Patent ID: 7051815
Filing Date: 2006-05-30
Classification: E21B,F04C

Abstract:
1. A well assembly comprising: a string of tubing for installation in a well; a downhole pump assembly, the pump assembly having an intake and a discharge outlet; a capsule suspended on the string of tubing, the capsule having a sealed interior with an inlet in fluid communication with an annulus surrounding the string of tubing and the capsule and an outlet connected to the tubing; a downhole pump assembly located within the sealed interior of the capsule, the pump assembly having an intake in fluid communication with the inlet of the capsule and a discharge outlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the capsule; and a flow control device at the inlet of the capsule having an open position for selectively communicating the well fluid in the annulus to the sealed interior of the capsule and to the intake of the pump assembly, the flow control device having a closed position isolating the well fluid in the annulus from the intake of the pump assembly, enabling pressure to be applied to the well fluid in the annulus without increasing pressure on the pump assembly within the sealed interior of the capsule.