US Patent 11788379 Gas venting in subterranean wells

A gas vent tool can include a body with a flow passage having upstream and downstream sections, a valve that selectively permits and blocks flow between the upstream section and an exterior of the gas vent tool, and a valve that selectively permits and blocks flow between the upstream and downstream sections. A gas vent system can include a gas vent tool connected longitudinally between an intake tool and a pump, the intake tool being configured to receive formation fluids therein, and the pump being configured to pump the formation fluids to surface. The gas vent tool can include a valve that selectively permits and blocks flow between an interior flow passage and an annulus external to the gas vent tool, and a valve that selectively permits and blocks flow between upper and lower sections of the flow passage.