U.S. patent application number 11/047784 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-16 for method of circulating through a reciprocating downhole tubing pump and a reciprocating downhole tubing pump.
Invention is credited to Burns, Bradley Gerald, Elford, Wendall Wayne, Walker, Stacy James.
Application Number | 20050129547 11/047784 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34654591 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050129547 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burns, Bradley Gerald ; et
al. |
June 16, 2005 |
Method of circulating through a reciprocating downhole tubing pump
and a reciprocating downhole tubing pump
Abstract
A method of circulating through a reciprocating downhole tubing
pump and a reciprocating downhole tubing pump. The reciprocating
downhole tubing pump has a standing valve assembly and a travelling
valve. The method involves displacing and disabling, without
removing, the standing ball valve assembly and the travelling
valve. This can be done with pins which knock the balls out of
position or by enclosing the balls in cages which can be
mechanically moved out of position with linkages. With the standing
ball valve assembly and the travelling valve disabled, circulation
can occur through the reciprocating downhole tubing pump. This has
a number of advantages, such as removal of blockages due to sand
accumulation.
Inventors: |
Burns, Bradley Gerald;
(Lloydminster, CA) ; Elford, Wendall Wayne;
(Lloydminster, CA) ; Walker, Stacy James;
(Lloydminster, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTENSEN, O'CONNOR, JOHNSON, KINDNESS, PLLC
1420 FIFTH AVENUE
SUITE 2800
SEATTLE
WA
98101-2347
US
|
Family ID: |
34654591 |
Appl. No.: |
11/047784 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/555.1 ;
417/554 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 37/00 20130101;
B08B 9/02 20130101; E21B 43/127 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/555.1 ;
417/554 |
International
Class: |
F04B 039/00; F04B
039/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 26, 2003 |
CA |
2,429,506 |
Jun 10, 2003 |
CA |
2,431,604 |
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A method of circulating through a reciprocating downhole tubing
pump which has a standing ball valve and a travelling ball valve
positioned downhole, comprising the steps of: providing first means
for mechanically displacing and disabling, without removing, a ball
from a ball seat on the travelling ball valve; providing second
means for mechanically displacing and disabling, without removing,
a ball from a ball seat on the standing valve assembly; and
activating the first means to prevent the ball from engaging the
ball seat on the travelling ball valve and the second means to
prevent the ball from engaging the ball seat on the standing ball
valve assembly and circulating fluids through both the travelling
ball valve and the standing ball valve assembly.
2. A reciprocating downhole tubing pump, comprising: a barrel; a
piston axially movable along the barrel; a travelling ball valve
carried by the piston, the travelling valve having a ball seat
which receives a ball; a first means for mechanically displacing
and disabling, without removing, the ball from the ball seat on the
travelling ball valve; a standing ball valve assembly positioned
within the barrel, the standing ball valve assembly including a
ball seat which receives a ball; a second means for mechanically
displacing and disabling, without removing, the ball from the ball
seat on the standing valve assembly; and means for activating the
first means to prevent the ball from engaging the ball seat on the
travelling ball valve and the second means to prevent the ball from
engaging the ball seat on the standing ball valve assembly, such
that a circulation of fluids can occur through both the travelling
ball valve and the standing ball valve assembly.
3. A method of circulating through a reciprocating downhole tubing
pump which has a standing ball valve and a travelling ball valve
positioned downhole, comprising the steps of: providing displacing
means on top of the standing ball valve assembly for displacing a
ball from a ball seat on the travelling ball valve when the
travelling ball valve is lowered onto the standing ball valve
assembly; providing a linkage for displacing a ball from a ball
seat on the standing valve assembly, the linkage being engaged to
displace the ball when the travelling ball valve is lowered onto
the standing ball valve assembly; and lowering the travelling ball
valve onto the standing ball valve assembly, such that the
displacing means extends through the valve seat to prevent the ball
from engaging the ball seat on the travelling ball valve and the
travelling valve acts upon the linkage to prevent the ball from
engaging the ball seat on the standing ball valve assembly, thereby
permitting an unfettered circulation of fluids through both the
travelling ball valve and the standing ball valve assembly.
4. A method of circulating through a reciprocating downhole tubing
pump which has a standing ball valve and a travelling ball valve
positioned downhole, comprising the steps of: providing a standing
ball valve assembly that has: an upstanding first pin secured on
top of the standing ball valve assembly, the first pin being in
axial alignment with a ball seat which receives a ball on the
travelling ball valve; a ball seat which receives a ball, the ball
being confined within a ball cage; a pivot linkage adapted to pivot
the ball cage from an operative position to a circulating position
in which the ball cage is raised and the ball on the standing ball
valve assembly is lifted by the ball cage off the ball seat; and
lowering the travelling ball valve onto the standing ball valve
assembly, such that the first pin extends through the valve seat to
prevent the ball from engaging the ball seat on the travelling ball
valve and the travelling valve acts upon the pivot linkage to pivot
the ball cage to the circulating position to prevent the ball from
engaging the ball seat on the standing ball valve assembly, thereby
permitting an unfettered circulation of fluids through both the
travelling ball valve and the standing ball valve assembly.
5. A method of circulating through a reciprocating downhole tubing
pump which has a standing ball valve and a travelling ball valve
positioned downhole, comprising the steps of: providing a standing
ball valve assembly that has: an upstanding first pin secured on
top of the standing ball valve assembly, the first pin being in
axial alignment with a ball seat which receives a ball on the
travelling ball valve; a ball seat which receives a ball, the ball
being confined within a ball cage; a rigid pivot linkage having a
first end and a second end, the first end being secured to the ball
cage with a fulcrum positioned between the first end and the second
end, such that when a downward force is exerted on the second end
of the pivot linkage, the pivot linkage pivots about the fulcrum
lifting the ball cage from an operative position to a circulating
position in which the raised ball cage lifts the ball on the
standing ball valve assembly from the ball seat; an upstanding
second pin secured to the second end of the pivot linkage and
extending above the standing ball valve assembly adjacent to the
first pin; and lowering the travelling ball valve onto the standing
ball valve assembly, such that the first pin extends through the
valve seat to prevent the ball from engaging the ball seat on the
travelling ball valve and the second pin acts upon the pivot
linkage to pivot the ball cage to the circulating position to
prevent the ball from engaging the ball seat on the standing ball
valve assembly, thereby permitting an unfettered circulation of
fluids through both the travelling ball valve and the standing ball
valve assembly.
6. A reciprocating downhole tubing pump, comprising: a barrel; a
travelling ball valve axially movable along the barrel, the
travelling valve having a ball seat which receives a ball; a
standing ball valve assembly positioned within the barrel, the
standing ball valve assembly including a ball seat which receives a
ball, the ball being confined within a ball cage; an upstanding
first pin secured on top of the standing ball valve assembly, the
first pin being in axial alignment with a ball seat which receives
a ball on the travelling ball valve; a rigid pivot linkage having a
first end and a second end, the first end being secured to the ball
cage with a fulcrum positioned between the first end and the second
end, such that when a downward force is exerted on the second end
of the pivot linkage, the pivot linkage pivots about the fulcrum
lifting the ball cage from an operative position to a circulating
position in which the raised ball cage lifts the ball on the
standing ball valve assembly from the ball seat; and an upstanding
second pin secured to the second end of the pivot linkage and
extending above the standing ball valve assembly adjacent to the
first pin, such that when the travelling ball valve is lowered onto
the standing ball valve assembly the first pin extends through the
valve seat to prevent the ball from engaging the ball seat on the
travelling ball valve and the second pin acts upon the pivot
linkage to pivot the ball cage to the circulating position to
prevent the ball from engaging the ball seat on the standing ball
valve assembly, thereby permitting an unfettered circulation of
fluids through both the travelling ball valve and the standing ball
valve assembly.
7. The reciprocating downhole tubing pump as defined in claim 6,
wherein a screen is positioned below the standing ball valve
assembly.
8. A method of circulating through a reciprocating downhole tubing
pump which has a standing ball valve and a travelling ball valve
positioned downhole, comprising the steps of: providing a standing
ball valve assembly that is axially movable along a barrel of the
downhole tubing pump with axial travel being limited by an
underlying axial stop, an upstanding first pin being secured on top
of the standing ball valve assembly, the first pin being in axial
alignment with a ball seat which receives a ball on the travelling
ball valve; securing an upstanding second pin below the standing
ball valve assembly, the second pin protruding above the axial stop
in axial alignment with a ball seat which receives a ball on the
standing ball valve assembly; positioning a spring between the
standing ball valve and the axial stop, the spring biasing the
standing ball valve assembly into an operative position spaced
above the second pin, upon the spring being compressed the standing
ball valve assembly assuming a circulating position with the second
pin preventing the ball from engaging the ball seat on the standing
ball valve assembly; and lowering the travelling ball valve onto
the standing ball valve assembly and exerting a compressive force
upon the spring to move the standing ball valve assembly to the
circulating position, such that the first pin prevents the ball
from engaging the ball seat on the travelling ball valve and the
second pin prevents the ball from engaging the ball seat on the
standing ball valve assembly, thereby permitting an unfettered
circulation of fluids through both the travelling ball valve and
the standing ball valve assembly.
9. The method as defined in claim 8, the compressive force being
provided by a weight of a tubing string.
10. The method as defined in claim 8, the compressive force being
provided by fluid under pressure.
11. A reciprocating downhole tubing pump, comprising: a barrel; a
travelling ball valve axially movable along the barrel, the
travelling valve having a ball seat which receives a ball; a
standing ball valve assembly axially movable along the barrel with
axial travel being limited by an underlying axial stop, the
standing ball valve assembly having a ball seat which receives a
ball; an upstanding first pin secured on top of the standing ball
valve assembly, the first pin being in axial alignment with the
ball seat on the standing ball valve assembly; an upstanding second
pin below the standing ball valve assembly, the second pin
protruding above the axial stop in axial alignment with the ball
seat on the standing ball valve assembly; and a spring between the
standing ball valve and the axial stop, the spring biasing the
standing ball valve assembly into an operative position spaced
above the second pin, such that, upon the travelling ball valve
contacting the standing ball valve assembly and a compressive force
being exerted upon the spring, the standing ball valve assembly is
moved to a circulating position with the first pin preventing the
ball from engaging the ball seat on the travelling ball valve and
the second pin preventing the ball from engaging the ball seat on
the standing ball valve assembly, thereby permitting an unfettered
circulation of fluids through both the travelling ball valve and
the standing ball valve assembly.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a method of circulating
through a reciprocating downhole tubing pump and a reciprocating
downhole tubing pump which has been modified in accordance with the
teachings of the method.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A reciprocating downhole tubing pump has a standing ball
valve and a travelling ball valve positioned downhole. Blockages
periodically occur in the tubing string. The blockages are usually
the result of an accumulation of sand below the standing ball valve
of such downhole tubing pumps, although the blockages can occur
above or in the downhole tubing pump. When this occurs, the entire
tubing string and downhole tubing pump are pulled from the well
using a service rig. The blockage is then removed from the tubing
at surface. Before the production string is run back in, it is
necessary to bail or circulate to remove sand accumulations down
hole in order to reposition the down hole tubing pump at the
desired depth.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] What is required is a method of circulating through the
standing ball valve assembly and travelling valve of a downhole
tubing pump, without having to pull the tubing string and the
downhole tubing pump from the well.
[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention there is
provided a method of circulating through a reciprocating downhole
tubing pump which has a standing ball valve and a travelling ball
valve positioned downhole. A first step involves providing first
means for mechanically displacing and disabling, without removing,
a ball from a ball seat on the travelling ball valve. A second step
involve providing second means for mechanically displacing and
disabling, without removing, a ball from a ball seat on the
standing valve assembly. A third step involves activating the first
means to prevent the ball from engaging the ball seat on the
travelling ball valve and the second means to prevent the ball from
engaging the ball seat on the standing ball valve assembly and
circulating fluids through both the travelling ball valve and the
standing ball valve assembly.
[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention there
is provided a reciprocating downhole tubing pump which includes a
barrel and a piston axially movable along the barrel. A travelling
ball valve is carried by the piston. The travelling valve has a
ball seat which receives a ball. First means are provided for
mechanically displacing and disabling, without removing, the ball
from the ball seat on the travelling ball valve. A standing ball
valve assembly is positioned within the barrel. The standing ball
valve assembly includes a ball seat which receives a ball. Second
means are provided for mechanically displacing and disabling,
without removing, the ball from the ball seat on the standing valve
assembly. Means are provided for activating the first means to
prevent the ball from engaging the ball seat on the travelling ball
valve and the second means to prevent the ball from engaging the
ball seat on the standing ball valve assembly, such that a
circulation of fluids can occur through both the travelling ball
valve and the standing ball valve assembly.
[0006] The above described method sets forth the broad aspects of
the present invention. Once the inventive concept is understood,
there may be different ways of putting it into effect. As will be
hereinafter described, in a preferred embodiment an upstanding
first pin is secured on top of the standing ball valve assembly.
This first pin is in axial alignment with a ball seat, which
receives a ball on the travelling ball valve. A rigid pivot linkage
is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is
secured to the ball cage with a fulcrum positioned between the
first end and the second end, such that when a downward force is
exerted on the second end of the pivot linkage, the pivot linkage
pivots about the fulcrum lifting a ball cage from an operative
position to a circulating position in which the raised ball cage
lifts the ball on the standing ball valve assembly from the ball
seat. An upstanding second pin is secured to the second end of the
pivot linkage extending above the standing ball valve assembly
adjacent to the first pin. When the travelling ball valve is lower
onto the standing ball valve assembly, the first pin extends
through the valve seat to prevent the ball from engaging the ball
seat on the travelling ball valve and the second pin acts upon the
pivot linkage to pivot the ball cage to the circulating position to
prevent the ball from engaging the ball seat on the standing ball
valve assembly. This permits an unfettered circulation of fluids
through both the travelling ball valve and the standing ball valve
assembly.
[0007] In another preferred embodiment, the standing ball valve is
axially movable along the barrel with axial travel being limited by
an underlying axial stop. An upstanding first pin is secured on top
of the standing ball valve assembly. The first pin is in axial
alignment with the ball seat on the travelling ball valve assembly.
An upstanding second pin is mounted below the standing ball valve
assembly. The second pin protrudes above the axial stop in axial
alignment with the ball seat on the standing ball valve assembly. A
spring is positioned between the standing ball valve and the axial
stop. The spring biases the standing ball valve assembly into an
operative position spaced above the second pin. Upon the travelling
ball valve engaging the standing ball valve assembly and a
compressive force being exerted upon the spring, the standing ball
valve assembly is moved to a circulating position with the first
pin preventing the ball from engaging the ball seat on the
travelling ball valve and the second pin preventing the ball from
engaging the ball seat on the standing ball valve assembly. This
permits a circulation of fluids through both the travelling ball
valve and the standing ball valve assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] These and other features of the invention will become more
apparent from the following description in which reference is made
to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of
illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the
scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments
shown, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view, in section, of a
reciprocating downhole tubing pump constructed in accordance with
the teachings of the present method with the standing ball valve
assembly and the travelling valve in an operative position.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view, in section, of the
reciprocating downhole tubing pump illustrated in FIG. 1, with the
standing ball valve assembly and the travelling valve in a
circulating position.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a detailed side elevation view, in section, of an
offset transfer ball cage and pivot linkage constructed in
accordance with the teachings of the present method.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view, in section, of a
reciprocating downhole tubing pump constructed in accordance with
the teachings of the present method with the standing ball valve
assembly and the travelling valve in an operative position.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view, in section, of the
reciprocating downhole tubing pump illustrated in FIG. 4, with the
standing ball valve assembly and the travelling valve in a
circulating position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0014] The preferred embodiment, a reciprocating downhole tubing
pump generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 5.
[0015] Structure and Relationship of Parts:
[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, reciprocating downhole tubing pump 10
has a barrel 12. A piston 13 transports a travelling ball valve 14
having a first ball seat 16 and a first ball 18 is axially movable
along barrel 12. A standing ball valve assembly 20 having a second
ball seat 22 and a second ball 24 is positioned within barrel 12.
Second ball 24 is confined within a ball cage 26. An upstanding
first pin 28, in axial alignment with first ball seat 16 and first
ball 18 of travelling ball valve 14, is secured on top of standing
ball valve assembly 20. Standing ball valve assembly 20 is further
adapted with a rigid pivot linkage 30, an offset transfer body 31
and a screen 32. Referring to FIG. 3, rigid pivot linkage 30 has a
first end 33 and a second end 34. A fulcrum 36 is positioned
between first end 33 and second end 34. When a downward force 38 is
exerted on second end 34, linkage 30 pivots about fulcrum 36,
lifting ball cage 26 and second ball 24 from an operative position
to a circulating position. An upstanding second pin 40 is secured
to second end 34 of linkage 30 and extends above standing ball
valve assembly 20 adjacent to first pin 28. Referring to FIG. 2,
when piston 13 transports travelling ball valve 14 onto standing
ball valve assembly 20, first pin 28 extends through first valve
seat 16, preventing first ball 18 from engaging first ball seat 16
in travelling ball valve 14. Upon contact with travelling ball
valve 14, second pin 40 acts upon pivot linkage 30, pivoting ball
cage 26 to a circulating position by preventing second ball 24 from
engaging second ball seat 22 of standing ball valve assembly 20,
allowing an unfettered circulation of fluids through both
travelling ball valve 14 and standing ball valve assembly 20.
[0017] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown another embodiment
of the reciprocating downhole tubing pump 10. As in the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, reciprocating downhole tubing pump 10 has
barrel 12, travelling ball valve 14 having first ball seat 16 which
receives first ball 18, and standing ball valve assembly 20 having
second ball seat 22 which receives second ball 24. In this
embodiment, axial travel of standing ball valve assembly 20 is
limited by an underlying axial stop 42. Upstanding first pin 28 is
secured on top of standing ball valve assembly 20. First pin 28 is
in axial alignment with first ball seat 16 on travelling ball valve
14. An upstanding second pin 44, positioned below standing ball
valve assembly 20, protrudes above axial stop 42 and is in axial
alignment with second ball seat 22 on standing ball valve assembly
20. A spring 46 is positioned between standing ball valve assembly
20 and axial stop 42. A spring sealer 48 seals spring 46 at axial
stop 42. Spring 46 biases standing ball valve assembly 20 in an
operative position spaced above second pin 44. Referring to FIG. 2,
where travelling ball valve 14 contacts standing ball valve
assembly 20 and a compressive force 50 is exerted upon spring 46,
standing ball valve assembly 20 is moved to a circulating position
with first pin 28 preventing first ball 18 from engaging first ball
seat 16 on travelling ball valve 14. Further, second pin 44
prevents second ball 24 from engaging second ball seat 22 on
standing ball valve assembly 20, thereby permitting an unfettered
circulation of fluids 52 through both travelling ball valve 14 and
standing ball valve assembly 20.
[0018] Operation:
[0019] The use and operation of the first embodiment of
reciprocating downhole tubing pump 10 in accordance with the
teachings of the preferred method, will now be described with
reference to FIGS. 1 through 3. Referring to FIG. 1, where a
blockage of sand or other impediment occurs below standing ball
valve assembly 20, piston 13 with travelling ball valve 14 is
positioned within barrel 12 above standing ball valve assembly 20
as provided. Referring to FIG. 3, as piston 13 with travelling ball
valve 14 is lowered and contact is made with standing ball valve
assembly 20, upstanding second pin 40 exerts downward force 38 onto
second end 34 of rigid pivot linkage 30, lifting ball cage 26 and
unseating second ball 24 from second seat 22 and opening standing
ball valve 20 for circulation. Referring to FIG. 2, similarly,
upstanding first pin 28 unseats first ball 18, opening travelling
ball valve 14 for circulation. As both valves are in a circulating
position, any blockages may then be cleared by the flow of fluid.
The blockage is then removed from the tubing at surface. Very
little extra preparation is required to get the well into
production again. This concept saves the need of removing the
reciprocating downhole tubing pump, circulating or running a sand
bailer, and then reinstalling the reciprocating downhole tubing
pump.
[0020] The use and operation of the second embodiment will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Referring to FIG. 3,
where a blockage of sand or other impediment occurs below standing
ball valve assembly 20, travelling ball valve 14 is lowered onto
standing ball valve assembly 20 and a compressive force 50 is
exerted upon spring 46 to move standing ball valve assembly 20 to
the circulating position as shown in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 4,
first pin 28 prevents first ball 18 from engaging first ball seat
16 on travelling ball valve 14, and second pin 44 prevents second
ball 24 from engaging second ball seat 22 on standing ball valve
assembly 20. It should be noted that compressive force 50 may be
provided by the weight of a tubing string or by fluid under
pressure.
[0021] Variations:
[0022] It should be noted that the dislodging and disabling of the
ball on the travelling valve and the ball on the standing valve can
be done in either order or simultaneously. In field trials the ball
on the standing valve was dislodged and disabled first. The reason
for this was that the ball on the standing valve is not subjected
to the same fluid pressure, as the ball on the travelling valve is
generally holding the fluid weight in the tubing.
[0023] It is desirable to place a screen below the standing ball
valve assembly. The screen serves two valuable functions. When
fluid is flowing in an upward direction through the standing ball
valve assembly, it prevents debris which cannot be pumped from
entering and acts as a vortex to break up fluid composition prior
to entering pump. When fluid is flowing in a downward direction, it
acts as a spray nozzle.
[0024] Advantages:
[0025] There are a number of advantages obtainable through the use
of the method and apparatus, as described above:
[0026] 1. At the present time hours of rig time are spent during
pump installation to circulate fluids to clean out sand fill or
using bailers to bail sand accumulations to clean up the cellar.
With the present invention, one can circulate the reciprocating
downhole tubing pump into the desired landing depth. One way this
may be done is by pinning the pump with shear screws. Once in
position, an anchor can be set and a force can be exerted upon the
pump to shear the shear screws to open up the pump stroke.
[0027] 2. The ability to circulate enables you to pump fluid into
the formation, to assist in opening up the perforations or the
formation.
[0028] 3. If the formation is tight, you could circulate the entire
hole over by sending fluid down tubing and up and out the
casing.
[0029] 4. If a blockage should occur in the pump, above the pump or
below the pump, the blockage can be addressed by direct circulation
of fluids which flushes the tubing string of blockages. While
blockages mainly occur below the pump, they sometimes occur
elsewhere in the tubing string.
[0030] 5. The described invention can be used in conjunction with
other tools, such as a scraper, a casing swabbing device or drill
out equipment to accomplished several tasks in one operation.
[0031] In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in
its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are
included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A
reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not
exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is
present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and
only one of the elements.
[0032] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that
modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter
defined in the claims.
* * * * *