Patent ID: 9261091
Filing Date: 2016-02-16
CPC Classification: F04B

Claim Text:
1. A method for pumping a fluid, the method comprising: introducing a power fluid into a power fluid chamber of a pumping apparatus via an internal power fluid column, whereby a transfer piston is lifted so as to close a transfer piston valve, whereby fluid to be pumped is drawn into a transfer chamber via an inlet valve; decreasing a pressure of the power fluid in the power fluid column and the power fluid chamber, whereby the transfer piston falls, the transfer piston valve is opened, and the inlet valve is closed, whereby the fluid to be pumped passes from the transfer chamber via the transfer piston valve into a product chamber; and increasing the pressure of the power fluid in the power fluid column and the power fluid chamber, whereby the transfer piston is raised, the transfer piston valve closes, and the transfer piston valve closes, such that fluid to be pumped in the product chamber is forced out of the product chamber, such that the fluid is pumped, wherein the pumping apparatus comprises a housing; a first inlet disposed within the housing, the first inlet having an inlet valve; an outlet disposed within the housing; an internal power fluid column disposed within the housing, the internal power fluid column having a second inlet; a transfer piston reciprocatingly mounted about the power fluid column, the transfer piston slidably and sealingly extending between the power fluid column and an interior wall of the housing; a product fluid chamber positioned above the transfer piston and at least partially defined by the interior wall of the housing; a transfer chamber positioned below the transfer piston and at least partially defined by the interior wall of the housing; a sealable channel in the transfer piston fluidly connecting the product fluid chamber and the transfer chamber, the sealable channel having a transfer piston valve; and at least one passageway fluidly connecting the power fluid column with a power fluid chamber.