Valve assemblies, valve assemblies for use in plunger applications and related methods

A lift assembly comprising:

• a plunger configured to move within downhole tubing;
• and
• at least one valve assembly in the plunger, the at least one valve assembly comprising:
• a restriction element positioned within an internal flow path through the plunger;
• and
• an insert disposed in and secured to the plunger, the insert comprising at least two ribs, each individually extending from a base portion of the insert to an apex of the insert where each of the at least two ribs converge to define a cage in which the restriction element is configured to move axially through the internal flow path between the apex and a seat positioned in the plunger axially opposite the apex;
• wherein, in an open position, the restriction element is configured to be displaced toward the apex of the insert to enable fluid flow through the internal flow path of the plunger and through openings defined between the at least two ribs;
• and
• wherein, in a closed position, the restriction element is configured to restrict fluid flow through the internal flow path.

A method of forming a valve assembly in a plunger, the method comprising:

• positioning a restriction element within a plunger between an insert and a seat,
• positioning the restriction element, the insert, and the seat in an internal flow path through the plunger;
• defining openings in the internal flow path with at least three protrusions of the insert that extend through the internal flow path of the plunger and converge with at least another of the at least three protrusions at an apex of the insert to define a cage in which the restriction element is configured to move axially through the internal flow path;
• in an open position, enabling the restriction element to be displaced toward the apex of the insert to enable fluid flow through the internal flow path and through openings defined between the at least three protrusions;
• and
• in a closed position, enabling the restriction element to engage with the seat to restrict fluid flow through the internal flow path.