Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments relating generally to a system for lifting water from an aquifer formation by drilling a u-shaped well through the aquifer formation, which comprises a water well screen within the aquifer formation with an inner production string with a series of check valves within the aquifer formation that allow water from the aquifer to flow from the water well screen and into the production string while preventing the water from leaving the production string, and then uses air pressure to force the water through a larger check valve in the production string, so that it may be collected in a surface tank. When not extracting water from the aquifer formation, the system allows treated water to be pumped into the outer casing and back into the aquifer, thereby recharging the aquifer formation with water.

Abstract: A system can include a completion string with a tubing and a dip tube secured in the tubing. A gas is injected into an annulus between the tubing and the dip tube, and the gas and well liquids flow into the dip tube. A method can include installing a completion string including a tubing, a dip tube in the tubing, and a packer downhole of a gas lift valve, and flowing a gas into the tubing via the gas lift valve, into an annulus between the tubing and the dip tube, and then into the dip tube. Another system can include a tubular connector connected between adjacent sections of the tubing, with the dip tube secured in the tubing and connected to the tubular connector. A gas flows from the gas lift valve to the annulus via a gas flow path formed in the tubular connector.

Abstract: An improved CT-based artificial lift system illustrates multiple novel aspects, each of which offers reduced installation cost and/or reduced rates of wear and performance degradation. One such aspect arises in a first illustrative well embodiment that includes: a pump tubular that separates an annular conduit from a central bore conduit, with one of the annular conduit and the central bore conduit serving as a lift conduit and the other of the annular conduit and the central bore conduit serving as a gas injection conduit, and with the pump tubular having at least one port for gas to flow from the gas injection conduit to the lift conduit; a downhole pump having a plunger that is driven by reciprocating motion of the pump tubular to force a liquid flow into the lift conduit, the liquid flow receiving lift gas from the at least one port; and a gas control unit that supplies the gas to the gas injection conduit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a collar stop configured for insertion into well production tubing where the collar stop provides an interference fit with a collar recess disposed between two adjacent sections of production tubing. The collar stop may be utilized to provide a bottom hole assembly at a desired location in a well bore. The collar stop device is configured to lock once positioned. Such locking prevents accidental removal during high fluid flows.

Abstract: A high-expansion packer element is injection molded from chemical-resistant elastomers and provided with multiple upsets in an inner surface of the sidewall to relieve stress as the high-expansion packer element is compressed and held in a set condition.

Abstract: Invention relates to the mining industry and may be used for magmatic lava extraction and lifting to the surface for further processing. The disclosed method comprises using a carrier pipe for lava lifting and a smaller diameter pipe for injection of an incombustible gas, wherein the pipes are connected via a disperser. The carrier pipe and the disperser have a plurality of holes of various diameters to ensure efficient lava saturation by gas. The dispenser is preferably designed as cowl concentrically wrapped around carrier pipe. The effect of lava lifting through the carrier pipe is achieved via repetitive lowering and lifting motions of the carrier pipe with simultaneous lava saturation with the gas inside the carrier pipe, which lowers the lava viscosity. After stabilization of the flow velocity of the gas-saturated lava from the carrier pipe, the lava lifting process is changed to lava collection conditions.

Abstract: In a bubble lift system, a pressurized chamber at an upper end portion of a riser pipe applies a pressure to an upper portion inside the riser pipe to suppress an increase in the volume ratio of bubbles to a fluid mixture rising inside the riser pipe in a shallow water region. The upper end of the riser pipe is not opened to the atmosphere but is inserted into the pressurized chamber under a high pressure to thereby prevent expansion of the bubbles and gas. In addition, a deaerator for discharging bubbles separated by a centrifugal force is also provided in a middle portion of the riser pipe in a shallow water region to distribute the bubbles more evenly inside the whole riser pipe. The bubble lift system and a bubble lift method thus provided are efficient and employable even in a deep water region.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for autonomously controlling fluid flow in a subterranean well are presented, and in particular for providing a fluid diode to create a relatively high resistance to fluid flow in one direction and a relatively low resistance to fluid flowing in the opposite direction. The diode is positioned in a fluid passageway and has opposing high resistance and low resistance entries. In one embodiment, the high resistance entry has a concave, annular surface surrounding an orifice and the low resistance entry has a substantially conical surface. The concave, annular surface of the high resistance entry preferably extends longitudinally beyond the plane of the orifice. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid will flow in eddies adjacent the concave, annular surface.

Abstract: Applicants have created systems, methods, and apparatuses for increasing the production of fluid from a subterranean well. The system can include a controller and upper and lower portions. The upper portion can include an injection valve for regulating the amount of a first gas injected into an injection conduit. The lower portion can include a chamber valve for regulating the flow of a second gas through an upper tubing string and a vent valve for regulating the flow of the first gas and a standing valve. The collected fluid creates pressure in the lower portion causing the second gas to flow from the lower tubing string to the upper tubing string. The controller controls the injection valve and is coupled to a pressure gauge for measuring pressure in the lower portion. With the aid of this system, well operators can increase production of subterranean well formations, such as gas wells, without increasing backpressure on those formations.

Abstract: A method of pumping a liquid using at least one operating tank (2), a pneumatic positive pressure displacement pump (1), which is based on the fact that during pumping, inflow valve (4) closure is controlled through the introduction of a control gas into the operating tank (2) positive pressure displacement pump (1) at a pressure lower than the pressure of the compressed actuating gas and from the hydrostatic pressure at the egress of the outflow valve but higher than the hydrostatic pressure on the ingress into the inflow valve (4), which causes the inflow valve (4) to close. A device for pumping liquids comprising at least one operating tank (2) of a positive pressure displacement pump (1), to which leads a control gas conduit (10) with a control valve (11) mounted thereon, which is used to close off the inflow valve (4), and the lower section of the operating tank (2) has a narrow section in the form of a vertical cylinder (16).

Abstract: A Water and Wastewater Treatment Aerated Mini-Dosing air-lift pump System and filter housing, that replaces the conventional dosing pump, controls and additional Tank. It is adaptable to all access ports and uniquely smaller than a 3? inspection port and is integrally positioned in an existing or new raw water pretreatment or pump tank. It aerates the source pool thereby mitigating: H2SO4 gases, odors and source pool BOD5. The system communicates with an above ground aerator and optional controls and in it's plurality supplies dissolved and free oxygen to the pump, housing, effluent and the source pool, with surge protection and scum mitigation. Mini-metering and, low pressure, extended cycle durations increase the average microbial production balance and microbial Ratio to nutrients BOD. The raw sewage tank no longer requires gas removal prior to inspection due to oxic and anoxic microbial processes that mitigates H2SO4 gases.

Abstract: A technique is provided for pumping fluids from a wellbore. An electric submersible pumping system is deployed in a wellbore on a tubing. Free gas can potentially accumulate around the electric submersible pumping system, but a gas vent is positioned to remove free gas.

Abstract: Invention is of an improvement to seat of gate valves used for gas-lift producing oil wells, consisting of a seat lower part of which is curved there being a straight vertical art and a sloping straight lower part, central spacing consisting of a first part in the shape of a tapered nozzle at which gas is gradually speeded up, a second part which is the main restriction to flow, and a third part in the shape of a conical diffuser at which gas is gradually slowed down.

Abstract: Invention is of an improvement to seat of gate valves used for gas-lift producing oil wells, consisting of a seat lower part of which is curved there being a straight vertical art and a sloping straight lower part, central spacing consisting of a first part in the shape of a tapered nozzle at which gas is gradually speeded up, a second part which is the main restriction to flow, and a third part in the shape of a conical diffuser at which gas is gradually slowed down.

Abstract: The present invention is a surface controlled gas lift valve designed for high flow rates and used in a subterranean well, comprising: a valve for sealable insertion in a mandrel, having a variable orifice which alternately permits, prohibits, or throttles fluid flow into the valve, and a detachable and/or remote actuator are disclosed. The valve can be actuated by an electro-mechanical actuating assembly while sensors can relay the position of the variable orifice to a panel on the surface. The orifice valve and the actuator while operatively connected, may be separately installed in or retrieved from by either wireline or coiled tubing intervention methods.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a pump, a fluid conduit and a regulated gas inlet. The fluid conduit has an upper end connected to the pump and a lower end in communication with a fluid supply. The regulated gas inlet includes a gas supply at a first pressure; a pressure monitoring conduit in fluid communication with the fluid conduit between its upper and lower ends; a gas delivery conduit in communication with the fluid conduit; and a pressure-responsive valve. The valve is connected to the pressure monitoring conduit and moves between a closed position wherein gas flow into the fluid conduit is restricted, and at least one open position wherein gas is delivered to the fluid conduit through the gas supply conduit. The valve is normally biased toward the closed position but moves opens when pressure within the pressure monitoring conduit is below the first pressure by more than a predetermined level.

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: The present invention is a surface controlled gas lift valve designed for high flow rates and used in a subterranean well, comprising: a valve and actuating assembly for sealable insertion in a mandrel. The valve has a variable orifice which alternately permits, prohibits, or throttles fluid flow into the valve, and a detachable and/or remote actuator are disclosed. The valve may be actuated using momentary bursts of hydraulic pressure to the actuating assembly. Variable orifice opening settings are achieved by providing successive bursts of hydraulic pressure to the actuating assembly, which cause a cylindrical cam within the actuating assembly to be indexed between multiple support positions. The orifice valve and the actuator while operatively connected, may be separately installed in or retrieved from the mandrel by either wireline or coiled tubing intervention methods.

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: 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: A remotely-adjustable valve employable in an enhanced-lift recovery system and a method of adjusting the same.

Abstract: A differential pressure operated gas lift includes a valve element movable in a tubular body to open and close a gas flow passage having flow restricting orifices upstream thereof. A coil spring tends to open the valve element. In the open position of the valve element an external pressure responsive surface engages a seat which is axially adjustable to vary the spring force and change the length of travel of the valve element between its open and closed positions. The reopening differential pressure can be changed while maintaining the same closing pressure differential. Very large injection rates can be implemented at low differential pressures.

Abstract: A multiple stage airlift pump apparatus for elevating water or other liquids using only a single air pressure source. The functioning portion of the airlift mechanism is enclosed within a casing which is submerged into a body of water. The casing is connected to a pump via an air line and fitting so that air is forced into the casing and the working portion of the invention. The lift is comprised of a plurality tubular stage members being connected at their upper ends to a nozzle-type member. Each tubular stage member other than the initial one has an inner tubular separating member therein which functions to separate air and water and store the same at the next stage. The inner tubular separating member for each stage member is positioned within the same and is securely connected thereto. The separating members are opened at a lower end which encompasses the nose of the nozzle member and are closed at the upper end.

Abstract: An electrically actuated downhole system for controlling and monitoring the flow of gas from a gas lift petroleum well in which a borehole penetrates at least two spacially separated geological production zones, and at least two strings of parallel tubing extend along the interior of a well casing, each string being associated with a separate production zone. Connected to each string is a gas lift valve associated with the string's respective spacially separated production zone. A single source of pressurized gas is connected to the casing at the wellhead to provide a source of lift gas. A control unit located at the surface independently controls and monitors the size of the flow control aperture of each gas lift valve to control the production of fluids from each separate production zone. Control cables carry readings from downhole pressure and flow-rate sensors to the control unit, and in response, carry control signals back to each gas lift valve to control its aperture size.

Abstract: An intermittent gas-lift apparatus and process of lifting liquids is described. The apparatus includes a chamber on the downhole end of a production tubing in communication with a sidestring tube. The sidestring tube is in communication with the high pressure gas stored within the casing above and below a packer. A valve in the sidestring permits the entrance of a lifting gas into the chamber to lift the liquids flowing therein to the surface. A surface bleed-down system minimizes the pressure in the production tubing. This increases the pressure differential between the formation and the interior of the casing and lifting chamber during the operation of the apparatus. The apparatus and process are suitable for use in many types of wells including wells of great depth and also those containing long hydrocarbon producing zones and/or deviated wells.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and fluid lift pump for raising liquids through a bundle of substantially vertical lift tubes adapted to raise liquids even while submerged less than 50% of total lift height, the tubes having about the same length extending side by side, each tube having an inside diameter of less than about one inch. The lift tubes communicate at the lower end with a housing defining a chamber capable of being filled with liquid to be raised, and the lower portion of the housing includes means for injecting a lifting fluid into the liquid in the chamber. The injecting means comprise an injecting orifice, having an inside diameter no larger than about the largest lift tube inside diameter, positioned below the lower ends of the lift tubes by a specified distance depending on the cross-sectional area of the bundle and the number of injecting orifices. Bubbles of lifting fluid rise through the liquid in the chamber, enter the lift tubes, and form rising slugs of liquid separated by slugs of lifting fluid.

Abstract: An air lift pump delivers liquid from a sump to an elevated tundish. The tundish is divided by weirs into a plurality of compartments in cascade. Surplus liquid overflows from the upper compartments back to the sump to produce a constant depth in the lowest compartment. A second air lift pump operating at a predetermined immersion depth delivers a steady flow of liquid from the lowest compartment.

Abstract: A fluid-raising apparatus includes a compression chamber which receives liquid, from an elevated source, such that gas in the chamber is pressurized and used to lift fluid through a vertical conduit. When the chamber fills with liquid, a float lifts a drain plug so that draining commences automatically. The effluent passes through a discharge tube wherein, during draining, the liquid pushes on a piston. The piston, in turn, holds a liquid inlet valve closed until draining is complete.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pumping system utilizing pressurized air injected into a lift assembly submerged in oil fluids for lifting of these oil fluids from a well. The system includes a volume expansion chamber with a self-cleaning check valving assembly. The lift assembly being suspended in the well by highly efficient, corrosion resistant, production and air supply tubing. Pressurized lift air is supplied to the lift assembly through a photovoltaic solar powered programmable control device by a pressure regulated air compressor. The entire lift system being constructed of such light weight chemically resistant materials as to allow hand installation and retrieval thereby greatly improving low production well economics. The system process efficiency is such that one air supply compressor will provide lifting capacity for multiple producing wells also providing another advantage in shallow oil well economics.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stimulating a flow from a geothermal well. A primary or stimulating fluid flows into the space between the inner and outer casings of the well. The primary fluid enters the inner casing through a series of valves at various elevations along the geothermal well casings. In one of the preferred embodiments the valves are responsive to the velocity of the primary fluid at the face of the valve to control the rate of fluid flow into the inner casing .

Abstract: A gas lift method for lifting a well fluid from a well, the method comprising feeding a liquid lifting medium into a first well conduit of the well to maintain a liquid column of liquid lifting medium in the first well conduit to provide a significant liquid column pressure at the downhole region of the well for lifting medium to pass into a second well conduit to mix with well fluid therein and cause lifting of well fluid in the second well conduit.

Abstract: A method for locating gas-lift valves in properly spaced manner within a string of production tubing extending to a production zone within a well. During calculations for valve spacing and set pressures, the spacing and reopening pressures of the valves are corrected to the lowest temperature that is expected to be encountered at any valve while lifting from the next lower valve of the gas-lift valve and piping system. An average between the flowing temperature corresponding to the rate to be produced from the next deepest valve and the geothermal temperature gradient are employed to calculate the reopening pressure of any given valve.

Abstract: The flow performance of the geothermal wells represents the ability of the wells to produce useful heat. A liquid-dominated geothermal well can be made to flow by introducing a primary fluid at a selected level in the well. In the process disclosed herein, a primary fluid is introduced into the well casing through a plurality of valves at preselected elevations to accomplish the startup of the flow from the well, the continuous or intermittent, uninterrupted production of brine, and a regulated shutdown. In normal flowing operation, upon injection of the primary fluid through the valves into the well casing, the primary fluid vapor, together with geothermal steam will lift the brine from the depths of the well to the surface of the earth, where the geothermal heat stored in the brine and in the vapors that are co-produced with the brine can be further utilized.The process disclosed herein also minimizes the formation of scale in the well casing.

Abstract: An electrical power generator employing a helically-vaned in-line rotor in a flow line as a prime mover means and as an integral part of the generator by effecting a cyclic variation in the density of permanent magnet generated flux fields which pass through fixed coil windings. Output voltage magnitude varies with rotor rotation rate which, in turn, varies as the flow rate of gas and/or fluid in the line.

Abstract: An improved conventional type of gas lift valve and mandrel combination. It has a large area screen which encloses the valve and prevents it from having the inlet port and/or its integral small area screen, become plugged.

Abstract: A mandrel valve and gas lift valve mechanism that is adapted to be interconnected in a production tubing string within a well in order to produce fluid from the well under conventional gas lift methods. The gas lift valve includes a housing carried by a mandrel. The housing has a ball type valve element disposed in a valve chamber. Within the mandrel there is a linearly moving valve actuating sleeve having a cam which coacts with a stem on the ball valve so that linear movement of the sleeve causes rotation of the ball valve.

Abstract: A mandrel valve and gas lift valve mechanism that is adapted to be interconnected in a production tubing string within a well in order to produce fluid from the well under conventional gas lift methods. A plurality of gas lift valve mechanisms, which may be referred to as mandrel assemblies, may be dispersed or spaced in accordance with any suitable gas lift system design or, if desired, may be connected in end-to-end relationship defining a cluster of gas lift valves at each of several levels within the well. Each of the mandrel assemblies may include a gas lift valve and a mandrel valve that function to produce fluid only when the mandrel valve is open. Certain ones of the mandrel valves may be maintained in the open condition thereof while others of the valves may remain selectively closed during production operation.