Patent ID: 6289990
Filing Date: 2001-09-18
Classification: E21B,F16K

Abstract:
A well pumping apparatus for suspension on a string of tubing in a well, comprising:a submersible pump assembly adapted to be installed on a string of tubing;a valve housing adapted to be secured to the string of tubing above the submersible pump assembly, the valve housing having an interior adapted to be in communication with fluid in the string of tubing above the valve housing, and a shunt port for communicating the interior of the valve housing with an annulus surrounding the string of tubing;a shunt valve member slidably and sealingly received within the valve housing for movement between open and closed positions, the shunt valve member closing the shunt port while in the closed position, and while in the open position, opening the shunt port;a tubing access seat in the valve housing for communicating the submersible pump assembly with the string of tubing; anda tubing access valve member that moves between a closed position, closing the tubing access seat, and an open position, opening the tubing access seat; and whereinpressure exerted by operation of the submersible pump assembly causes the shunt valve member to move to the closed position and the tubing access valve member to move to the open position, and ceasing operation of the submersible pump assembly causes the shunt valve member to move to the open position and the tubing access valve member to move to the closed position, allowing fluid in the tubing string to flow out the shunt port to equalize with fluid in the annulus.