U.S. patent application number 10/196045 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-22 for combined rod guide and rod rotator device.
Invention is credited to White, Jack D..
Application Number | 20040011532 10/196045 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30442761 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040011532 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
White, Jack D. |
January 22, 2004 |
Combined rod guide and rod rotator device
Abstract
A combined guide and automatic rod rotator device for a downhole
sucker rod which is reciprocating axially. The sucker rod is
connected with a swivel mechanism to allow rotational movement of
the sucker rod. The combined guide and automatic rod rotator device
includes a cylindrical body and at least two vanes extending
radially from the cylindrical body, wherein the vanes are helically
arranged on the body.
Inventors: |
White, Jack D.;
(Bakersfield, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HEAD, JOHNSON & KACHIGIAN
228 W 17TH PLACE
TULSA
OK
74119
US
|
Family ID: |
30442761 |
Appl. No.: |
10/196045 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/381 ;
166/241.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 17/1071 20130101;
E21B 17/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/381 ;
166/241.2 |
International
Class: |
E21B 023/00; E21B
017/10 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A combined guide and automatic rod rotator device for a downhole
sucker rod which is reciprocated axially, wherein said sucker rod
is connected with a swivel mechanism to allow rotational movement
of said sucker rod, which device comprises: a cylindrical body; and
at least two vanes extending radially from said cylindrical body,
wherein said vanes are helically arranged on said body.
2. A combined device as set forth in claim 1 having three said
vanes.
3. A combined device as set forth in claim 1 having four said
vanes.
4. A combined device as set forth in claim 1 wherein each said vane
extends helically approximately ninety degrees (90.degree.).
5. A combined device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said swivel
mechanism is chosen from the group consisting of a bearing block at
the wellhead, a swivel coupling in said sucker rod, and another
existing means of rotation of said sucker rod.
6. A combined device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said downhole
sucker rod communicates with a limiter device to allow rotation of
said sucker rod in one direction only and prevent rotation in an
opposite direction.
7. A combined device as set forth in claim 1 wherein each said vane
has a pair of planar sidewalls parallel to each other.
8. A combined device as set forth in claim 7 wherein each said vane
includes a radiused face between said sidewalls.
9. A combined device as set forth in claim 2 wherein each said vane
tapers toward said cylindrical body.
10. A combined device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said
cylindrical body is adhesively bonded to said rod.
11. A method to guide a downhole sucker rod in reciprocating axial
movement and to radially rotate said sucker rod, which method
comprises: guiding a sucker rod through said axial movement in a
well tubing with at least two vanes extending from a cylindrical
body; and rotating said sucker rod radially in said well tubing by
force of fluid against said vanes, each of which is helically
arranged about said body.
12. A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said sucker rod is
permitted to rotate by a swivel mechanism chosen from the group
consisting of a bearing block at the wellhead, a swivel coupling in
said sucker rod, and another existing means of rotation of said
sucker rod.
13. A method as set forth in claim 12 including the additional step
of limiting rotation in an opposite direction by a limiter
device.
14. A method as set forth in claim 12 wherein said swivel mechanism
is a swivel coupling and wherein only a portion of said sucker rod
is rotated radially.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is directed to a combined rod guide
and rod rotator which may be used in downhole well
applications.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] Rod guides are used for stabilizing and centralizing sucker
rods which are usually long, cylindrical rods used in downhole well
applications. In one type of application, the sucker rod is
reciprocated within a well bore or tubing string to pump oil or
other fluids from a reservoir.
[0005] The rod itself is usually attached at the surface to a
pumping unit. The rod and attached rod guide or guides reciprocate
axially upwardly and downwardly within the tubing string. Oil and
other fluid passes upwardly through the gap between the rod and the
tubing string to the surface. The rod is prevented from moving
sideways or wobbling by the installation of periodic rod guides.
The rod guides typically have a number of vanes, fins or blades
which extend radially and centralize the rod within the cylindrical
tubing. This prevents the rod from wearing or from other damage.
Any wear will, thus, occur to the rod guide fins.
[0006] The rod guides may be fabricated from various materials,
such as synthetic materials which are oil-resistant and resistant
to abrasion.
[0007] In one known type of procedure, the cylindrical rod is
manufactured initially and then the guides are affixed thereto by
adhesive bonding.
[0008] It is also desirable to prevent the vanes from wearing on
the tubing string in a single location. Accordingly, in the past,
there have been devices at or near the surface which will rotate
the rod upon each reciprocal movement of the rod in the well. These
known rod rotators are mechanically driven at the surface or are
driven by the reciprocal axial movement of the rod.
[0009] Also in the past, helically wound fins or vanes have been
added or wrapped around a sucker rod such as shown in Bostic, U.S.
Pat. No. 1,633,843, entitled "Snap-On Sucker Rod Guide".
[0010] It is desirable to provide a rod guide that will prevent
sideways or wobbling movement and centralize the rod within the
string. It is also desirable at the same time to provide a rod
guide which will facilitate periodic rotation of the guide so that
wear on the tubing string is evenly applied.
[0011] It is also desirable to provide a rod guide that will be
rotated by the resistance of fluid against the vanes of the rod
guide, without requiring further mechanical action.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention is directed to a combined rod guide
and automatic rod rotator device.
[0013] In a typical well operation, a sucker rod extends from the
surface downhole to a production area where fluid is located. The
sucker rod will reciprocate in the well bore or tubing string and
may be composed of a number of sections which are joined together
by threaded couplings.
[0014] One or more devices constructed in accordance with the
present invention will be utilized in conjunction with the sucker
rod in order to stabilize and centralize the sucker rod in the
downhole well. A cylindrical body surrounds the circumference of
the sucker rod. The cylindrical body is also coaxial with the
sucker rod which passes through a cylindrical opening in the body.
The combined rod guide and rod rotator device includes at least two
opposed fins or vanes which extend radially from the cylindrical
body. Each vane has a pair of substantially planar sidewalls that
are parallel to each other. Each vane is helically arranged on the
cylindrical body. In one embodiment, each vane travels and extends
helically approximately 90.degree. around the body. The hydraulic
force of the fluid downhole will cause the device and the attached
sucker rod to rotate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of one well arrangement
utilizing the combined rod guide and rod rotator device of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is an alternate arrangement of a well utilizing the
combined rod guide and rod rotator device of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram of a further, alternate
arrangement of a well utilizing the combined rod guide and rod
rotator device of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates an end view and FIG. 5 illustrates a
perspective view of a combined rod guide and rod rotator device
having two extending vanes.
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view and FIG. 7 illustrates
an end view of a combined rod guide and rod rotator device having
three extending vanes.
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates an end view and FIG. 9 illustrates a
perspective view of a combined rod guide and rod rotator device
constructed in accordance with the present invention having four
extending vanes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of
specific manners in which to make and use the invention and are not
to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the instant
invention.
[0022] While the invention has been described with a certain degree
of particularity, it is to be noted that many modifications may be
made in the details of the invention's construction and the
arrangement of its components without departing from the spirit and
scope of this disclosure. It is understood that the invention is
not limited to the embodiments set forth herein for purposes of
exemplification.
[0023] Referring to the drawings in detail, FIGS. 1, 2 and 3
illustrate alternate arrangements utilizing the combined guide and
automatic rod rotator device 10 of the present invention.
[0024] As seen in FIG. 1, a typical pumping jack unit 12 would be
located at the surface. An engine or motor moves a beam 38. A cable
14 attached to the beam reciprocates a polished rod 16 axially as
shown in arrow 18.
[0025] Typical components in a well operation might include a
stuffing box 20, a lateral flow line 22, a tubing head 24 and
casing head 26. Various alternatives and permutations of these
arrangements are known.
[0026] Movement of the polished rod 16 causes reciprocal axial
movement of a sucker rod 30 downhole within a well bore or tubing
string 32. The sucker rod maybe composed of a number of sections
which are joined together by threaded coupling 28. The sucker rod
30 will extend from the surface downhole to a production area where
fluid is located. The sucker rod 30 will reciprocate in the well
bore or tubing string. The sucker rod will be powered or driven
from the surface and will drive a downhole pump or other tool.
Fluid in the production area will be brought to the surface in the
space between the sucker rod 30 and the well bore or tubing string
32.
[0027] A bearing block 34 permits free rotational movement of the
sucker rod 30 within the tubing string or well bore.
[0028] As will be explained in detail, the reciprocal movement of
the rod guide 10 through downhole fluid will cause the attached
sucker rod to rotate radially.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate arrangement utilizing the
combined guide and automatic rod rotator device of the present
invention. A typical pumping jack unit 40 would be located at the
surface. A cable 42 reciprocates a polished rod 44 axially as shown
by arrow 46.
[0030] Typical components in a well operation might include a
stuffing box 48, a lateral flow line 50, a tubing head 52 and a
casing head 54. Movement of the polished rod 44 causes reciprocal
axial movement of a sucker rod 56 downhole within a well bore or
tubing string 58. The sucker rod 56 may be composed of a number of
sections joined together by couplings 62.
[0031] A rod rotator 60 rotates the sucker rod upon each axial
passage of the rod. Various types of mechanical rod rotators are
known. In one type of known rod rotator 60, a rotating force is
provided by a ratchet handle that is moved upward by movement of
the rod and moves downward by gravity to cause rotation of the rod.
The present invention could be used in conjunction with an existing
rod rotator to encourage rotational movement.
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a further alternate arrangement utilizing
the combined guide and automatic rod rotator device 10 of the
present invention.
[0033] A typical pump jacking unit 70 would be located at the
surface. A cable 72 reciprocates a polished rod 74 axially as shown
by arrow 76.
[0034] Typical components in a well operation might include a
stuffing box 78, a lateral flow line 80, a tubing head 82 and a
casing head 84.
[0035] Movement of the polished rod 74 causes reciprocal axial
movement of a sucker rod 86 downhole within a well bore or tubing
string 88. The sucker rod 86 is composed of a number of sections
joined together by couplings 92. One of the connections would be a
swivel coupling 90 which permits free rotation of one section of
the rod with another. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the sucker
rod below the swivel coupling 90 would be rotated by force of fluid
on the guide 10 while the sucker rod above the coupling would not
rotate.
[0036] By use of swivel couplings and the present invention, it is
possible to rotate only a portion of the length of the sucker
rod.
[0037] FIG. 4 is an end view and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a
first embodiment of a combined rod guide and rod rotator 10
constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0038] A cylindrical body 100 surrounds the circumference of the
sucker rod 30. The cylindrical body 100 is also coaxial with the
sucker rod which passes through a cylindrical opening in the body
100.
[0039] The combined rod guide and rod rotator 10 also includes two
opposed fins or vanes 102 and 104 which extend radially from the
cylindrical body 100. By way of example and not by way of
limitation, the sucker rod may have a one inch diameter and the
total diameter of the device is approximately 2.3 inches. The
device may have a length of approximately 6 inches.
[0040] The vanes each have a pair of substantially planar side
walls that are parallel to each other.
[0041] Each of the fins is oriented approximately 180.degree.
radially from each other. Each vane 102 and 104 is helically
arranged on the cylindrical body 100. In the embodiment shown, each
vane travels and extends helically approximately 90.degree. around
the body. The vanes may be helically wound to a lesser or greater
extent. Between the vanes, an exterior face may have a radiused
configuration to mate with the interior of the tubing string or
well bore.
[0042] Additionally, each vane 102 and 104 tapers toward the ends
of the cylindrical body. Accordingly, the device has a length
slightly longer than the length of each of the vanes.
[0043] FIG. 6 is a perspective view and FIG. 7 is an end view of
the second embodiment of a combined rod guide and rod rotator 110
constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0044] A cylindrical body 112 surrounds the circumference of the
sucker rod. The cylindrical body 112 is also coaxial with the
sucker rod which passes through the cylindrical opening in the
body. The combined rod guide 110 also includes three oppose fins or
vanes 114, 116 and 118 which extend radially from the cylindrical
body. The vanes each have a pair of substantially planar sidewalls
that are parallel to each other. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6
and 7, each of the vanes are oriented approximately 120.degree.
radially from an adjoining vane. Each vane 114, 116 and 118 is
helically arranged on the cylindrical body 110. In the embodiment
shown, each vane travels and extends helically approximately
90.degree. around the body. The vanes maybe helically wound to a
lesser or greater extent.
[0045] FIG. 8 is an end view and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a
third embodiment of a combined rod guide and rod rotator 120
constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0046] A cylindrical body 122 surrounds the circumference of the
sucker rod. The cylindrical body 122 is also coaxial with the
sucker rod which passes through a cylindrical opening in the body.
The combined rod guide and rod rotator also includes four opposed
fins or vanes 124, 126, 128 and 130 which extend radially from the
cylindrical body 122. Each of the vanes has a pair of substantially
planar sidewalls that are parallel to each other. Each of the vanes
is oriented approximately 90.degree. radially from each other. Each
vane 124, 126, 128 and 130 is helically arranged on the cylindrical
body 122. Each vane travels and extends approximately 90.degree.
around the body.
[0047] In each of the embodiments, the rotation will tend to
equalize wear on the tubing or well string.
[0048] In one method of construction, a sucker rod is placed within
a mold having a cavity. The guide material is then poured into the
mold where it cures and adheres around the sucker rod. Accordingly,
the combined guide is adhesively bonded to the rod. The force
indicated by arrow 36 in FIG. 1 will be brought to bear against
each of the vanes. Accordingly, the force of the fluid will cause
the device 10 and the attached rod to rotate.
[0049] The vanes will be helically arranged in the direction so as
to tighten any threaded connection at the coupling which joins the
sections together. For example, if the section couplings have a
right hand thread to tighten, the vanes will be arranged to rotate
the rod in the same direction.
[0050] Whereas, the present invention has been described in
relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood
that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or
suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this
invention.
* * * * *