Check & Bleeder Valve

Check valves are recommended for use in the tubing string for ESP systems to keep the discharge-tubing full of fluid when the pump is off. The check valve allows for a full column of fluid/head for the pump to restart against, thereby eliminating the possibility of damage to the pumping system that may be attributed to insufficient head. It will also eliminate fluid from flushing back through the pump, enabling a quicker restart. The check valve is run generally two or three joints above the pump. If the check valve is not installed, the pump should not be started until the fluid column has had a chance to equalize — eliminating the chance for a twisted shaft in the pump, or a burned cable or motor.

The Bleeder Valve is normally installed one joint above the check valve. The Bleeder Valve (or Drain Valve) has a small drain plug inside it. Breaking the plug allows the tubing to drain well fluid from the tubing to the annulus area.

Combination bleeder and check valve used in applications where both a check valve and a drain valve are needed to protect the ESP and prevent pulling wet tubing.