Paper: Improved Valve Design For Subsurface Rod-Pump Assemblies And Related Improvements In Operating Profits

A solution now exists for problems attributable to gas interference in down-hole rod-pump assemblies. With the patented Solution Valve (SV), designed and manufactured by Eagle Advanced Oil Field Technologies, gas entering the pump chamber as either free gas or initially as dissolved gas, can be effectively displaced. Positioned on bottom of the conventional plunger, the SV performs in conjunction with conventional standing and travel valves such that the pump chamber is charged with fresh well bore fluids during each pump cycle. Gas locking cannot occur, because all fluids entering the pump are displaced on each stroke, thus eliminating the buildup of residual, high-pressure gas bubbles below the plunger or between the SV and an upper travel valve positioned atop the plunger. Improvement in fluid displacement efficiency, with resultant lowering of fluid levels in the tubing-casing annulus, can increase the production of oil and gas. With the SV it is not necessary for the pump to tag bottom in an attempt to mechanically jar balls off seats and thereby stimulate pump performance. Redistribution of fluids within the SV can often eliminate fluid-pounding topic. Consequently, rod-parts, rod-cut tubing, failures of valve-rods and valve-rod guides can often be eliminated. Unlike conventional pumps, down-hole debris such as particulate sand, silt, iron sulfide, etc., cannot prevent closing of the SV. Uninterrupted fluid flow through the pump, in conjunction with a constantly rotating seal surface between ball and seat, prevent the accumulation of stagnant fluids and associated settling of debris above and beneath the plunger. Another ideal application of the SV is in wells where gas cannot be vented up the tubing-casing annulus and where it becomes necessary to pump below a packer. By being able to pump gas as well as liquid, and thus invulnerable to gas locking, the SV functions quite satisfactorily. The permanently centered and stationary bail and movable seat of the SV are also well suited for applications in deviated and horizontal well bores where non-vertical orientations can delay ball seating. Similarly, for installations where heavy, viscous crude oils are pumped, the positive and instantaneous opening and closing of the SV eliminate inefficiencies due to ball floating.