ANTI-CLOGGING DEVICE FOR BARREL ASSEMBLY OF A DOWNHOLE PUMP

Abstract

An anti-clogging device for a barrel assembly of a downhole pump inserted in a well is provided. The anti-clogging device includes an upper shank portion having means for removably securing the anti-clogging device to a lower end of the barrel assembly, and a lower functional portion extending from a lower end of the upper shank portion,. The lower functional portion includes means for creating turbulence in a mixture of liquid, sand and dirt mixture in the well as the barrel assembly moves up and down. An outer surface of the upper shank portion of the anti-clogging device may be provided with male threads which threadabtly engage corresponding female threads in the lower end of the barrel assembly. A plurality of grooves are formed in an outer surface of the lower functional section at an angle relative to a vertical axis of the device. Also provided as part of the turbulence creating means is a plurality of teeth extending downwardly from a lower end of the lower functional portion of the anti-clogging device.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for improving the performance of downhole pumps commonly used in the oil industry. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device at the end of the barrel assembly of a bottom hole pump for preventing the buildup of sand and dirt outside the pump between the tubing and the barrel.

Description of the Related Art

[0002] Beam pumping, or the sucker-rod lift method, is the oldest and most widely used type of artificial lift for most wells. A sucker-rod pumping system is made up of several components, some of which operate above ground and other parts of which operate underground, down in the well. As shown in FIG. 1, the surface-pumping unit 10, which drives the underground pump, consists of a prime mover 12 (usually an electric motor) and, normally, a beam 14, also known as a walking beam, fixed to a pivotal post 16, also known as a Sampson post. This system allows the beam 14 to rock back and forth, moving the downhole components up and down in the process. The entire surface system 10 is run by a prime mover 12, V-belt drives 18, and a gearbox with a crank mechanism on it. When this type of system is used, it is usually called a beam-pump installation. However, other types of surface-pumping units can be used, including hydraulically actuated units (with and without some type of counterbalancing system), or even tall-tower systems that use a chain or belt to allow long strokes and slow pumping speeds. The more-generic name of sucker-rod lift, or sucker-rod pumping, should be used to refer to all types of reciprocating rod-lift methods.

[0003] The underground pumping unit 20 includes a string of linked sucker rods 22 attached to an underground pump 24. The linked sucker rods 22 and are usually long steel rods, from 5/8 to more than 1 or 11/4 in. in diameter that are screwed together in 25- or 30-ft lengths. The string of linked sucker rods 22 fit inside the tubing 23 and are stroked up and down by the surface-pumping unit 10. This activates the downhole, positive-displacement pump 24 at the bottom of the well. Each time the rods 22 and pumps 24 are stroked, a volume of produced fluid is lifted through the sucker-rod tubing annulus and discharged at the surface.

[0004] The pump 24, also known as a sucker rod pump, bottom hole pump, subsurface pump, or reciprocating pump, is used to pump fluid to the top of the ground. There are two types of sucker rod pumps, the tubing pump style and the insert pump. Both styles of pump generally consist of a barrel assembly 25, a stationary valve 26 and a traveling valve 27 attached to a plunger 28. The pump 24 is placed at a depth where it will be covered by fluid while it is pumping. A holddown 29 may be utilized in either style pump at the bottom of the well to hold the pump 24 in its working position.

[0005] By way of example, a traveling barrel bottom holddown insert pump 24 is shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. When using an insert pump, the complete pump 24 is run in the well on the bottom of the linked sucker rods 22. The plunger 28 is stationary and attaches to the holddown 29 with a hollow pull tube 21. The stationary valve 26 is located at the top of the plunger 28, and the traveling valve 27 at the top of the barrel assembly 25, which is attached the the sucker rod string 22.

[0006] On the up stroke, shown in FIG. 2B, the barrel assembly 25 is pulled up, the traveling valve 27 closes, the stationary valve 26 opens, and fluid is lifted upward through the hollow pull tube 21 into the region between the plunger 28 and the barrel assembly 25. On the down stroke, shown in FIG. 2A, when the pressure below the traveling valve 27 becomes greater than the pressure above it, it opens. As the barrel assembly 25 travels downward, the stationary valve 26 closes trapping the fluid above it and pushing it though the open traveling valve 27 upward into the tubing 23, and, eventually, to the surface.

[0007] Traveling barrel bottom holddown insert pumps such as the one shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, are recognized as being good for use in dirty, sandy wells because the movement of the barrel assembly 25 keeps the sand moving so it can't settle around the holddown 29. However, in practice, in areas where sand and dirt are prevalent, the pumps still frequently get clogged which requires the retrieval of the pump from the downhole for inspection and cleaning periodically.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a device at the lower end of the barrel assembly of a downhole pump which better protects against the settling of sand and dirt between the holddown and the end of the barrel assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device which better protects against, reduces, and effectively prevents the settling of sand and dirt between the holddown and the end of at the barrel assembly of a downhole pump.

[0010] The present invention meets these objects by providing an anti-clogging device for the barrel assembly of a downhole pump. The present invention meets these objectives by providing a device having a plurality of angled grooves in the outer surface thereof. The device can be attached to the end of the barrel assembly of a downhole pump and creates turbulence in the mixture of liquid, sand and dirt thereby preventing a buildup of sand and dirt in the area between the holddown and the barrel assembly.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an anti-clogging device for a barrel assembly of a downhole pump inserted in a well. The anti-clogging device includes an upper shank portion having means for removably securing the anti-clogging device to a lower end of the barrel assembly, and a lower functional portion extending from a lower end of the upper shank portion,. The lower functional portion includes means for creating turbulence in a mixture of liquid, sand and dirt mixture in the well as the barrel assembly moves up and down. An outer surface of the upper shank portion of the anti-clogging device may be provided with male threads which threadabtly engage corresponding female threads in the lower end of the barrel assembly.

[0012] The turbulence creating means according to one aspect of the invention comprises a plurality of grooves formed in an outer surface of the lower functional section at an angle relative to a vertical axis of the device. Preferably, each groove is oriented at an angle of 40 degrees from the vertical axis, and nine angled grooves are provided.

[0013] The turbulence creating means according to a further aspect of the invention comprises a plurality of teeth extending downwardly from a lower end of the lower functional portion of the anti-clogging device. Preferably, the faces of the teeth are oriented at an angle of 15 degrees relative to the horizontal axis of the lower end of the lower functional portion of the anti-clogging device, and nine teeth are provided. The nine teeth extend from the lower end of the lower functional position of the anti-clogging device at locations between each corresponding one of the nine grooves.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the invention, each groove has an open first end at the lower end of the lower functional portion of the anti-clogging device and a closed second end at a point near an upper end of the lower functional portion of the anti-clogging device. The anti-clogging device is made from a strong, anti-corrosive material, such as, according to one aspect of the invention, 316 Stainless Steel.

[0015] Yet another aspect of the invention is an anti-clogging device for a barrel assembly of a downhole pump inserted in a well having a plurality of grooves and teeth. The plurality of grooves may be formed in an outer surface of a lower region of the barrel assembly. Each groove is formed at an angle relative to a vertical axis of the device. The plurality of teeth extend downwardly from a lower end of the lower region of the barrel assembly. Preferably, each groove is oriented at an angle of 40 degrees from the vertical axis, and the faces of the teeth are oriented at an angle of 15 degrees relative to the horizontal axis of the lower end of the barrel assembly.

[0016] These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a review of the following drawings and detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The present invention can best be understood in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of downhole sucker rod pumping system as is known in the prior art.

[0019] FIG. 2A is a schematic view of a traveling barrel bottom holddown insert pump as is known in the prior art with the pump shown in the down stroke.

[0020] FIG. 2B is a schematic view of a traveling barrel bottom holddown insert pump as is known in the prior art with the pump shown in the up stroke.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a side view in elevation of an anti-clogging device for the barrel assembly of a downhole pump according to on presently preferred embodiment on the invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the anti-clogging device for the barrel assembly of a downhole pump shown in FIG. 3.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the anti-clogging device for the barrel assembly of a downhole pump shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] For purposes of promoting and understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. The invention includes any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices and described methods and further applications of the principles of the invention that would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0025] As best shown in FIG. 3-FIG. 5, one presently preferred embodiment of the invention comprises an anti-clogging device 40 for the barrel assembly 25 of a downhole pump 24. The anti-clogging device 40 has an upper shank portion 41 and a lower functional portion 42. Means are provided for securing the anti-clogging device 40 to the lower end of the barrel assembly 25. According to the preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the shank portion 41 of the anti-clogging device 40 is provided with male threads 43 which threadabtly engage corresponding female threads in the open lower end of the barrel assembly 25.

[0026] The outer surface of the lower functional portion 42 of the anti-clogging device 40 is provided with a plurality of grooves 44 therein. The grooves are formed in the outer surface of the lower section 42 at an angle relative to the vertical axis of the device 40. The angled grooves 44 create additional turbulence in the liquid, sand, dirt mixture in the well as the barrel assembly 25 moves up and down in the tube 23. According to one preferred embodiment, nine (9) angled grooves 44 are provided in the outer surface of the lower section 42 with each groove oriented at an angle of 40 degrees from the vertical axis.

[0027] A plurality of teeth 45 are also provided at the lower edge of the lower section 42 to further promote turbulence in the liquid, sand, dirt mixture in the well. The teeth 45 also help to dislodge any sand and dirt that may have settled atop the holddown 29 when the traveling valve 27 and barrel assembly 25 are at the end of the downstroke. According to a preferred embodiment, nine (9) teeth 45 corresponding to the nine (9) grooves 44 are provided, and the face of the teeth 45 are oriented at an angle of 15 degrees relative to the horizontal axis of the lower portion 42 of the anti-clog device 40.

[0028] Because of the moisture and harsh environment that the anti-clog device 40 may be exposed to, it is necessary that the device be made from a strong, anti-corrosive material. According to one presently preferred embodiment, the anti-clog device 40 is formed from 316 Stainless Steel.

[0029] It is also anticipated that means other than male threads 43 may be implemented for connecting the anti-clog device 40 to the barrel assembly 25. Further, it is understood and within the scope of the invention to form the grooves 44 and teeth 45 directly in the outer surface at the end region of the barrel assembly 25, thus avoiding the need for a separate connected device.

[0030] This detailed description, and particularly the specific details of the exemplary embodiment disclosed, is given primarily for clearness of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modifications will become evident to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. An anti-clogging device for a barrel assembly of a downhole pump inserted in a well comprising: an upper shank portion having means for removably securing the anti-clogging device to a lower end of the barrel assembly; a lower functional portion extending from a lower end of the upper shank portion, said lower functional portion including means for creating turbulence in a mixture of liquid, sand and dirt mixture in the well as the barrel assembly moves up and down.

2. The anti-clogging device according to claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the upper shank portion of the anti-clogging device is provided with male threads which threadabtly engage corresponding female threads in the lower end of the barrel assembly.

3. The anti-clogging device according to claim 1, wherein the turbulence creating means comprises a plurality of grooves formed in an outer surface of the lower section functional section at an angle relative to a vertical axis of the device.

4. The anti-clogging device according to claim 3, wherein each groove is oriented at an angle of 40 degrees from the vertical axis.

5. The anti-clogging device according to claim 3, wherein nine angled grooves are provided in the outer surface of the lower functional section.

6. The anti-clogging device according to claim 5, wherein each groove is oriented at an angle of 40 degrees from the vertical axis.

7. The anti-clogging device according to claim 6, wherein the turbulence creating means further comprises a plurality of teeth extending downwardly from a lower end of the lower functional portion of the anti-clogging device.

8. The anti-clogging device according to claim 7, wherein faces of the teeth are oriented at an angle of 15 degrees relative to the horizontal axis of the lower end of the lower functional portion of the anti-clogging device.

9. The anti-clogging device according to claim 8, wherein nine teeth are provided, said nine teeth extending from the lower end of the lower functional position of the anti-clogging device at locations between each corresponding one of the nine grooves.

10. The anti-clogging device according to claim 3, wherein the turbulence creating means further comprises a plurality of teeth extending downwardly from a lower end of the lower functional portion of the anti-clogging device.

11. The anti-clogging device according to claim 10, wherein faces of the teeth are oriented at an angle of 15 degrees relative to the horizontal axis of the lower end of the lower functional portion of the anti-clogging device.

12. The anti-clogging device according to claim 1, wherein the turbulence creating means further comprises a plurality of teeth extending downwardly from a lower end of the lower functional portion of the anti-clogging device.

13. The anti-clogging device according to claim 12, wherein faces of the teeth are oriented at an angle of 15 degrees relative to the horizontal axis of the lower end of the lower functional portion of the anti-clogging device.

14. The anti-clogging device according to claim 3 wherein each groove has an open first end at the lower end of the lower functional portion of the anti-clogging device and a closed second end at a point near an upper end of the lower functional portion of the anti-clogging device.

15. The anti-clogging device according to claim 1 wherein the anti-clogging device is made from a strong, anti-corrosive material.

16. The anti-clogging device according to claim 15, wherein the anti-clog device is formed from 316 Stainless Steel.

17. An anti-clogging device for a barrel assembly of a downhole pump inserted in a well comprising: a plurality of grooves formed in an outer surface of a lower region of the barrel assembly, each of said grooves formed at an angle relative to a vertical axis of the device; and a plurality of teeth extending downwardly from a lower end of the lower region of the barrel assembly.

18. The anti-clogging device according to claim 17, wherein each groove is oriented at an angle of 40 degrees from the vertical axis.

19. The anti-clogging device according to claim 18, wherein faces of the teeth are oriented at an angle of 15 degrees relative to the horizontal axis of the lower end of the barrel assembly.