Patent ID: 7314080

Claim:
A plunger for unloading formation fluids in a high flow hydrocarbon well, said apparatus comprising: a mandrel comprising a top end, a bottom end, and a mandrel orifice through which fluid passes during plunger descent to the well bottom; said mandrel further comprising fluid entry means locatable circumferentially about its bottom end to allow fluid to enter said mandrel orifice, and fluid egress means locatable circumferentially about its top end to allow fluid to exit said mandrel orifice; wherein said mandrel is movable in an axial direction internally within a slidable sleeve to a closed position, whereby said fluid entry means are blocked to fluid entering said mandrel orifice, thereby allowing said plunger to ascend the well and carry loading fluid to the surface; said mandrel being rotatable within said slidable sleeve: and wherein a flange surface of said slidable sleeve contacts a flange surface of said mandrel to form at least one circumferential flange seat positioned within the sleeve to maintain said closed position during plunger ascent, said plunger being driven up by a pressure of gas present within the well.