Method for using a reciprocating pump vent-dump valve

A method for spotting chemicals in production tubing using makeup fluid and a downhole vent-dump valve having a closed position and a venting position in a well having a pump and associated means for driving the pump, a wellhead and control valves comprising:

• a) preparing the chemical to be spotted;
• b) preparing the makeup fluid;
• c) attaching both the chemical to be spotted and the makeup fluid to the wellhead control valves;
• d) ceasing pumping operations;
• e) opening the control valve leading to the chemical;
• f) drawing up on the pump drive means thereby opening the vent-dump valve and placing the vent-dump valve in the venting position thereby allowing the chemical to be drawn into the well;
• g) closing the control valve leading to chemical as the supply chemical is exhausted and opening the control valve leading to the makeup fluid;
• h) lowering the pump drive means thereby placing the vent-dump valve in the closed position as the supply of makeup fluid is exhausted;
• i) closing the control valve leading to makeup fluid;
• and,
• k) restoring the well to normal operating conditions.

A method for clearing flower sand in production tubing using a downhole vent-dump valve having a closed position and a venting position in a well having a pump and associated means for driving the pump, produced fluid, an annulus, a wellhead and control valves comprising:

• a) ceasing pumping operations;
• b) drawing up on the pump drive means thereby opening the vent-dump valve and placing the vent-dump valve in the venting position thereby allowing produced fluid to flow back into the annulus;
• c) waiting a predetermined time period thereby washing flower sand back into the annulus;
• d) lowering the pump drive means thereby placing the vent-dump valve in the closed position;
• and,
• e) restoring the well to normal operating conditions.

A method for completely dumping the hydrostatic head in production tubing having a hold-down in an oil well using a downhole vent-dump valve having a closed position and a venting position in a well having produced fluid, a pump and associated means for driving the pump, an annulus, a wellhead and control valves for service operations comprising:

• a) ceasing pumping operations;
• b) opening an associated control valve;
• c) drawing up on the pump drive means thereby opening the vent-dump valve and placing the vent-dump valve in a venting position thereby allowing air to be drawn into the production and allowing the produced fluid to flow back into the annulus;
• d) waiting a predetermined time period to allow the hydrostatic head to dissipate in to the annulus;
• f) drawing harder on the pump drive means thereby freeing the pump from the hold-down;
• and,
• g) continuing the service operations as needed.