Patent · US Expired

Gas lift apparatus having condition responsive gas inlet valve

US4596516A · kind A · utility

66Cited by
12References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 16, 1984
Grant dateJun 24, 1986
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 16, 2004

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B43/38
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A novel gas lift apparatus is described which is particularly useful for the dewatering of gas wells in which the gas pressure is low or for the lifting of oil from wells when mixed oil and gas are produced. Water or oil is allowed to collect in the tubing above the valve of the apparatus. Sensors provide indications of the water level or the hydrostatic head within the tubing, and of the gas pressure in the casing. The outputs of the sensors are fed to an electronic, pneumatic or hydraulic controller which at a predetermined differential pressure opens the valve. Alternatively, a timer can be used to energize the valve at a predetermined time.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.