Abstract: A suction jet pump provided for the conveyance of fuel in a fuel tank has a separate nozzle insert with a nozzle duct. The nozzle insert can be produced both from plastic by the injection-molding method or from metal. By virtue of the smaller component size in the case of plastic or due to the choice of metal as material for the nozzle insert, the nozzle duct can be provided with a particularly small diameter. The suction jet pump has a particularly low propellant consumption.

Abstract: A system and method for compressing gas that use a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic accumulator to compress gases in gaseous form. The accumulator is divided into a hydraulic chamber and a pneumatic chamber. The pneumatic chamber of the accumulator can be pneumatically connected to a gas supply and a gas receptacle that needs filled. One-way directional flow valves are used to permit the flow of gas from the gas supply to the pneumatic chamber and from the pneumatic chamber to the gas receptacle, but to prevent the flow of gas in the opposite direction. A motor drives the hydraulic pump, which moves pressurized oil into the hydraulic chamber of the accumulator. The pressurized oil within the hydraulic chamber of the accumulator compresses the gas within the pneumatic chamber of the accumulator, forcing the into a tank or other receptacle that needs filled. The invention can be used to compress a variety of gases at different flow rates, volumes, and pressures.

Abstract: A method for producing a vacuum, which includes feeding an ejecting vaporous medium into the gas ejector, evacuating an ejected gaseous medium by the ejecting vaporous medium, mixing of the vaporous and gaseous mediums and forming a mixture of the two, evacuating this mixture by a liquid-gas ejector whose nozzle is fed by a liquid ejecting medium, condensing the vaporous ejecting medium and its dissolving in the liquid ejecting medium in the liquid-gas ejector, forming a liquid-gas mixture and subsequent separating the liquid-gas mixture into compressed gas and a liquid phase which is used further as the liquid ejecting medium of the liquid-gas ejector. Substances which are reciprocally soluble in each other or mixtures of such substances are used as the vaporous and liquid ejecting mediums.

Abstract: In the field of jet technology a nozzle of a liquid-gas jet apparatus for feed of an active liquid medium has a central channel and a peripheral annular channel and the total surface area of the outlet cross-section of the nozzle channels is determined from the following formula: S=S&mgr;(1+{square root over ((Skc/S&mgr;)3)}), where S—is the total surface area of the outlet cross-section of the nozzle; S&mgr;—is the surface area of the outlet cross-section of the central channel of the nozzle; and Skc—is the surface area of the minimal cross-section of the mixing chamber. A liquid-gas jet apparatus with the above-mentioned features has a higher efficiency and an improved reliability.

Abstract: A pump(10) for pumping various primary fluids includes a body(100) having a primary fluid channel(110) defined therein, and a primary fluid supply is coupled to the primary fluid channel to supply a primary fluid to the primary fluid channel. A mechanism(130/132) is provided for introducing a secondary fluid to an interface region of the primary fluid channel to thereby define a fluid interface between the primary fluid and the secondary dry fluid in the interface region. An energy delivery(150/160) device delivers energy to the interface region to create a thermal gradient along the fluid interface. The thermal gradient results in a surface tension gradient along the interface. The primary fluid will move to compensate for the surface tension gradient.

Abstract: A method of supplying water from a well is provided. The method includes the following steps. First, a supply apparatus is provided that includes a container having first and second ends and a first chamber extending to a first opening in the second end. The supply apparatus also has a first fluid conduit with a first branch for use in transporting the water from the first chamber. Next, at least a portion of the second end of the container is submerged within the water in the well such that the first chamber contains a quantity of air. Then, at least a portion of the quantity of air from the first chamber is removed by an air compressor thereby drawing a vacuum within the first chamber. The vacuum in turn draws a quantity of water from the well into the first chamber through the first opening. Next, the removal of air from the first chamber is stopped when the water has obtained a first predetermined level within the first chamber. The first opening is then closed.

Abstract: A fluid pressurizing system and method according to which a fluid at a low pressure is compressed by fluid to increase its pressure to enable it to be discharged from the system and to an external delivery point.

Abstract: The fluid pump of the present invention includes an upper enclosure for holding fluid (typically a liquid) from a fluid input source, and a lower enclosure for outputting the fluid to an output line. A first valve (a) controls the fluid input flow into the upper enclosure. A second valve (b) is engaged in a line between the upper enclosure and the lower enclosure to control the fluid flow from the upper enclosure to the lower enclosure. A second fluid input line is engaged to the lower enclosure to input a second fluid (typically a pressurized gas) into the lower enclosure, and a third valve (d) is engaged in a line between the lower enclosure and upper enclosure to control the flow of the second fluid into the second enclosure. A fourth valve (c) is engaged in a fluid output line to control the flow of the second fluid out of the upper enclosure. In the preferred embodiments, each of valves a, b, c and d is controlled by an automated pump system controller.

Abstract: An operational method includes evacuating a gaseous medium by a steam-gas ejector, feeding a steam-gas mixture formed in the steam-gas ejector into a counter-flow condenser-separator, feeding a condensing hydrocarbon liquid, whose saturated vapor pressure is lower than the saturated vapor pressure of water into the condenser-separator, condensing steam and easy-condensable components of the evacuated gaseous medium in the condenser-separator by the condensing hydrocarbon liquid, discharging a portion of the steam condensate (water) from the condenser-separator, feeding a mixture of the rest of the steam condensate (water) and the condensate of easy-condensable components of the evacuated gaseous medium into an inlet separator, evacuating non-condensable components of the gaseous medium from the condenser-separator by a first-stage liquid-gas ejector, separating the mixture received in the inlet separator from the condenser-separator into water and condensate of the evacuated gaseous medium, discharging the wa

Abstract: A method for producing a vacuum, which includes feeding an ejecting vaporous medium into the gas ejector, evacuating an ejected gaseous medium by the ejecting vaporous medium, mixing of the vaporous and gaseous mediums and forming a mixture of the two, evacuating this mixture by a liquid-gas ejector, forming a liquid-gas mixture and subsequent separating the liquid-gas mixture into compressed gas and a liquid ejecting medium of the liquid-gas ejector. Substances which are reciprocally soluble in each other or mixtures of such substances are used as the vaporous and liquid ejecting mediums. A pumping-ejection system implementing the method includes a gas ejector, a liquid-gas ejector, a pump, a separator, a pressure pipeline and a vaporizing device for transforming a portion of the liquid ejecting medium into the vaporous state.

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: A combustion system includes a combustor and a hydrokinetic amplifier to supply it with fluids. The hydrokinetic amplifier includes first and second primary fluid inlet ports to receive first and second primary fluids into the hydrokinetic amplifier at a relatively low pressure, and a discharge port to discharge the combined first and second fluids at a higher pressure to the combustor. The primary fluids are air, water, steam, or fuel, at least one of which includes gas/vapor phase fluid. The hydrokinetic amplifier may include one or more auxiliary inlet ports to receive auxiliary input fluid (air, water, steam, or fuel) into the hydrokinetic amplifier for combination with the primary fluids.

Abstract: A system for compressing one or more fluids (F1, F2) with one of the fluids being essentially gaseous. A single-phase compression unit (20) is fed gaseous fluid (F1) from a delivery line (21). A multiphase compression unit (24) receives both fluids (F1, F2). A delivery line (22) delivers gaseous fluid to the multiphase compression unit and a delivery line (23) feeds the other fluid F2 to the multiphase compression unit (24). A discharge line connects to the multiphase compression unit. The single phase compression unit allows operation of the multiphase compression unit within a two-phase efficiency range.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of jet technology and relates to an operating process which essentially includes feeding of a gas-liquid flow from an ejector into a chamber for supersonic flow conversion, where the gas-liquid flow is exposed to an abrupt expansion and, because of a reduction to the gas-liquid flow's density, a sonic or supersonic flow regime is provided. Further, the gas-liquid flow is slowed down by a pressure jump. The invention also relates to a device for realizing this process which essentially includes a pumping-ejector unit furnished with a chamber for supersonic flow conversion. The inlet of the chamber is connected to the ejector's outlet, the chamber's outlet is connected to a separator. The chamber for supersonic flow conversion defines a shaped cavity, diverging stepwise in the flow direction. The described operating process and related pumping-ejector unit ensures more reliable operation.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of jet technology and essentially relates to a nozzle for discharge of an ejecting liquid medium. The nozzle constitutes a collection of shaped channels. The central channel is coaxial to the mixing chamber, the other channels are uniformly allocated around and encircle the central channel. The total surface area of the outlet cross-section of the nozzle is determined from the following formula: S=S&mgr;[1+4{square root over ((SKC+L /S&mgr;+L ))}3], where S—the total cross-sectional area of the outlet section of the nozzle; S&mgr;—cross-sectional area of the outlet section of the nozzle's central channel; SKC—cross-sectional area of the minimal section of the mixing chamber. A liquid-gas jet apparatus with the above-mentioned characteristics has an improved operational reliability.

Abstract: A method for conducting suction and compression operation on a gaseous medium of thermodynamic process in the closed chamber of a closed chamber gas equipment said suction operation intended to bring the gaseous medium in to the closed chamber and said compression operation intended to compress the gaseous medium retained within the closed chamber; The gaseous medium is exposed to have direct contact with a gas which is dissimilar in composition to that of said gaseous medium and which is moving away from and towards the gaseous medium with the aid of a gas discharge means performing respectively the suction and compression operation and thereby acting as a gaseous piston. The gaseous piston may do only one of the two operations namely suction or compression. The gas discharge means may comprise a venturi means connected to the closed chamber or a gas reservoir connected to the closed chamber or both. The admittance of gaseous piston in to and out of the closed chamber may be through valve or port means.

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. Methods of actuating the valve include electro-hydraulic, hydraulic, and pneumo-hydraulic, while sensors relay the position of the variable orifice and critical fluid pressures 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 method for lifting liquids with airlift consisting of a lift pipe having a suction port, a discharge port, and an air feed including steps of (a) feeding air into the lift pipe, (b) sucking liquid in the suction port, (c) discharging liquid and air at the discharge port, and (d) inducing rotational motion of liquid at the discharge port, whereby the efficiency of said airlift is increased and splashing and heisering are eliminated. An airlift apparatus with means for inducing rotational motion at the discharge port is also provided. The means for inducing rotations can be an inclined flat or curvilinear baffle.

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. Methods of actuating the valve include electro-hydraulic, hydraulic, and pneumo-hydraulic, while sensors relay the position of the variable orifice and critical fluid pressures 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: The multi-chamber liquid pump of the present invention includes an input chamber, an intermediate chamber and a liquid output chamber. Pressurized gas provides the motive force for outputting liquid from the pump, such that liquid is output at a constant flow rate during pump operation. Liquid flows into the input chamber, through one or more valves into the intermediate chamber, and through one or more subsequent valves to the output chamber while liquid is constantly output from the output chamber. The system controller provides control signals to the valves to facilitate the pump's continual operation.

Abstract: A system and method that permits fluids, such as petroleum, to be pumped from two separate zones. A submergible pumping system, including a submergible electric motor driving a submergible pump, is deployed in a wellbore. The submergible pump intake is located in a first zone to intake a fluid. The fluid is discharged through a fluid-powered pump, such as a jet pump. The jet pump is coupled to a fluid intake disposed in a separate zone within the wellbore. The single system can be utilized to pump fluids from two different zones.

Abstract: An airlift pump apparatus and method is based on the practice of injecting air intermittently into a vertical riser tube at a location above a bottom open end of the riser tube which is submerged in the liquid to be pumped. The intermittently injected air is used to create intermittent airlifts within the tube and cause aerated liquid to be discharged intermittently from an output port of the tube.

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: A jet finishing machine comprises: a water nozzle (1) for spouting a water jet flow of water in a liquid phase; a steam nozzle (3) for increasing the speed of a steam flow (4) in a gas phase to an ultrasonic speed to produce a steam jet flow (11) and for spouting the steam jet flow in excess of a thermal equilibrium with the water jet flow; and a mixing nozzle (2) for mixing the steam jet flow with the water jet flow so as to allow the steam jet flow to accelerate the water jet flow to form a two-phase jet flow (12) of the water jet flow and the steam jet flow and for directly spouting the two-phase jet flow onto a work piece (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of jet technology. After the required pressure of the gaseous medium at the gas inlet of a liquid-gas jet apparatus is obtained, the ratio of the liquid pressure in the nozzle of the jet apparatus to the pressure at the outlet of the jet apparatus is reduced in magnitude. Such ratio is reduced in magnitude down to the value at which an abrupt increase of gas pressure occurs at the gas inlet of the jet apparatus. This value of the ratio is fixed or determines the minimum value for such ratio. Then the final value of the ratio of the liquid pressure in the nozzle of the jet apparatus to the pressure at the outlet of the jet apparatus is set. The final value of the ratio must be greater than the fixed one. The process provides an increased efficiency for a liquid-gas jet apparatus.

Abstract: A method and device for quick pressure relief in a hydrogen-cooled generator system. The hydrogen-cooled generator system at least includes a first and second housing part and a hydrogen seal that separates the first housing part from the interior of the second housing part. In the normal state, the first housing part contains a hydrogen atmosphere at overpressure that is separated from the interior of the second housing part by the hydrogen seal. The quick pressure relief method includes the steps of lowering the pressure of the overpressure hydrogen in the first housing part through a quick discharge line upon failure of the hydrogen seal, and exhausting gas from the interior of the second housing part through a bleed line that is connected to the quick discharge line.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting a substance has a fluid source providing pressurized fluid, a heating device, a heat transferring device and a vacuum producing device. The heating device is coupled to the fluid source and is adapted to cause a first pressurized fluid from the fluid source to become heated. The heat transferring device is coupled to the heating device for receiving the heated first pressurized fluid, and is adapted for transferring heat from the first pressurized fluid to a heatable substance. The vacuum producing device has first and second inlet openings, the first inlet opening is fluidly coupled to the fluid source for receiving a second pressurized fluid from the fluid source and the second inlet opening is adapted for receiving the heatable substance.

Abstract: A portable system of inter-connected smaller and larger canisters for near simultaneous vacuum and liquid transfer free from any external power. Captured vacuum in the canisters is employed for waste liquid extraction and a subsequent pressure transfer may take place without any liquid being exposed to the atmosphere. A mechanical manifold is adapted to receive the canisters, and one or more canisters may be physically connected to the manifold and are left in place as a user drives to another site location. An intermediate canister in the system is fitted with either manual or a self tending valve for the vacuum and pressure modes of the system.

Abstract: A cylindrical perforated member is mounted between a working fluid inlet port and a hermetic vessel that a working fluid supplied into the hermetic vessel at the working fluid inlet port will not directly contact the forced-feed liquid surface. At the working fluid inlet port is mounted a ring-shaped member with a divergent section having the smallest flow passage area. The working fluid stream is deflected and dispersed by the cylindrical perforated member, to produce a pressure for feeding the liquid rapidly within the hermetic vessel, thus enabling the rapid forced-feed of the liquid.

Abstract: A composition for and a method of promoting the flow of a concrete slurry through a pump and a conduit is provided. The composition is a dry particulate mixture comprised of a water soluble, inorganic material and a solvatable, organic polymer. The composition, when mixed with a suitable quantity of water, is useful in a method of priming a pump used to pump a concrete slurry. The composition, when mixed with a concrete slurry, is useful to improve the flow of the slurry through a conduit.

Abstract: A method for merging and/or ratio-blending aliquants from two different streams in a first channel, and utilizing a second channel to propel merged and blended aliquants through a separate, pumped carrier channel by providing a pump comprising a plurality of pistons, a plurality of inlet ports, a plurality of outlet ports, a cam cap having cam profiles which controls timing and depth of strokes of the pistons, and a port cap having a plurality of valve grooves which control a direction of fluid flow.

Abstract: A water cooled steam jet for transferring fluid and preventing vapor lock, or vaporization of the fluid being transferred, has a venturi nozzle and a cooling jacket. The venturi nozzle produces a high velocity flow which creates a vacuum to draw fluid from a source of fluid. The venturi nozzle has a converging section connected to a source of steam, a diffuser section attached to an outlet and a throat portion disposed therebetween. The cooling jacket surrounds the venturi nozzle and a suction tube through which the fluid is being drawn into the venturi nozzle. Coolant flows through the cooling jacket. The cooling jacket dissipates heat generated by the venturi nozzle to prevent vapor lock.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering fluid from a liquid formation includes a submersible pump for pumping fluid from the liquid formation. The submersible pump is coupled to an eductor defining a fluid member for receiving and transporting the fluid from the pump, and a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid member for placement at a liquid-product layer in the formation. A probe assembly is coupled to the eductor for ensuring that the pump is inoperative when the fluid level in the formation is low. In operation, a motive force created by the upward flow of fluid pumped through the fluid member draws additional fluid into the fluid inlet from the liquid-product layer. The fluid entering the fluid inlet merges with the fluid flowing through the fluid member and is transported to a treatment facility.

Abstract: A pumping device providing direct energy exchange between a working fluid and a pumped fluid, comprising at least a first ejector propelling the working fluid in one direction and at least a second ejector propelling working fluid in a second direction. The axial thrust induced by the jet emitted in the first direction compensates at least partly that of a jet emitted in the second direction.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic amplifier can pump and heat condensate returned to a boiler in a Rankine cycle system by receiving vapors at different pressures that are directed into merger with a condensate stream that is accelerated through merging regions. By properly selecting parameters for successive stages of a hydrokinetic amplifier and for the liquid and vapor inputs to a hydrokinetic amplifier, the condensate return can be pressurized to boiler pressure and heated close to the boiling point at boiler pressure.

Abstract: A method for driving an ionic conductive liquid comprises placing a pair of electrodes in the ionic conductive liquid, and exerting an electromagnetic force to the liquid by application of a voltage between the pair of the electrodes to drive the liquid. A method for mixing and agitating a medium comprises feeding the medium to an ionic conductive liquid, placing a pair of electrodes in the ionic conductive liquid, and exerting an electromagnetic force to the liquid by application of a voltage to drive the liquid and to mix and agitate the medium. An apparatus for delivering a liquid comprises a container for housing an ionic conductive liquid, at least one pair of electrodes in the container, and a power source for applying an voltage between the pair of electrodes, the apparatus delivering the liquid from the container by driving the liquid according to the method for driving.

Abstract: A composition for and a method of promoting the flow of a concrete slurry through a pump and a conduit is provided. The composition is a dry particulate mixture comprised of a water soluble, inorganic material and a solvatable, organic polymer. The composition, when mixed with a suitable quantity of water, is useful in a method of priming a pump used to pump a concrete slurry. The composition, when mixed with a concrete slurry, is useful to improve the flow of the slurry through a conduit.

Abstract: A pumping method for effecting direct energy exchange between a drive fluid and a primary fluid in a pipe wherein a plurality of fluid jets are produced from a static distributing part having at least one first orifice by causing a movable part having at least one means for blocking said at least one first orifice to rotate such that the plurality of fluid jets are sent intermittently as liquid pistons into the primary fluid located at a common meeting space positioned downstream of the static distributing part whereby the plurality of liquid pistons pump the primary fluid through said pipe.

Abstract: A liquid ring machine has one partial working chamber of the liquid ring machine which is separated from the supply of operating liquid and is drained of the operating liquid to the point where the part of the impeller rotating in this partial working chamber does not contact the operating liquid, and this partial chamber is blocked on the suction and/or discharge side. The liquid ring machine is able to be optionally partially switched off, thus allowing an adaptation to the specific process requirements.

Abstract: An absorption cycle system uses a hydrokinetic amplifier as an absorber, and the hydrokinetic amplifier merges a working vapor stream with a working liquid stream to condense the vapor and absorb it in a working mixture that is output at a higher temperature and pressure than either input. Since the hydrokinetic amplifier absorber does not discard heat, the retained heat is used to help power the system and reduce heat waste that would otherwise occur.

Abstract: A method of transferring fluent material transfers the material from a first pressure tank to a fluent material transfer destination by supplying compressed gas to the first tank through a compressor. The compressed gas is retained in the first tank for reuse. Additional fluent material is drawn into a second pressure tank and is transferred therefrom to the fluent material transfer destination by supplying the compressed gas from the first pressure tank to the second pressure tank through the compressor. The compressed gas is further retained in the second pressure tank transferring fluent material from the first pressure tank. As the compressed gas is emptied from each tank to the other tank, additional fluent material is drawn into that tank. The cycle can be repeated on a continuous basis to transfer large quantities of fluent material.

Abstract: A jet barrel and hose fitting insert are provided for a jet pump that supplies coating powder to a spray gun. The insert reduces the likelihood of impact fusion in the barrel and fitting. The insert comprises a cylindrical portion of small outside diameter in alignment with a cylindrical portion of large outside diameter with a longitudinal bore through both portions. The insert is retained in a hose fitting which fastens into the jet pump. The upstream end of the insert is positioned to receive the jet flow and to close a supplementary air chamber in the pump.

Abstract: A method of transferring fluent material transfers the material from a first pressure tank to a fluent material transfer destination by supplying compressed gas to the first tank through a compressor. The compressed gas is retained in the first tank for reuse. Additional fluent material is drawn into a second pressure tank and is transferred therefrom to the fluent material transfer destination by supplying the compressed gas from the first pressure tank to the second pressure tank through the compressor. The compressed gas is further retained in the second pressure tank transferring fluent material from the first pressure tank. As the compressed gas is emptied from each tank to the other tank, additional fluent material is drawn into that tank. The cycle can be repeated on a continuous basis to transfer large quantities of fluent material.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for compressing gas. Two accumulators are alternately filled with gas from a gas-supplying conduit, and the gas is forced out of one end of the accumulators into a gas-receiving conduit by liquid forced into the other end of the accumulators. A reversible pump moves liquid from one accumulator to the other accumulator. The reversible pump is connected so that pump cavitation is prevented. The invention includes a switching system to switch liquid flow from one accumulator to the other accumulator. Liquid that leaks from the system may be resupplied using a liquid supply system that comprises a pressure container with a compressible element.

Abstract: A system for removing a gas from a pressurized gas container. A sealable, impermeable rupture vessel encloses an interior on all sides and has a sealable door for allowing access to the interior for placement therein of the gas container. A puncture device is contained within the rupture vessel for puncturing the gas container and releasing the potentially hazardous and unknown gas from the gas container into the rupture vessel. A pump draws the gas from within the rupture vessel without permitting the gas to communicate with any moving parts in the pump.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for a well testing or production facility system. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the invention discloses a method and apparatus to transfer crude oil from a separator to an oil pipeline, or alternatively, to a burner flare. The method includes collecting oil in a separator, and then transferring the oil to a first, second, and third pump cylinder. The oil is sequentially forced from the cylinders by high pressure gas, and after being drained, the cylinders are again filled with crude oil. The apparatus includes a separator, a first, second and third pump cylinder which will sequentially receive crude oil. Sensing means are associated with the pump cylinders for sensing the level of crude oil within the cylinders. A control system is utilized to cycle a high pressure gas or air into each of the cylinders in order to force the oil out of the cylinders.

Abstract: A passive aspirator based on the Venturi effect has a pivotable flap in the inlet portion of a first air passage. The flap reduces the air flow through the passage when high pressure is present. A spring biases the flap toward an open position. Increasing air flow overcomes the spring force and tends to close the flap. This variable-volume flow allows use of a large enough passage to aspirate sufficient air at low flow rates but does not produce excess waste air at high flow rates.

Abstract: A pump system includes a displacement pump whose oscillating fluid pressure variations are connected to drive a membrane pump. The membrane pump in turn oscillates fluid in a fluid-filled vertical pipe connected to a fluid-filled commuting pipe. The displacement of fluid in the commuting pipe induces intake of a fluid to be pumped into the commuting pipe during an intake portion of the oscillation and also induces expulsion of the fluid to be pumped during the remaining portion of the oscillation. The commuting pipe is made long enough so that fluid drawn in during the intake portion does not pass into the vertical pipe but stays in the commuting pipe. A heat exchanger about the vertical pipe dissipates heat that may be passed to the fluid therein by conduction or convection.

Abstract: A process is disclosed, for pumping a multi-phase gas-liquid mixture by using a pump as the thrusting machine, and at least two pumping vessels alternatively performing functions of intake and functions of compression/delivery.

Abstract: A gas lift valve of the unloading type having a main valve for controlling fluid flow between a well casing and a well tubing, a volume of compressible liquid a spaced distance from said main valve and subject to casing pressure, and a pilot valve between the main valve and the compressible liquid for controlling opening and closing of the main valve by permitting casing pressure to act thereon or to isolate it therefrom as the volume of the compressible liquid changes in response to changes in casing pressure to which it is subjected. Gas lift well systems utilizing such gas lift valves and methods for operating such gas lift well systems are also disclosed.