a hollow, longitudinally extending body and at least one first directional outer seal disposed on an exterior surface of the body for creating a seal between the body and a well bore. At least a portion of the at least one first directional outer seal extends in a direction substantially parallel to a length of the longitudinally extending body. The portion of the first directional outer seal is spread resiliently outwardly from the body with an applied pressure, thereby increasing the degree of sealing. The auto-cycling plunger also includes a valve stem including a valve member, the valve stem extending through the longitudinally extending body and having actuable ends extending from the body. The valve stem is operable to be shuttled between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A well treatment tool is installed along the sucker rod string of a well, within the surrounding production tube string. The tool provides for the distribution of a treatment fluid (solvent, etc.) within the fluid being pumped or flowing from the well. The tool receives treatment fluid through the hollow sucker rod string, and distributes the fluid through a valve which is set at a predetermined pressure. When the treatment fluid pumped down the sucker rod string from the surface exceeds the predetermined opening pressure of the valve, the treatment fluid is distributed into the production tube string through one or more passages in the tool. The present tool may be used simultaneously with well production, with fluid (oil, etc.) rising up the production tube string, carrying the treatment fluid therewith. The treatment fluid is thus distributed throughout the local fluid processing system, including pipelines from the well, any initial treatment operations, and any storage tanks.

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 method and apparatus for conveying a fluid flowing through a flow passageway (16) in a tubing (7), by; introducing into the flow passageway (16) flow zones of small cross-sectional area (11) alternating with flow zones of large cross-sectional area (12) to produce high-velocity, low-pressure zones alternating with low-velocity, high-pressure zones; and providing abrupt transitions from the small cross-sectional area zones (11) to the large cross-sectional area zones (12) to produce a turbulent flow generating swirls and eddies (19) at such transitions. The method and apparatus are particulary useful in oil well applications where the fluid is an oil-gas mixture, but could be used in other applications where the fluid is a liquid-sand mixture, a gas-liquid mist, or a viscous liquid.

Abstract: A downhole rotary water separation system for the separation and transfer of different density fluids in downhole applications using a pump, a motor, a rotary separator and a shaft-incorporated packer, as necessary, with a minimum of conduits and tubes. Torque can be transferred between all moving components as well as the packer such that the motor and pump can be disposed above or below the separator.

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 crude oil recovery system includes a downhole pump and an extension that extends below the downhole pump. The extension has an extension inlet positioned below the lowest drawdown level achievable by the pump. All of the fluid pumped by the downhole pump enters the extension via the extension inlet, and by positioning the extension inlet sufficiently below the lowest drawdown level achievable by the pump, pressurized gas is prevented from entering the extension, the pump, or the pump column above the pump. In this way, gas is prevented from displacing oil in the pump column, thereby maintaining excellent cooling for the polish rod, and gas is confined to the borehole annulus, where it can readily be recovered or vented.