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Title: Apparatus and method for automatically and periodically introducing a fluid into a producing oil well

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6306283

This patent describes a method for periodically and automatically introducing a fluid into a producing well through a tubing drain valve in a string of production tubing, comprising: disabling temporarily, automatically and at periodic time intervals a string of sucker rods disposed within the string of production tubing between a surface-located means for operating the sucker rods and a downhole pump so that a mechanical actuator on the string of sucker rods is stopped in a predetermined position on one side of a lever means of the tubing drain valve. An apparatus is described useful for periodically and automatically introducing a fluid into a producing well through a tubing drain valve located in a production string, comprising: a string of production tubing suitable for suspension in a producing well; surface and downhole pumps connected by a string of sucker rods for lifting well fluids through the production tubing; a tubing drain valve within the production string, the tubing drain valve actuated to its opened position by increased pressure within the production tubing and actuated to its closed position by movement of a lever means of the value; means in communication with the interior of the production tubing for pressurizing the production tubing to a pressure sufficient to open the tubing drain valve; means in communication with the interior of the production tubing for introducing a fluid into the production tubing; an actuator means disposed on the string of sucker rods for mechanically closing the tubing drain valve by cooperation with the lever means on the valve; and means for controlling automatically the operation of the above components at periodic time intervals for automatically conveying a fluid into the production tubing and through the tubing drain valve.

Assignee:
Soderberg Research and Development, Inc., Houston, TX
Patent Number(s):
US 4681167
OSTI ID:
6306283
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: Filed date 17 May 1985
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English