US1985973A - Flowing device for wells - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 1, 1935. A. BOYNTON FLOWING DEVICE FOR WELLS Filed Dec. 19, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 7 nl 8V W H gwuamm Alexande r Bdynizon Jan. 1, 1935. A. BOYNTON FLOWING DEVICE FOR WELLS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 19,1932

7 3mm Alexander Boyqcon W m w W a I a w wmilh 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 gm 23.06am? Alexander Boyn'bon Jan. 1, 1935. A BOYNTON FLOWING DEVICE FOR WELLS Filed Dec. 19, 1932 a Davies iron warns Alexander Boynton, San Antonio, Tex, assignor to Chas. A. Beatty, San Antonio, Tex.

Application December 19, 1932, Serial No. 647,922

15 Claims. (ill. 103-232) My invention relates to devices for raising tube if the well is flowed by the tubing flow liquids from wells in which pneumatic pressure method, or in the casing if the well is flowed by is employed as a lifting force to discharge the the casing flow method. Said valve will operliquid through either the tubing or the casing. ate to open and close in response to the variable The installed embodiment of this invention combined force of the differential plus the force 5 wherewith the well liquid is expelled through exerted by the flow of the upwardly moving fluid the tubing will be referred to as the tubing flow at that level as the diflerential and velocity method; and the installed embodiment wherechange in the flowing operation; the term with the well liquid is expelled through the casdifierential as herein used meaning the differing will be referred to as the casing flow methence in pressure inside and outside the tubing at 10 0d. In the tubing flow method the tubing will the same'time and place. be referred to as the eduction tube; and in the I desire to provide a particularly efiective accasing flow method the tubing will be referred to tuator connected with the air or gas inlet valve, as the induction tube. which actuator will be capable of adjustment In operating the tubing flow method of this and be responsive to velocity of the fluid being 15 invention, air or gas under pressure in the caslifted at that level. ing and none in the tubing will produce an up- I contemplate the provision of an air or gas standing column of liquid in the tubing that will inlet valve in a passage communicating between exactly balance the pressure in the casing. The the outside and inside of the tubing, which valve point of balance or of'equal pressure in the tubwill be adapted to close when the flow of fluid at 20 ing and in the casing is at the top of the desaid valve has reached a predetermined velocity, pressed liquid in the casing. At all points above but will open again in response to diminished this level, pressure fluid will flow from the casing velocity or diminished difierential or both. into the tubing if a passage is provided. The device is an improvement over the struc- 5 In operating the casing flow method 01 this tures shown in my prior patents, No. 1,747,570 invention. air or as under pressure in the tubissued February 18, 1930; No. 1,747,571 issued in and'n ne in h ing w l pr duce an up- February 18, 1930; No. 1,747,572 issued February n in co mn f liquid in the asing that 18, 1930; No. 1,749,124 issued March 4, 1930; will exactly balance the pressure in the tubing. No. 1,773,942 issued August 26, 1930; No, 1,793,-

The Point O a ance 0 Of equal pressure in the 671 issued February 24, 1931; and No. 1,832,088 30 c in and in the tu in is at the op f he issued November 17, 1931. depressed iq id in t s- A all points In the drawings herewith, Figs. 1, 2, 3, 10, 11 above this v p u fl will flow from the and 12 relate to the tubing flow method. Figs. tubing into e Casing if a Passage is D 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 relate to the casing flow method.

A Pa of a y given size through the W l Fig. 1 is a central longitudinal section through 35 0f the eduction induction tube (as the case an air or gas inlet valve assembly to be installed y be) will allow certain different amount in place of a regular coupling in the eduction of air or gas to flow into the upstanding column t of 11 of q d a each different level thereOf- The Fig. 2 is a similar longitudinal section through further this as a e is o t e point o b a second embodiment of the invention. 40 e, the ea Will be the flow therethmugh. Fig. 3 is a transverse section on the plane 33 e y i p p pp more D under of Fig. 2, looking upward therefrom; less 108d unless this fl W be e ulat and fi y Fig. 4 is a similar transverse section taken on cut oil. This is done in my device by the differth plane H of Fig 2, and looking downwardential pushing up on the plunger valve member 1y therefrom. 4.5 With increasing force as the load diminishes, Fig. 5 is a longitudinal section through an while the actuator pulls the plunger valve up embodiment illustrating the casing flow arrangetoward the upper seat with increasing force as ment. the flow approaches the proper velocity. The Fig. 6 is a transverse section on the plane 66 5 principle of operation is hence the same in both of Fig. 5. o

tubing and easing flow methods. Fig. 7 is a section on the plane 77 of Fig. 6.

It is an object of this invention to provide an Fig. 8 is a section on the plane 8-8 of Fig. 6. automatically operating inlet valve controlling Fig. 9 is a section on the plane 9-9 of Fig. 5. the entrance of the pressure fluid into the up- Figs. 10, 11 and 12 illustrate other embodistanding liquid column, whether in the eduction ments of the tubing flow construction. Fig. 13 55 is a transverse section on the plane 13-13 of Fig. 10. Figs. 14 and 15 are sections on the planes 14--14 and 15-15, respectively, of Fig. 11.

Fig. 16 is a side view partly in central vertical section showing the well casing and the equipment thereof with the embodiment disclosed in Figs. 5 to 9, inclusive.

Fig. 17 is a continuation of the lower end of the apparatus shown in Fig. 16.

Tubing flow method The case of my control device is adapted to be coupled into an eduction tube 1 for the liquid which is to be raised from the well. The tube is to be understood as extending downwardly into a well casing to a level below thesurface of the well liquid. It is sealed within the upper end of the casing, so that pressure fluid in the shape of air or gas may be forced into the casing and downwardly upon the liquid in the well without escaping except as provided through the devices and the tube. The eduction tube extends through the upper end of the casing head and may be connected with a flow line leading to storage.

The case 2 and 2 for the air control valve is of tubular form and is placed as a coupling between adjacent lengths of the eduction tube in the well. It has, in the wall thereof, an opening at 3 in Fig. 1, through which a projection 4 upon the valve housing 5 may be inserted. This projection is tapered outwardly and provides space around the same for a bond of welding material or solder 3a which serves to rigidly secure the valve housing in position. A similar projection 6 at the lower end of the valve housing-projects through an opening in the wall of the case and is secured in position by solder or welding material 7.

The valve housing 5 in Fig. 1 is shown as cylindrical in shape and has its lower end closed by a plug 8, which has a streamline taper downwardly in the direction from which the fluid flows. The interior chamber 9 within the valve housing has an inlet 10, through the projection 6 on the housing, thus allowing the entrance of pressure fluid from the outside into the said chamber 9.

Within the chamber is the valve including the plunger member 11, which comprises a cylindrical head with serrations 12 formed thereon inclining downwardly toward the direction of the incoming current of air. These serrations act to receive particles of sand or sediment which might otherwise clog the action of the device. The chamber 9 is preferably, but not necessarily, tapered very slightly in an upward direction, and the plunger head 11 may also be slightly tapered to correspond with the shape of the diameter and in the 'same direction so that the space around the valve will gradually be choked down asthe valve is moved upwardly in the chamber. The upper end of the valve plunger is tapered at 13 to fit within a valve seat 14 at the upper end of the chamber. A stem 15 on the valve extends loosely through the upper wall of the chamber and projects upwardly above the valve housing. Its upper end is formed with a shoulder thereon above which is secured the lower arm 16 of the actuating member 17. Said arm is secured on the valve stem by means of a nut 18 at the upper end of the stem.

The actuator 17 is adapted to be acted upon by an upwardly flowing current of fluid. It is shaped like an inverted funnel, the walls converging upwardly to provide a bafile against which the current of fluid may engage. The upper end is rounded at 19 to provide a streamline surface preventing emulsiflcation of the liquid. The lower end has an outer shoulder 20, upon which a compression spring 21 is adapted to bear. The upper end of said spring engages against the lower end of a ring 22 threaded within the upper end of the case 2. A locking ring 23 above the ring 22 acts to secure it in adjusted position.

The lower end of the actuator 1'7 is flared outwardly to receive the upwardly flowing current of fluid, and the arm 16 is extended downwardly from one side of the actuator and turned inwardly to engage with the valve as previously noted.

In the operation of this device, the air or gas under pressure finds entrance around the valve and upwardly through the space between the valve stem and housing into the eduction tube to aerate the column of liquid within the tube, and to cause the liquid column to be elongated in an upward direction until it overflows at the upper end.

It is contemplated that the eduction tube will be supplied with control valves of this character at spaced intervals along its length usually 100 to 200 feet apart, the particular spacing and arrangement of the valves depending upon the depth of the liquid and other conditions existing in the particular well liquid which is to be flowed. The air or gas under pressure will enter the eduction tube through the air or gas inlets which are not submerged in the liquid. When the tubing discharge is opened a flow of liquid in the well will quickly be started upwardly by air or gas under pressure in the casing, and when the fluid has attained a certain velocity of flow in the eduction tube the force of the fluid acting upon the actuator 17 aided by the differential acting upon the plunger will lift the valve upwardly; and when the fluid has attained the proper velocity of flow the valve will seat in the seat 14 at the upper end of the plunger chamber and shut off the further admission of air or gas. All upper valves are then closed because of greater flowing velocity toward the surface. The next succeeding control valve below will then also tend to be closed by the increasing speed of flow through the device, and will gradually close as the velocity attains the predetermined rate.

It will be understood that the velocity of the fluid increases as the load above it decreases, and will, therefore, be highest toward the upper end of the tube, and comparatively slow adjacent the lower inlets, which lower inlets will remain open to allow the entrance of pressure fluid into the eduction tube until the predetermined rate of flow obtains, then those valves will also close, and so on in progression downwardly as the liquid level in the well is lowered.

The openings through the actuators in Figs. 1 and 2, and around the actuators in Figs. 10 and 11, should be smallest in or by the lowest device and largest in or by the highest device. The openings through or by the actuators should be graduated in size so as to approximately correspond'with the rate of expansion of the pressure fluid at the different levels occupied by the respective devices as the pressure fluid expands in its approach to the surface. The same rule applies to the casing flow method as will be later described.

manure The flowing operation may be initiated in either of two ways. First, the tubing discharge may be left open while pressure is built up in the casing. In this manner all devices above the liquid level in the well leak air or gas until the pressure is built up high enough to establish the differential necessary to close the valves. Second, the tubing discharge may be kept closed while the pressure is being built up to the desired value in the casing, and then by quickly opening the tubing discharge, almost no pressure will be wasted except that in the tubing. All air or gas thereafter admitted into the tubing will enter the upstanding column of liquid through devices near the base of the upstanding column. The second way of starting a well is, ordinarily, to be preferred.

At nodifierential (equal pressure inside and outside the flow tubing) the spring will force the valve plunger down upon its lower rest, the wide open position for admitting air orgas into the flow tubing. This is at the base of the upstanding column, the level of the greatest load in the flow tubing. As the load diminishes at increasingly higher levels, the differential increases at each succeedingly higher device and forces the valve plunger therein toward its upper seat with increasing force. Before the differential acting on the plunger increases enough to fullycompress the spring, the actuator lifting force aids the differential to compress the spring and causes the plunger to engage its upper seat to cut off the admission of more air or gas into the tubing at that level. It will thus be seen that the differential brings about or initiates the flowing operation, and that the difierential aided by the actuator maintains the flowing condition at a predetermined rate, the actuator being nothing more or less than a power take off which acts with greatest force when fluid at the greatest velocity is passing through it. The actuator thus becomes a governor which regulates the flow by preventing more than the predetermined velocity thereof, while the spring urges the plunger towards the open position and regulates the flow by preventing less than the predetermined velocity thereof.

The amount of pressure fluid admitted into the tubing at any differential is further controlled by the pressure, the clearance around the plunger, and the taper of the plunger and its chamber. This taper and the spring force determine the differential at which the peak volume of pressure fluid is admitted; and herein resides one of the important features of this invention, because the amount of power applied to a given load has much to do with the efficiency of the resulting lift. The stronger the spring, the lighter will be the load in relation to. the power, and the greater the taper of plunger and plunger chamber (which may or may not be parallel), the more sudden will be the application of power, and vice versa.

The device shown in Fig. 2 embodies the same inventive idea, the structure being changed from that shown in Fig. l, and it is to be understood that many other embodiments of the invention, including the casing flow embodiment, later described, may, and in fact have been made by this applicant, coming within the scope of this invention. The Fig. 2 embodiment includes the outer case 2, connected in the flow line or, eduction tube. The valve housing is placed axially of the eduction tube. There is a projection at 24 on one side of the valve housing,

which is provided at its outer end with a reduced extremity 25, which is extended through the wall of the casing and held in position by welding or soldering material 26. This projection has an axial opening 2'? leading to the interior of the valve chamber as in the preceding embodiment. A lateral projection 28 at the upper end of the housing is preferably extended in the opposite direction and is secured to the wall of the case by a bond of welding or soldering material 29, which is extended through the wall and within a tapered recess in the end of the projection 28. The valve plunger 30 is of' the same shape as that disclosed in the other embodiment, but it is loosely connected with the valve stem 31 so as to allow relative play between the valve plunger and the stem. An axial recess is formed in the upper end of the valve plunger, and into this recess is extended the reduced lower end 33 upon the valve stem 31. The valve is adapted to fit the upper seat 34 in the top of valve chamber 35.

The valve stem 31 projects upwardly beyond the valve housing, and is screwed within a collar 36, connected by radial arms'il'i, with the interior wall of the actuator 38. Space is thus provided around the collar 36 for the passage of liquid upwardly through the actuator. There is ample clearance between valve stern 31 and the opening through the top of the plunger housing to allow ample passage-way for the pressure fluid.

The actuator is provided with an interior passage 39, the walls of which converge upwardly so as to provide the sameinverted funnel efiect shown in the Fig. 1 embodiment. The outer walls of the actuator are cylindrical. There is a shoulder 40 towards the lower end to form a seat for the spring 21, which tends to hold the actuator downwardly with the valve in open position. The spring bears at its upper end against a ring 41 mounted on the interior wall of the case 2'. This ring, as may be noted, is made up of two concentric sections longitudinally, the outer one in three segments which fit within a groove in the interior wall of the case, and the inner one in two segments is fitted upwardly inside the outer one. The exact construction of this ring forms no part of the present invention.

In Figs. 10, 11, and 12, I have shown an arrangement for carrying out my invention, in which the baflle or actuator is arranged in the housing so that the fluid passing upwardly through the eduction tube will flow around. rather than through, the actuator. In Fig. the case 2" is arranged to be connected in the eduction tube by a means similar to that employed in the previous embodiments. However. the body of the case is of slightly larger diameter than the eduction tube so as to provide a passage therethrough sufllciently large so as not to impede the i volume. of liquid which may flow through the tube. The housing 60 is spaced within the chamber 61 inside the case and is of generally cylindrical outline. It is slotted longltudinally to provide ribs 60 to support and space the ends apart, as seen in Fig. 13. Its

lower end is reduced at 63 to screw within a passage longitudinally through a support 64. similar to that shown in Fig. 15. The said support comprises a supporting ring 65 connected with opposite walls of the housing by arms 86. The lower end of this opening through the support below the housing 60 is closed by a plug 8" similar to that employed in the previous embodiments.

There is a lateral opening through the wall of the case and into the space 67 below the housing 60 and through which pressure fluid may enter. I have placed a choke or reduction nipple 68 in the opening to regulate the amount of flow per unit of time through this inlet. It is con-' templated that various gauges of choke nipple may be used at this point to regulate the flow to thge desired amount of pressure fluid entering the tu The housing 60 is tubular inform, having a central axial open chamber 69 through which the valve stem '70 may project. The lower part of the chamber 69 is tapered downwardly to a guide opening 71 through which the reduced lower end of the valve stem may project. There is a stop flange 72 on the valve stem above the guide passage 71 to act as a stop. limiting the downward-movement of the stem. A spring '73 within the chamber 69 bears at its lower end against the flange '72 and tends to hold the valve stem downwardly. The upper end of said spring bears against a perforated plug 74, which closes the upper end of the housing, except for the passage 75'through the plug, and is adjustable to regulate the compression of the spring '73.

The lower end of the valve stem 70 is still further reduced to flt within the valve plunger 76. Said plunger is similar to that disclosed in the Fig. 2 embodiment. It flts freely within a valve chamber 77 and has downwardly directed serrations '78 thereon into which the sand and sediment may accumulate. The lower end of said valve is supported within a recess 79 in the upper end of the plug 8". The upper end of this valve is tapered to flt within a valve seat 80 at the upper end of the valve chamber 77.

A valve stem 70 is reduced in diameter at its upper end and projects through a central opening 81 in the closure plug '14. Its upper extremity is extended through a passage 82 of somewhat reduced internal diameter and is threaded at its upper end to connect with a downwardly concaved actuator or baiile 83. The upper face of the actuator is convex. I There is a nut 84 at the upper end of the stem which serves to-lock the actuator in engagement upon the stem.

This control member operates in approximately the same manner as does the device shown in the previous embodiments. The valve is raised upwardly toward its seat 'by the flow of fluid through the eduction tube and past the actuator 83. Said fluid engages below the actuator and because of the dished lower face of the actuator and smaller passage 82 below it, it exerts an eflective upward lift on the valve stem, tending to raise said stem upwardly against the action of the spring 73. When the floy of fluid becomes sufficiently strong the valve will be lifted to its upper position, and will close within the seat 80, shutting off the passage of pressure fluid into the housing.

In the Fig. 11 embodiment the case 2" is also somewhat enlarged between the threaded ends to enclose a housing 86. This housing is of tubular shape, the lower end of which connects with a support 64 similar to that disclosed in the F18. 10 embodiment. In this embodiment the housing 86 isprovided with lateral slotted openings through which fluid may pass to and from the interior thereof. The valve member 87 is formed upon an upwardly tapered valve stem 88. Said valve has serrations 78 on its outer surface and the lower end is tapered downwardly at 89 and terminates in a lower, cylindrical extension 90, which is slidable within a recess 91 in the closure plug 8". Said recess may be understood as a guide opening for the stem, holding it centered at the lower end.

The upper end-of the stem 88 passes through an opening 92 in the valve chamber and upwardly into the housing 86. It is extended into a recess 93 on the lower side of an actuator 94; Said actuator is also concaved downwardly providing an outer downwardly ,curved rim 95 against which the fluid may engage. The upper end of the actuator has a cylindrical extension 96 around which the compression spring 97,may flt. The upper end of said spring is held in addusted position by a nut 98 screwed within the upper-end of the housing and having a central opening 99 therein. Above the nut 98 is a second nut 100, through which an enlarged opening is provided to allow free exit of fluid from the interior.

In this device the operation is also similar to that shown in the other embodiments. The pressure fluid is allowed to passinwardly around the valve and upwardly through the, housing. When the flow of fluid upwardly through the eduction tube attains a velocity sumcient to raise the actuator against -the action of the spring 97, the valve will thus be free to rise and will be moved upwardly by the passage of the pressure fluid until it will eventually seat and close off the entrance of further fluid as long as the velocity of flow in the tube is suflicient to hold the actuator in an elevated position.

In both the embodiments shown in Figs. 10 and 11 it is to be noted that the arms 66, which connect the supporting member 64 with the inner wall of the case, are tapered downwardly, as shown at 101 in Fig. 14. This gives a stream line eflect to the passage of liquid and tends to avoid emulsion of the oil.-

In the use of an actuator or baflle such as is shown in either of the embodiments disclosed in Figs. 10 and 11, there is a tendency for the flow of fluid about the actuator to be agitated and to have sufiicient turbulence to emulsify the oilto some extent. Where this is found to occur to an objectionable degree it is possible to use an actuator such as is shown at 102 in Fig. 12. This actuator is of stream line form being tapered toward both ends so as to avoid turbulence. It will, however, because of its position relative to the constricted passage 82, have sufficient lifting effect upon the valve to control its movement and obtain approximately the same eflect as was obtained by the concaved type of actuator. It is also possible, as is shown in Fig. 12, to constrict the passage 82 to a somewhat greater degree than is the case in the Fig. 10 embodiment, thereby obtaining a greater speed of flow and a resulting greater lifting effeet against .the said actuator 102.

The devices shown in Figs. 2, 10 and 11 function approximately the same as the one disclosed in Fig. 1. The air or gas will enter the eduction tube around the valve until the rate of flow of the fluid within the tube tending to elevate the actuator aided by the diiferential of pressure tending to elevate the plunger valve exerts sufllcient force against the actuator and the plunger valve to elevate the same against the compression force of the spring 21. The actuator will then be elevated sufliciently to allow the valve member 30, Fig. 2, to be raised to its upper seat by the inflowing air or gas where the inflow oi air or gas will be cut off. Whenever the rate of flow of fluid within the eduction tube diminishes beyond the predetermined rate the force oi the spring 21' will be suflicient, together with the weight of the actuator and plunge valve, to

move the valve stem and the valve downwardly to admit further pressure fluid. It will be obvious that the valve may be unseated to a very small degree, thus allowing the inlet of only a small amount of air or gas suflicient to increase the lagging'rate oi flow so as to support the valve in proper open position to maintain a constant rate of flow.

It is to be remembered that the air or gas exerts force below the valve tending to hold it in closed position while the spring and weight of the actuator tend to hold it in open position when the well is flowing. The difierence between these forces, together with the force exerted by the stream of liquid upon the actuator, must be overcome in opening the valve. The force of the spring 21 and the weight of the actuator and the valve, must be suficient to overcome the'closing force in order to open the valve, and this downward force may be arranged within a comparatively large range of values by varying the spring compression force and the weight of the actuator.

It is to be understood that in the tubing flow method the power pressure within the casing may come from gas produced in the well, and whenever the gas thus produced exerts sumcient pressure to handle the flow of liquid from the well, it will be obvious that little or no gaseous fluid need be introduced from another source.

Casing flow method In Figs. 5 to 9, and Figs. 16 and 17, inclusive, I have illustrated my invention as applied to the so-called casing flow form of the invention.

The housing 5a is welded into a slit in the case 2a and extends outside of the case as will be obvious. In this embodiment the air or gas is forced downwardly into the well through the tube 1 which, in the previously discussed tubing flow form of the invention, was employed as the eduction tube. The liquid is now flowed upwardly through the casing and around the tube. In thus reversing the paths of the pressure fluid and the well liquid, the construction of the apparatus is somewhat changed but the same identical principle of operation is employed as in the tubing flow method previously described. In Fig. 5,.the casing of the well is shown at 42. The case 2a shown within the casing is threaded at opposite ends to engage within the tube 1 as in the previous embodiments. This inner case is spaced centrally within the casing by means of collars 43 and 44. The upper collar 43 is threaded upon the upper end of the case and iurmshes a support at its lower end for a coiled spring 45. Said collar is held in fixed position on the case by means of a locking ring 46. Said collar is formed with a plurality of radial fins 4'7 thereon, the outer ends of which are flattened to avoid excessive wear against the interior of the casing, as the device is inserted or withdrawn from the well. The fins furnish a loose slidable contact with the casing, thus spacing the device in axial position therein.

The lower collar 44 is of similar construction and secured to the case 2a by a bond of welding 58. This collar is also formed with radial arms 47, loosely contacting with the casing to hold the tube centrally spaced.

The housing 511 for the valve member 12a is secured in the wall of the case by means of a radial projection 48 thereon which fits withina slot in the case and is adapted to be welded in position by bonds of welding material 49 extbnding around the projection. The lower end of the housing is closed by means of a plug 8a and the inner wall of the valve chamber 9a is formed 10 with an opening 10a to allow the passage of gas or air into the interior of said valve chamber. The valve stem 15a projects through the. upper end of the chamber and is secured to the flange '50 on the actuator sleeve 51 by means of the nut 15 18a, as in the first embodiment. The valve is of the same formation and operates in the same manner as that disclosed in the Fig. 1 embodiment for the tubing flow method and will need no further discussion. Suficient clearance is go allowed between valve stem 15a and the opening through the top of plunger chamber to allow ample flow ofpressure fluid to aerate the well liquid.

The actuator 51 is shaped to fit loosely about'gg the case 211. Its structure is best shown in Figs.

6, 7 and 8. There are downwardly projecting arms 52 thereon which serve as guides in the operation of the actuator. Each of these arms is formed with an opening 53 therein and similar 30; openings 54 are formed toward the upper end oil the sleeve iormingthe body of the actuator. These openings are formed to receive balls 55 held in place therein by means of threaded plugs 56 as will be clearly understood from Fig. 7. 3;; These balls bear against the outer periphery of the case 2a and act as antifriction members to allow free sliding movement of the actuator during its operation by preventing the actuator from binding against the outer surface of the case.

It will be noted that the valve stem is secured to the flange'50 upon the actuator at one side thereof and in operation there is, therefore, a slight tendency for the actuator to tip or tilt to one side. This tendency is remedied by the use of the balls 55.

In Fig. 6 I have shown by a series 0! dotted lines 5'7 how the projecting flange 50 may be reduced in area in successive devices from the lowermost to the uppermost. As the speed of the flow of the fluid toward the upper end of the well is greater than toward the lower end, it is proper to cut down the effective area on each succeeding actuator from bottom to top. I contemplate, thereiore, decreasing this area from the lowest device to the highest by successively reducing the size of the flange or baflie 50 as indicated by the dotted circles 5'7 as shown in Fig. 6. This construction is also seen in Figs. 16 and 17 where the battles 50 are decreased in u outer diameter from the lower one shown on Fig. 1'7,- upwardly on the bailies shown in that view and in Fig. 16.

Above the actuator is the spring 45 previously referred to, which tends normally to hold the 4 actuator downwardly with the valve 01! its seat 14a at the upper end of the chamber.

It will be obvious that the action of this embodiment will be identical with that disclosed in the previous embddiments intended to new the 7 well liquid out through the tubing. This actuator diii'ers from the tubing flow construction because it receives and uses energy from the fluid that flows around it, while in the eduction tube or tubing flow method the actuator receives energy from the fluid that flows through it, the actuator being slidably fitted over the case and kept free to move as has been described.

It will thus be seen that my device in all forms is sensitive to the flow of fluid upwardly as well as the difierential and that the valve will remain closed through the combined force of the flow and the differential as long as the velocity remains at or above the predetermined value, but when the velocity is reduced the force of the spring and the weight of the actuator and valve will be suiflcient to overcome the lifting force of the flow upon the actuator and the additional force of the pressure fluid exerted against the lower end of the valve, and the valve will thus be opened.

It should be further noted that the opening of each valve may be suflicient to allow only the entrance of the desired flow of air or gas to cause the well liquid to attain the desired velocity. A continuous and steady flow of liquid from the well will thus be accomplished, and the greatest efliciency in the energy of air required will also be obtained because of the relatively low pressures used as compared to the method of flowing wells with air or gas under greater pressure without the use of these devices.

Without the use of a device to aerate the upstanding column by admitting pressure fluid thereinto through the tubing wall, a well cannot be started flowing by air or gas without the application of pressure enough to depress the liquid in the well to the bottom of the tubing. If there is enough liquid in the well to fill the eduction tube, if flowing thru the tubing, or to fill the annular space between the tubing and the casing, if flowing through the casing, it will be necessary to apply enough pressure to lift the whole weight of such liquid before the well will start, if no such means as herein described is used to aerate the upstanding column. But by means for aerating the upstanding column, the well can be started with less than 25% of the pressure otherwise required to start it; and since air or gas expanding from low pressures is much more eflicient as a power means than when expanding from higher pressures, it is obvious that great economy will result from the use of this means for starting and flowing wells.

While but five embodiments of the inventive idea are shown, it is to be understood that the inventive idea may include many other equivalent embodiments coming within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1:. A well flowing apparatus including a tube adapted for use inside the well casing and to extend into liquid in the well, a passage through the wall thereof for gaseous pressure fluid, a valve housing, a valve therein controlling said passage, an actuator associated in the said hous-.

ing, connected to said valve and normally holding said valve open, said actuator being responsive to an upward flow of fluid past the same to raise said valve toward closed position and to assist the pressure of said gaseous pressure fluid ing closing said valve.

2. A well flowing apparatus including a tube adapted to extend into the liquid in the well, a passage through the wall thereof for gaseous pressure fluid, a valve housing, a valve therein controlling said passage, an actuator associated with said housing, connected to said valve and normally holding said valve open, said actuator being responsive to an upward flow of fluid past the same to move upwardly assisted by said gaseous pressure fluid to control the position of said valve in said housing.

3. A well flowing apparatus including an eduction tube adapted to extend downwardly in a well casing beneath the surface of the well liquid, an inlet thereto for gaseous pressure fluid, a valve housing in said tube, a valve therein controlling said inlet, an actuator in said tube, means connecting said actuator and said valve, said actuator being adapted to be moved upwardly by the flow of fluid in said tube to raise said valve and close said inlet, and means tending to open said valve against the flow of said fluid and the pressure of said pressure fluid.

4; A well flowing apparatus including an eduction tube, a coupling member in said tube, a pressure fluid inlet in the wall of said member, a housing in said member connected with said inlet, a valve in said housing, a stem on said valve, and an actuator secured to said valve stem and responsive to an upward flow of fluid in said tube and the pressure of gaseous fluid at said inlet to close said valve.

5. A well flowing apparatus including an eduction tube, a coupling member in said tube, a pressure fluid inlet in the wall of said member, a housing in said member connected with said inlet, a valve in said housing, a stem on said valve, and an actuator secured to said valve stem and responsive to an upward flow of fluid in said tube and the pressure of gaseous fluid at said inlet to close said valve, and a spring engaging said actuator and exerting a resilient downward pressure thereon.

6. A well flowing apparatus including an eduction tube, a coupling member in said tube, a pressure fluid inlet in the wall of said member, a housing in said member connected with said inlet, a valve in said housing, a stem on said valve, means positively connected with said stem and cooperating with the air pressure at said inlet to automatically move said stem and close said valve'when a predetermined upward flow of fluid occurs in said tube.

7. A well flowing apparatus including an eduction tube, a coupling member in said tube, a pressure fluid, inlet in the wall of said member, a housing in said member connected with said inlet, a valve in said housing, a stem on said valve, adapted to urge the valve toward closed position by the flow of gaseous pressure fluid through said inlet, and means normally holding said valve open, but responsive to the flow of liquid in said tube to move upwardly together with said valve stem and permit said valve to close.

a. A well flowing apparatus including an eduction tube, a coupling member in said tube, a pressure fluid inlet in the wall of said member, a housing in said member connected with said inlet, a valve in said housing, a stem on said valve, an upwardly tapered tubular bafile, an arm thereon connected with said valve, and a spring urging said baiile resiliently downwardly and tending to hold said valve in open position.

9. A well flowing device including an eduction tube, a coupling member in said tube, a pressure fluid inlet in the wall of said member, a housing in said member connected with said inlet, a valve in said housing, a stem on said valve, a

bafile connected to said valve stem, and a spring tion'tube, a coupling member in said tube, a pressure fluid inlet in the wall of said member, a housing in said member connected with said inlet, a valve in said housing, a stem on said valve, a baffle connected to said valve stem, means to hold said valve normally open, but responsive to the flow of fluid about said bafile to allow said valve to be closed.

11. A well flowing device including an eduction tube, a series of coupling members'in said tube, a pressure fluid inlet in the wall of each of said members, a housing in each of said members connected with said inlet, a valve in said housing, a stem on said valve, a baflle connected with "said stem, said baflie having an opening through which the fluid flowing through said eduction tube may flow, and a spring urging said bafile and valve resiliently downwardly toward the open position of the valve, said baffles being graduated in size for each member, the members being spaced at intervals in the eduction tube, the smallest opening through the bafile being in the lowest member, and each succeedingly higher member having a relatively larger opening through the baflle.

12. A well flowing device including an eduction ,tube, a plurality of coupling members in said tube, a pressure fluid inlet in the wall of each said members, a housing in each member connected with said inlet, a valve in said housing, a stem on said valve, a baffle on said stem outside said housing around which the fluid flowing through the eduction tube may flow, and a spring urging said baflie and valve resiliently downwardly toward the open position of the valve, said baflies being graduated in size for each valve, said members being installed at intervals in the eduction tube, the largest baflle being in the lowest member, and each succeedingly higher member having a relatively smaller bafile.

13. A well flowing device including an induction tube for pressure fluid, a coupling member in said tube, a pressure fluid outlet through the wall of said member, a housing upon said member connected with said outlet, a valve in said housing, a stem on said valve, a baflie connected with said stem around which the fluid flowing upwardly around the induction tube may flow, and a spring urging said bafiieand valve resiliently downwardly toward the open position of the valve.

14. A well flowing apparatus including an induction tube, a coupling member in said tube, a pressure, fluid outlet from said coupling, a housing on said tube connected with said outlet, a valve in said housing, a stem on said valve, means responsive to the flow o f fluid about said tube to move said valve stem upwardly and allowing said valve to move toward closed position.

15. A well flowing apparatus including an eduction tube extending from the liquid to the surface of the ground, a passage through the wall of said tube, a valve chamber, a valve therein controlling fluid flow through said passage, an actuator positioned in the path of fluid flow in said well, a stem on said valve connected with said actuator, said actuator being movable iipwardly by the said flow of fluid to move said valve upwardly to closed position when the velocity of flow of said fluid attains a predetermined maximum.

- ALEXANDER BOYNTON.

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