Anti gas-lock pumping system

Abstract

An improved fluid pumping system is described. The pump is designed such that any gas present in the fluid being pumped is completely displaced from the pumping chamber with each downstroke of a pump plunger. This prevents pump failure due to gas-locking by preventing gas build-up within the pump, thereby improving long-term pumping efficiency and increasing pump life.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to anti gas-lock fluid pumping systems, and more specifically, to a valve which prevents gas-locking of a downhole pump. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Piston pumps are commonly used in many applications, such as the pumping of water, air, and other fluids. Piston pumps are well adapted for use in an oil well, as they have linear mechanical parts, are relatively simple in their operation, and are of a size and shape easily accommodated within a downhole well. [0003] Conventional downhole piston pumps have both a lower standing valve, and an upper travelling valve which is generally attached to the piston and plunger of the pump. During plunger upstroke, a pumping chamber is expanded, creating a negative pressure cavity. The negative pressure unseats the lower standing valve, allowing fluid from the well to be drawn into the pumping chamber. As the plunger is drawn up, the travelling valve is closed due to the build-up n...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019] In an additional embodiment, the pump plunger may include at least one seal around its circumference for preventing fluid flow between the plunger and the pump barrel.

Problems solved by technology

In such a conventional pumping system, if gas is present in the well and fills the pumping chamber defined between the valves, it may cause gas-lock of the pump.

Subsequently, on upstroke, the pump has reduced efficiency, as gas remains in the chamber, preventing it from completely filling with fluid.

Over time, gas build-up may lead to gas-locking and failure of the pump.

One disadvantage of such systems is their reduced efficiency when the pump is not placed vertically, as the efficiency of travelling valves is generally reduced by positioning.

In addition, gas may not fully escape from the pumping chamber if the position is not vertical.

Further, such systems may alow pumped fluid to re-enter the pumping chamber as the gas is escaping.

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