Louisiana Patent of the Month – March 2023

The oil and gas industry has been around for over a century, and with this age has come numerous  technological advancements. One such advancement is the use of gas lift systems, a technique used to lift oil or gas from a well by injecting compressed gas into the production tubing. This technique is used when the well is not producing naturally and requires an external energy source to produce oil or gas.

JMI Manufacturing, located in Broussard, LA, is a premier manufacturer of gas lift valves, chemical valves, and equipment to optimize artificial lift systems for oil and gas wells. The company has recently been granted a patent for their flow control device for injecting gas in a down-hole application. This device includes an elongated injection housing with a set of external seals, an inlet port, and two reverse flow check valves. The reverse flow check valves prevent backflow and ensure the gas flows in the right direction.

Alongside this invention, JMI Manufacturing has created a reverse flow check valve assembly for a down-hole gas injection device. This check valve assembly includes an annular housing with a valve seat and a check dart that moves between a closed and open position. A fluid flow path extends around the check dart to allow fluid to flow around the check dart assembly rather than through it.

These innovations serve to improve the efficiency of gas lift systems and have made the process more reliable. It is crucial to ensure that gas is injected at the right pressure and that the flow of gas is regulated correctly. JMI Manufacturing has addressed these issues with their flow control device and check valve assembly.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

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