Abstract: An artificial lift system for a well has a surface unit and a subsurface pump. The surface unit reciprocates a rod in the well, and the pump disposed in a tubular in the well is actuated by the rod. A barrel of the pump has a standing valve restricting fluid passage out of the barrel. The plunger is reciprocally disposed in the barrel and has seals with the barrel. A traveling valve of the plunger uses a sleeve and a bob. The sleeve is movable relative to the bob to restrict fluid out of the plunger's interior through a variable gap relative to the bob and the sleeve. The filter is disposed on the plunger between the seals and separates the plunger's interior from an annulus between the plunger and the barrel. The filter restricts particulate in the interior from passing into the annulus.

Abstract: A packer assembly for use in a subterranean well can include a seal element which swells in the well, a reinforcement in the seal element, and an extrusion barrier which displaces outward in response to swelling of an end portion of the seal element, the reinforcement being longitudinally spaced apart from the end portion of the seal element. A method of constructing a packer assembly can include positioning a reinforcement in a seal element which swells in response to contact with a fluid, the positioning including longitudinally spacing opposite ends of the reinforcement away from opposite end portions of the seal element, and installing extrusion barriers which radially outwardly overlie the seal element end portions.

Abstract: A treatment plug includes an anchor runnable and settable within a structure having, at least one slip movably engaged with the anchor to move radially into engagement with the structure in response to longitudinal movement of the at least one slip relative to surfaces of the treatment plug, the at least one slip being perimetrically wedged between fingers of the treatment plug that are not radially movable, at least one seal having a deformable metal member configured to radially deform into sealing engagement with the structure in response to being deformed radially outwardly, and a seat that is sealingly receptive to a plug.

Abstract: A treatment plug includes, an anchor runnable and settable within a structure having, at least one slip movably engaged with the anchor to move radially into engagement with the structure in response to longitudinal movement of the at least one slip relative to surfaces of the treatment plug, at least one seal having a deformable metal member configured to radially deform into sealing engagement with the structure in response to being deformed radially outwardly, and a seat that is sealingly receptive to a plug.

Abstract: Provided is an improved bypass durable dart plunger that descends faster in a hydrocarbon well, is capable of lifting more fluids and has a durable and replaceable clutch assembly. The various components of the durable dart plunger includes a sleeve, a dart body with a one or more flow ports (chokes) cut at right angles through the dart body, a pin and a replaceable clutch assembly (also referred to a retention assembly). The chokes can be of varying sizes. In one embodiment, the clutch assembly includes a plurality of clutch mechanisms wherein each mechanism includes a ball, a socket screw and a resilient spacer.

Abstract: An improved free piston assembly for use in combination with a plunger lift assembly is provided. The improved free piston assembly includes a sleeve member, a flow restriction member, and retention means. In some embodiments of the invention the sleeve member has an inner surface that is contoured to provide a seat for the flow restriction member during lifting operations. The flow restriction member can be a ball held in the interior of the sleeve by retention means capable of overcoming the force of gravity but at the same time designed to release the flow restriction member when a rod of the plunger lift assembly contacts the flow restriction member. In one embodiment of the invention the retention means is a plurality of inwardly biased spring loaded held in place by a retention ring that is fittably received by a groove in the exterior surface of the sleeve. In other embodiments of the invention the retention means are in the form of a raised lip or a retention sleeve.

Abstract: A minimum parts bypass plunger includes a main shaft or pushrod extending through a hollow plunger body that incorporates flow passages formed in the adjacent surfaces of the pushrod or the internal bore of the plunger body. The pushrod is retained within the plunger body by respective head and tail pieces or caps that are locked to the plunger body by 360 degree crimps around the head and tail pieces. A one piece clutch is supported in the head piece. The pushrod, has an integral valve head that closes the flow passages when seated against a seat in the plunger body.

Abstract: A hydraulic jack includes a frame and a pump connected to the frame. The pump is connected to the frame. The pump includes a rod, a housing, and a piston, with hydraulic fluid being in the housing. The rod has a cross-sectional area and has a longitudinal axis. The housing has an end through which the rod slides. The housing has an interior open cross-sectional area in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis, and the housing has an interior wall. The piston is coupled to the rod. The piston establishes a rod side chamber and a piston side chamber within the housing. The piston has a cross-sectional area, which is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the housing thereby allowing a portion of the hydraulic fluid to flow between said piston and said interior wall to and from the rod side chamber and the piston side chamber when the piston is moved in the housing.

Abstract: A system and method for real-time data acquisition and presentation of force, position, load, pressures, and movement within a subterranean well pumping system, such as an oil well. Data is gathered using sensors attached to a surface level pump drive and wellhead system. Well structural data and well production data are combined therewith to generate a real-time display of down-hole well operation, including animated graphics of the pump operation, including pump movement, rod and tubing stretch, fluid movement, gas compression, system forces, and fluid pressures. Liquid levels are tested using an acoustic liquid level instrument, and incorporated to improve well performance analysis.

Abstract: Deliquefication systems with an upper pumping section for discharging fluid pumped to it by a lower pumping section; in one aspect, for providing liquid from a wellbore to the upper section for removal of the liquid from the wellbore; and, in one aspect, such systems for dewatering a gas well. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A downhole pumping assembly has a tubing string with plural barrels which are arranged in-line with the tubing. The tubing string has a seating location adjacent to each barrel. A standing valve arrangement, which includes a standing valve and a seating device, is located with the standing valve adjacent to the lower end of one of the barrels. A plunger has a traveling valve that is located for reciprocation within the one barrel. The plunger has a clearance with each of the barrels so as to form a fluid seal. The plunger reciprocates inside the barrel so as to lift fluid to the surface. Over time, the barrel will exhibit wear. Instead of pulling the entire tubing string to replace the barrel, the standing valve and the plunger are relocated to one of the other barrels located in the tubing string and reciprocation is resumed to resume pumping.

Abstract: A reciprocating well pumping unit includes a fluid-driven cylinder to drive a reciprocating rod assembly. A valve controls fluid delivery to the cylinder, the valve having a valve spool capable of being positioned in a first position or a second position, the valve in the first position causing fluid flow that allows the lifting rod to extend, the valve in the second position causing fluid flow that allows the lifting rod to retract. A detent assembly provides resistance to movement of the valve spool between the second and first positions. A control rod is coupled to and moves with the lifting rod. A spring is capable of storing energy as the control rod is moved in the first direction and a rod stop engages the spring, the spring engaging the valve spool as energy is stored in the spring to urge the valve spool toward the first position.

Abstract: A downhole pump has a barrel and a plunger movably disposed therein. The gap between the barrel and plunger has first and second seals. The barrel and plunger each have a one-way valve restricting fluid passage out of it. A filter or screen is disposed on the plunger between the first and second seals. In a downstroke, fluid and particulate in the barrel transfers into the plunger. In an upstroke, fluid and particulate in the plunger lifts uphole. At the same time, a volume in the barrel fills with fluid and particulate. During either stroke, the first seal prevents particulate uphole of the plunger from passing into the gap. The filter or screen, however, prevents at least some particulate (i.e., most or larger particulate) inside the plunger from passing out of the plunger with fluid flowing into the gap between the first and second seals.

Abstract: A multistage electric motor includes a plurality of motor stages connected in series, each motor stage comprising a stator, and a rotor; a plurality of cooling fluid paths, each cooling fluid path forming a recirculating loop independent of the other cooling fluid paths, each cooling fluid path in communication with the stator of one of motor stages; and a cooling fluid flowing through each cooling fluid path, the cooling fluid removing heat from the stator of each motor stage. A submersible pump including the multistage electric motor, and a method of cooling the multistage electric motor are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double string slurry pump for pumping liquids to the surface of a hydrocarbon well and especially a hydrocarbon well that is producing both natural gas and liquid fluids. The double string slurry pump includes a hollow tube that raises and lowers the plunger and carries the liquids to the surface and an outer tube receives liquids down into the well to periodically flush area around the pump to stir up particles and fines for conveyance out of the wellbore with the liquids. The additional conduit for flushing may be used to provide biocides, solvents or other treatments including with liquids at elevated temperature to create desired results or changes downhole. Moreover, the additional conduit may be provided with ports to provide access to the interior of the gas production path to provide such treatments above the well. The natural gas is produced through the annulus between wellbore casing and the outer production tubing string.

Abstract: Detecting a failure mode of a fluid flow controller configured to control fluid flow between first and second chambers of a downhole positive displacement pump and a flow line, wherein the positive displacement pump comprises a piston moving in an axial reciprocating motion, and subsequently adjusting operation of the downhole positive displacement pump based on the detected failure mode such that the downhole positive displacement pump piston operates differently in different axial directions.

Abstract: A wellbore pump includes a pump housing suspendible in a wellbore at ends of at least one of a power fluid line and a fluid discharge line. The pump housing includes a fluid inlet proximate a bottom end thereof and wherein the fluid discharge line is coupled proximate a top end thereof. The pump include valves for directing flow of wellbore fluid out of the housing when power fluid displaces fluid in the housing, the valves for directing flow of wellbore fluid into the housing when power fluid pressure is relieved.

Abstract: Methods and mechanisms for fluid sealing are provided. The disclosed mechanisms include a tool having a cavity configured to form a toroidal vortex and a fluid sealing element to induce an azimuthal variation of the toroidal vortex (a “dynamic seal”). The fluid sealing element may include a sharp change in the axial symmetry of the cavity to induce the azimuthal variation. Some exemplary shapes of the fluid sealing element may include a notch in a cavity, a step shaped cavity, or an angular cavity in the tool. Methods for manufacturing such a dynamic seal is also provided as well as methods for producing hydrocarbons with a plunger having the dynamic seals. The tool may be a plunger, a pig, an in-flow control device, or other cylindrical device traveling through a conduit or tubular member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for positively pumping liquids to the surface of a hydrocarbon well where the hydrocarbon well has bee previously completed with a permanent packer and tailpipe. A rod pump having a plunger connected to a hollow rod string can positively pump the liquids collecting at the bottom of the well while the natural gas is produced up the annulus between the production tubing and the hollow rod string. In this invention, the tail pipe is perforated above the rod pump and below the packer to all the natural gas into the production tubing.

Abstract: A slim hole production system for pumping liquids to the surface of a hydrocarbon well and especially a hydrocarbon well that is producing both natural gas and liquids where the diameter of the hole in the production area is too small to get production tubing and a sucker rod into a productive arrangement. The slim hole pump includes a hollow tube that raises and lowers the plunger and carries the liquids to the surface and uses the annulus to produce the gas.

Abstract: An improved plunger has a north end, a south end, and a center region therebetween. A first northward angled shoulder is provided proximate the north end, for catching solids and preventing them from damaging an exterior of the plunger below the shoulder and potentially other pump components. In one embodiment, first and second northward angled shoulders are provided proximate the north end. First and second southward angled shoulders may be provided proximate the south end, making the plunger invertible when the north end becomes worn. The plunger may be comprised of separable regions, having different hardnesses. In one embodiment, the shoulders may provide a tapered outside diameter for the plunger.

Abstract: A cyclonic debris evacuation apparatus and method for removing debris in a pumping system. The apparatus includes a valve rod, a cyclone component, cup component, ring component, and ring coupler component. The cup component is composed of a high density poly-fiber material that helps in creating a positive seal between the cup component and barrel interior during pumping operations, helping to direct solids into the cup component and thereby preventing them from travelling southward in the direction of the barrel and causing damage. The cup component can include a specialized leading edge adapted to direct solids into the cup component. The apparatus can include a carbide ring that prevents solids from traveling further down onto the pump plunger section. The carbide ring can incorporate ports that feed into a main channel flow. The apparatus can include a top plunger adapter capable of connecting with a sucker rod.

Abstract: A downhole pump has a barrel and plunger. The barrel has a first one-way valve and the plunger has a second done-way valve. The plunger reciprocates with respect to the barrel. The plunger has a first end which has a tapered leading edge. Ports are adjacent to the leading edge. The ports communicate with a passage in the plunger. A sucker rod string coupling is located at the plunger first end. The sucker rod string coupling is coupled to walls located between the ports. The end of the sucker rod string coupling that is coupled to the plunger is tapered so that fluid can flow out of the ports. The sucker rod string coupling and the plunger first end form an integral member that couples to the remainder of the plunger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a submersible pump and a submersible pump system for pumping liquid to a marine structure, the pump being adapted to be located in a tube. The pump comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is adapted to be connected to means for suspending the pump in the tube. The pump has a vertical direction extending from the lower portion to the upper portion. The pump further comprises an inlet for allowing the liquid into the pump and an outlet for allowing the liquid out of the pump. The pump further comprises a sealing means located downstream of the inlet and the outlet in the vertical direction, the sealing means being adapted to seal against an inner surface of the tube. The invention further relates to an arrangement for hydraulic drive of the submersible pump and to a semi-submersible unit comprising the submersible pump system.

Abstract: A cyclonic debris evacuation apparatus and method for evacuating debris in a pumping system that forms between the plunger exterior and barrel interior. The apparatus is configured for use with a valve rod and has a cyclone component, cup component, ring component, and ring coupler component. The apparatus is also configured for use with a hollow valve rod and has a hollow valve rod coupler component, cup component, ring component, and ring coupler component. The cup component can be composed of a high density poly-fiber material that helps in creating a positive seal between the cup component and barrel interior during pumping operations, helping to direct solids into the cup component and thereby preventing them from travelling southward in the direction of the barrel and causing damage. In another embodiment, the cup component can include a specialized leading edge adapted to direct solids into the cup component.

Abstract: The present invention is centralizing vertical flow cage attachable to a subsurface pump in a downhole recovery application, and method of use. In one embodiment, the vertical flow cage is defined as comprising a hollowed, centralizing cone portion having at least one spiral vein formed in the cone's surface. In another embodiment, the centralizing cone includes a ledge having at least one discharge hole disposed thereon, with each discharge hole being selectively located above each vein. Each discharge hole is formed through the centralizing cone so that each hole formed is in fluid communication with the hollow interior portion of the centralizing cone. In this regard, during the pump process upstroke, any fluid below and outside of the centralizing cone will be forced vertically upwards through each vein.

Abstract: A downhole pumping assembly has a tubing string with plural barrels which are arranged in-line with the tubing. The tubing string has a seating location adjacent to each barrel. A standing valve arrangement, which includes a standing valve and a seating device, is located with the standing valve adjacent to the lower end of one of the barrels. A plunger has a traveling valve that is located for reciprocation within the one barrel. The plunger has a clearance with each of the barrels so as to form a fluid seal. The plunger reciprocates inside the barrel so as to lift fluid to the surface. Over time, the barrel will exhibit wear. Instead of pulling the entire tubing string to replace the barrel, the standing valve and the plunger are relocated to one of the other barrels located in the tubing string and reciprocation is resumed to resume pumping.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, a down-hole pump comprises a hydraulic chamber having a passage for fluid communications with a hydraulic conduit, a produced fluid chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a first check valve associated with the inlet, a second check valve associated with the outlet, a stored energy unit, a piston, having one side exposed to the stored energy unit and a second side exposed to the hydraulic chamber and a displacement member projecting from said piston into the produced fluid chamber. Additional embodiments and aspects, including embodiments for power units as well as system and method aspects, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve rod guide is adapted to be coupled to the barrel of a subsurface pump or the like. The guide has head, neck, body, and base regions. A plurality of angled flutes are provided on the body, tapering downwardly for preventing solids from reentering the pump barrel after pump operations are ceased and thereby damaging pump components once pump operations are resumed. The interior diameter of the neck includes lower and upper grooves and a plurality of spiral radial grooves extending therebetween. The spiral radial grooves terminate at exit ports. During pump operations, solids are wiped from the valve rod, drawn into the spiral radial grooves, and accumulate in the lower or upper groove during downstroke or upstroke, respectively. During upstroke, the solids are expelled through the exit ports. A hardened insert may be positioned in the head region, providing a durable wear area for the valve rod as well as a tight fit, thereby preventing solids from escaping through a northern end of the guide.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining pump fillage, using data arrays of pump plunger position with respect to time and/or pump plunger load with respect to time. In this manner, well operators may be able to accurately monitor the pump fillage and control the pump accordingly.

Abstract: A sucker rod pump with no travelling valve consisting of, from the bottom: hold down with pump inlet, lower standing valve, hollow coupling, upper standing valve suspended within the coupling, relief valve, hollow pump housing, solid piston within the housing, and barrel to clean and retain the piston in the housing. The piston attaches to and reciprocating with the rod string. Peripheral channels in the relief valve communicate between the coupling and the housing. A central channel in the relief valve communicates between the upper standing valve and the pump's outlets. The upstroke pulls fluid from the bottom of the well upward through the open lower standing valve, around the closed upper standing valve and into the housing chamber. The down stroke pushes fluid from the housing chamber past the closed lower standing valve and through the open upper standing valve to the pump's exit into the tubing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining pump fillage, using data arrays of pump plunger position with respect to time and/or pump plunger load with respect to time. In this manner, well operators may be able to accurately monitor the pump fillage and control the pump accordingly.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and system for wireless remote monitoring and controlling a sucker rod pump for producing hydrocarbons, providing self-adjusting methods for operation over a wide-range of operating conditions according to algorithms that automatically compensate for offset and amplitude drift in sensor data, automatically identify pump off conditions, and automatically optimize hold down time.

Abstract: A downhole pump for a well has a barrel and a plunger. The barrel has a passage extending along the length of the barrel, with the passage having an inside diameter. The plunger has an outside diameter and is received by the barrel passage for relative reciprocal movement. One of the barrel or the plunger is equipped with wear rings, with a wear ring at one or at each end. The wear rings are made of a material that is harder than the material of the respective plunger or barrel. The wear rings provide protection from abrasion, particularly in a sandy well.

Abstract: A reciprocated pump positioned at the lower end of a string of tubing in a bore hole that provides a passageway for moving formation fluid to the earth's surface, including a pump barrel supported in communication with the tubing and a standing valve at the lower end thereof providing a first passageway through which formation fluid flows into the pump barrel, the pump barrel having an intermediate vent port providing a second entry passageway, and a tubular plunger reciprocated within the barrel and having an upper and a lower portion with a plurality of non-metallic seal rings separated by metallic spacers received on the plunger upper portion and configured to support a column of formation fluid within the tubing to substantially isolate the portion of the barrel below the non-metallic seal rings from the tubing pressure to thereby allow formation fluid to move into the pump barrel.

Abstract: The Ring Rack Oil Pumping Machine is comprised of: a base, a frame mounted on the base, a roller mounted at the frame top, a sprocket case connects to the middle of the frame; a input shaft having a lower sprocket and a drive shaft having an upper sprocket are installed at the bottom and top of the sprocket case respectively, the upper sprocket and lower sprocket are connected by a chain; a guide wheel, track gear and centralizer wheel are mounted in sequence on the end of the drive shaft extended out of the sprocket case; the track gear meshes with a rack, a slide rail is mounted with the frame, and a sliding base (21) connected with the slide rail (20) moveably. Comparing to currently using pumping units, this invention features simple structure, high safety and reliability, upgraded efficiency, easy maintenance, smooth running and high durability.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pumping from a well. A pump includes a piston assembly reciprocably engaged in a cylinder assembly. Pressure applied to a column of fluid above the pump causes a pump chamber to fill with fluid. A spring mechanism coupled to an anchor point above the piston assembly provides upward force on the piston assembly. Alternate cycles of the application and release of pressure result in the pumping of a fluid.

Abstract: A pump for efficiently producing gas in wells having some liquids. The pump may be driven by a walking beam or horsehead pump. The pump of the invention produces gases and liquids separately. Gases may be produced up the annulus between the casing and hollow sucker rods. A plunger seals the opening in the cage during downstroke. Gases and liquids are trapped in the cage above an inner barrel. Liquids are forced up the hollow sucker rod where they are retained by a one-way valve. On the upstroke, the one-way valve seats and gases are forced out of the cage and up the annulus. Gases are, therefore, produced up the annulus and liquids are produced up the drill string. In another embodiment, liquids are retained in a trap and are produced up hollow sucker rods, while gases are produced up the annulus between the hollow sucker rods and the casing.

Abstract: There is provided, in one embodiment, a ball valve for regulating the flow of petroleum fluids therethrough. The ball valve is capable of transitioning between an open and a closed position. The ball valve includes in one embodiment a hydraulic piston, containment union, ported stem, containment cage and drag plunger, and is adapted to regulate the flow of fluid northward through the valve. A ball and seat should be positioned above these components, so that the hydraulic piston may extend therethrough. More specifically, during a pump downstroke, fluid enters the drag plunger, moves northward through the containment cage and into the interior of the ported stem, exits the interior of the ported stem and enters a plurality of angled veins, which impart cyclonic motion on fluid passing northward therethrough, assisting in the removal of debris. Also during the downstroke, a pedestal portion of the hydraulic unseats the ball from the seat.

Abstract: A mover stabilizing and stator cooling arrangement includes an upper sleeve surrounding the mover of the linear motor, a lower sleeve, a thermoconducting sleeve surrounding the stator and axially connected between the upper sleeve and the lower sleeve. The arrangement further includes a thermal grease filled in the space defined between the upper sleeve and the mover, the space defined between the thermoconducting sleeve and the stator, and the space defined between the lower sleeve and the outer tube for quick dissipation of waste heat. A stabilizer ring is set between the upper sleeve and the mover to stabilize axial movement of the mover. A piston and multiple one-way valve sets are mounted in the space between the lower sleeve and the outer tube for allowing adjustment of the volume in the thermoconducting sleeve responsive to expansion/contraction of the thermal grease due to temperature changes.

Abstract: A downhole pump has a barrel and a plunger which reciprocate with respect to each other. The plunger has a first portion with a first seal, a second portion and a third portion with a second seal. The second portion is intermediate the first and second portions. A balancing chamber is formed between the plunger second portion and the barrel. The balancing chamber communicates with the plunger interior by way of an opening. A sand snare chamber is provided with respect to the opening so as to prevent sand from contacting the seals in the balancing chamber.

Abstract: A submersible water pump and a dewatering system comprising the submersible pump. The submersible water pump includes a housing and an outer tube. The housing includes a housing dividing wall and a cylinder head having a bore therethrough through which the outer tube fits. The housing is in slidable engagement with the outer tube and the housing dividing wall. The dewatering system with the submersible pump is used to pump water from vertical coal bed methane wells.

Abstract: A downhole pump for a well has a barrel and a plunger. The barrel has a passage extending along the length of the barrel, with the passage having an inside diameter. The plunger has an outside diameter and is received by the barrel passage for relative reciprocal movement. One of the barrel or the plunger is equipped with wear rings, with a wear ring at one or at each end. The wear rings are made of a material that is harder than the material of the respective plunger or barrel. The wear rings provide protection from abrasion, particularly in a sandy well.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are provided, for pumping fluids, such as water and/or hydrocarbons, from a subterranean formation or reservoir, through use of a cranked rod pumping (CRP) apparatus for imparting reciprocating substantially vertical motion to a rod of a sucker-rod pump having a pump stroke. The CRP apparatus includes a motor driven cranked mechanical actuator arrangement. The cranked mechanical actuator arrangement includes a substantially vertically moveable member attached to the rod of the sucker-rod pump for imparting and controlling vertical motion of the rod of the sucker-rod pump. The actuator arrangement may include pneumatic counterbalancing.

Abstract: The pump has a barrel with vent ports located therein and a plunger that reciprocates inside the barrel. The barrel has a standing valve and the plunger has a traveling valve. The plunger has a first portion with a seal between the plunger and the barrel and a second portion with a clearance between the plunger and the barrel. On the downstroke, gas contained in the compression chamber between the two valves vents through the clearance and out of the barrel through the vent port into the well bore. When the plunger contacts liquid in the compression chamber, the liquid enters the clearance and forms a seal, wherein the plunger traveling valve opens. The plunger can also be equipped with a second traveling valve and a vent in the plunger between the two traveling valves in order to equalize pressure across the first traveling valve at the bottom of the downstroke. This enables the standing valve to open much faster on the upstroke.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump for pumping fluids from a downhole formation to the earth's surface is provided. The pump first comprises a plunger. The plunger is reciprocated axially within the wellbore by a linear actuator, such as a submersible electrical pump, in order to form an upstroke and a downstroke. A pump inlet is disposed near the bottom end of the plunger, while a pump outlet is disposed near the top end of the plunger. The pump is configured such that it is able to pump a first volume of fluid upward within the wellbore during the pump's upstroke, and a second volume of fluid upward within the wellbore during the pump's downstroke. Thus, the pump is “double-acting.

Abstract: A hydraulic oil well pumping installation includes a down hole pump positioned down a well, the down hole pump including a master cylinder and at least one slave cylinder in axial alignment with the master cylinder. A master piston is positioned in the master cylinder and divides the master cylinder into a first portion and a second portion. A slave piston is positioned in the at least one slave cylinder and divides the slave cylinder into a first portion and a second portion. The slave piston is connected by a rigid linkage to the master piston, such that movement of the master piston results in movement of the slave piston.

Abstract: A debris evacuation apparatus and method evacuates debris in a pumping system that forms between the plunger exterior and barrel interior. The apparatus has at least one seal and one groove located south of the seal, with the seal blocking northward travel of debris and directing it to the groove. Ports within the groove permit debris to enter the debris evacuation apparatus. Interior to the debris evacuation apparatus, the entering debris will become mixed with pumped fluid, and will be drawn out of the pumping system with the pumped fluid. The pumped fluid passing through the debris evacuation apparatus will be caused to rotate by an interior section located at a south portion of the debris evacuation apparatus, utilizing a plurality of angled veins surrounding a closed center section located at a north end of the interior section.

Abstract: A method of cleaning out blockages which prevent operation of a reciprocating downhole tubing pump. A first step involves mechanically displacing and disabling, without removing, a ball from a ball seat on the travelling ball valve. A second step involves mechanically displacing and disabling, without removing, a ball from a ball seat on the standing valve assembly. A third step involves inserting coil tubing through the travelling ball valve and the standing ball valve to cleanout the entire workstring and pump.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing fluids from a well and for controlling the production of fluids from multiple wells, particularly from a remote location. The well is provided with a winch/cable drum having a cable wound thereon with a swabbing tool on the end of the cable. The swabbing tool is initially located in a riser that is mounted to the wellhead and lowered into the well and down through the fluids in the well under control of a programmable logic controller (PLC 95). Upon reaching a pre-determined depth, the PLC 95 stops the rotation of the winch/cable drum and then reverses the direction of rotation to retrieve the swabbing tool, thereby lifting the fluids in the well bore up out of the well. Flowline connections, with appropriate valves, are provided in the riser for routing any gas and oil that is lifted from the well into pipelines and on to storage tanks or separators as the swabbing tool is retrieved.