U.S. patent application number 13/107912 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-07 for methods for retrieving a dipper assembly.
Invention is credited to George Thomas Strong.
Application Number | 20120138312 13/107912 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46161149 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120138312 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Strong; George Thomas |
June 7, 2012 |
Methods for Retrieving A Dipper Assembly
Abstract
A stripper device for a wellhead defining the terminus of an
aliphatic hydrocarbon production well. The stripper device includes
a lubricator assembly having a lubricator pipe in communication
with the wellhead and a dipper assembly traversing within the
lubricator pipe and the well. A controller assembly provides
instructions in a computer readable format to regulate the
collection of liquid aliphatic hydrocarbons from the well with the
dipper assembly. The stripper device includes a recovery assembly
having a pivot element coupled to a lubricator pipe and to the
wellhead. The pivot element renders the lubricator pipe to
communicate with the wellhead in a first position and renders the
lubricator pipe apart from the wellhead in a second position to
expose the wellhead free of obstructions including those from the
lubricator assembly.
Inventors: |
Strong; George Thomas;
(Longview, TX) |
Family ID: |
46161149 |
Appl. No.: |
13/107912 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12916560 |
Oct 31, 2010 |
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13107912 |
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61280450 |
Nov 4, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
166/377 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 43/16 20130101;
E21B 49/082 20130101; E21B 27/00 20130101; E21B 47/047 20200501;
E21B 33/072 20130101; E21B 43/127 20130101; E21B 47/01
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/377 |
International
Class: |
E21B 23/00 20060101
E21B023/00 |
Claims
1. A method for retrieving a dipper assembly from within an
aliphatic hydrocarbon wellbore, the method comprising the steps of:
pivoting a lubricator pipe away from the wellbore via a pivot
element, the pivot element coupled to the lubricator pipe and to a
wellhead defined by the aliphatic hydrocarbon well at a terminus of
the wellbore; stabilizing the lubricator pipe in an access
position; drawing the dipper assembly from within the well to the
wellhead; and removing the dipper assembly away from the
wellhead.
2. The method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of
removing fasteners from the pivot element.
3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of drawing the
dipper assembly from within the well to the wellhead includes the
step of drawing the dipper assembly using wireline.
4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of drawing the
dipper assembly from within the well to the wellhead includes the
step of drawing the dipper assembly using at least one retrieval
tool.
5. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of stabilizing
the lubricator pipe further includes the step of resting an
alignment stopper that is coupled to the lubricator pipe against
the stripper device while rendered in the access position.
6. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of stabilizing
the lubricator pipe further includes the step of adjusting an
alignment stopper to provide a desired angle for the lubricator
pipe to rest while in the access position.
7. A method for retrieving a dipper assembly from within an
aliphatic hydrocarbon well, the terminus of an aliphatic
hydrocarbon well defining a wellhead, the aliphatic hydrocarbon
well includes a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of:
securing a stripper device to the wellhead, the stripper device
providing a lubricator assembly having a lubricator pipe, the
dipper assembly traverses within the lubricator pipe and the well,
a wireline and a fishing neck coupled to the wireline, the fishing
neck coupled to the dipper assembly; moving the lubricator pipe
away from the wellbore; drawing the dipper assembly from within the
well to the wellhead; and removing the dipper assembly away from
the wellhead.
8. The method according to claim 7 wherein the step of stabilizing
the lubricator pipe further includes the step of adjusting the
angle of inclination of the lubricator assembly with respect to the
stripper device while rendered in the access position.
9. The method according to claim 7 wherein the step of drawing the
dipper assembly from within the well to the wellhead includes the
step of drawing the dipper assembly using wireline.
10. The method according to claim 7 wherein the step of drawing the
dipper assembly from within the well to the wellhead includes the
step of drawing the dipper assembly using at least one retrieval
tool.
11. The method according to claim 10 wherein the step of drawing
the dipper assembly using at least one retrieval tool includes the
step of coupling the retrieval tool to at least one tapered latch
that is provided by the dipper assembly.
12. The method according to claim 10 wherein the step of drawing
the dipper assembly using at least one retrieval tool includes the
step of coupling the retrieval tool to at least one retrieval neck
that is provided by the dipper assembly.
13. The method according to claim 7 further comprising the step of
removing the fishing neck from the dipper assembly and coupling
another fishing neck to the dipper assembly.
14. The method according to claim 13 wherein the fishing neck
assembly is substituted for either another fishing neck assembly or
retrieval tool of a different size or performance capacity.
15. A method for retrieving a dipper assembly from within an
aliphatic hydrocarbon well, the terminus of an aliphatic
hydrocarbon well defining a wellhead, the aliphatic hydrocarbon
well including a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of:
securing a stripper device to the wellhead, the stripper device
providing a lubricator assembly having a lubricator pipe, the
dipper assembly traverses within the lubricator pipe and the well,
a wireline and a fishing neck coupled to the wireline, the fishing
neck coupled to the dipper assembly; moving the lubricator pipe
away from the stripper device; drawing the dipper assembly from
within the well to the wellhead; and removing the dipper assembly
away from the wellhead.
16. The method according to claim 15 further comprising the step of
moving the lubricator pipe away from the wellhead.
17. The method according to claim 15 wherein the step of drawing
the dipper assembly from within the well to the wellhead includes
the step of drawing the dipper assembly using wireline.
18. The method according to claim 15 wherein the step of drawing
the dipper assembly from within the well to the wellhead includes
the step of drawing the dipper assembly using at least one
retrieval tool.
19. The method according to claim 18 wherein the step of drawing
the dipper assembly using at least one retrieval tool includes the
step of coupling the retrieval tool to at least one tapered latch
that is provided by the dipper assembly.
20. The method according to claim 18 wherein the step of drawing
the dipper assembly using at least one retrieval tool includes the
step of coupling the retrieval tool to at least one retrieval neck
that is provided by the dipper assembly.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Divisional of Non-Provisional
application Ser. No. 12/916,560, filed Oct. 31, 2010, which claims
benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) from prior U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/280,450 filed on Nov. 4, 2010
entitled "Stripper Device and Method of Use", by inventor George
Thomas Strong, the entire contents of the above referenced
Applications are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set
forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to aliphatic
hydrocarbon recovery systems for stripper wells. More particularly,
but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to a
stripper device for extracting aliphatic hydrocarbons from a well
in an operational position and featuring a pivot element for
rendering a lubricator assembly apart from the wellhead in an
access position whereby, for example, a dipper assembly having an
interchangeable fishing neck assembly may be retrieved from
downhole for servicing while in the access position.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Aliphatic hydrocarbons, which include petroleum and natural
gases, are the most important energy source today and also serve as
the raw materials for chemical products that markedly enhance the
"standard of living" within developed populations. As a type of
fossil fuel, aliphatic hydrocarbons are a limited natural resource
whereby a growing demand for energy by rapidly emerging
industrialized nations aggregated with the significant energy needs
from established information-age societies has made the advent of
global peak oil production eminent. Accordingly, several
governmental initiatives throughout the world are presently
directed toward clean energy and highly managed systems of
localized hydrocarbon production in lieu of importation. Today, as
fossil fuels continue to become more difficult to extract and
market prices for petroleum and other hydrocarbons continue to
dramatically increase, there exists a greater interest in off-shore
production and reclamation of stripper wells.
[0006] In recent years, marginal or "stripper" wells are becoming
more common in long established oil and gas producing regions as
these natural resource reserves near the end of their economically
useful life. Generally, as in one illustration, a stripper well may
produce an average of less than twenty barrels of oil per day of
which the majority of all petroleum wells within the continental
United States are presently classified as stripper wells.
[0007] Commonly, in one illustration, a stripper well includes a
pumpjack coupled to a wellhead to facilitate the extraction of
fossil fuels from the well. However, many problems arise with
utilizing a pumpjack on a marginally producing well in that
pumpjacks are ideally designed for production activity within
highly productive fields. For example, if not vigilantly attended
to, a pumpjack may overwork a marginal well too fast to thus draw
too much saltwater or even deplete the hydrocarbons therefrom
without a natural recharge period. Unfortunately, operating
pumpjacks with stripper wells also typically includes significant
expenses of legal saltwater disposal and obtaining equipment for
retrieving and servicing the sucker rods, pump, and mechanical
truing of various well components in the frequent event of wear as
well as the possible need to washout sand and other nearby debris
from the casing.
[0008] Sustained operation of each stripper well is economically
tenuous. Illustratively, a stripper well operators' profit varies
dramatically depending on the market price of fossil fuels as well
as operating costs. At times, to the detriment of polluting the
nearby environment, well operators are faced with abandoning or
"orphaning" a stripper well in that the stripper well is not
profitable and the operator cannot afford well plugging service
fees for properly retiring the well.
[0009] Unfortunately, there is no known device or method for
providing sustained operation of a marginal aliphatic hydrocarbon
well while providing ease of servicing. Therefore, a need exists
for a system and method for extracting aliphatic hydrocarbons from
a wellhead in an operational position and features a pivot element
for rendering a lubricator pipe apart from the wellhead in an
access position for easy entry to the wellhead for downhole
servicing. There is also a need for a device and method for quickly
and reliably retrieving hydrocarbon fluids from a stripper well
that provides interchangeable components for ease of downhole
servicing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Aspects of the present invention are found in a stripper
device for a wellhead defining the terminus of an aliphatic
hydrocarbon well. The stripper device includes a lubricator
assembly having a lubricator pipe in communication with the
wellhead and a dipper assembly traversing within the lubricator
pipe and the well. A controller assembly provides instructions in a
computer readable format to regulate the collection of liquid
aliphatic hydrocarbons from the well with the dipper assembly. The
stripper device includes a recovery assembly having a pivot element
coupled to the lubricator pipe and to the wellhead. The pivot
element renders the lubricator pipe to communicate with the
wellhead in a first position and renders the lubricator pipe apart
from the wellhead in a second position to expose the wellhead free
of obstructions including those from the lubricator assembly.
[0011] In one aspect, a stripper device includes a retrieval
mounting portion coupled to the dipper assembly for fixedly
receiving a variety of fishing neck assemblies of a type well known
in the industry. In a further aspect, the stripper device includes
an impact compensator at the exterior surface of the dipper body
and coupled to a removable striker unit. The impact compensator
maintains a seal established by the striker unit to contain liquid
aliphatic hydrocarbons within the dipper assembly while submerged
within a liquid column adjacent to the downhole fluid boundary.
[0012] In one aspect, a stripper device includes a fluid indicator
coupled to the wireline and the controller assembly. The fluid
indicator facilitates determination of the depth within the well at
which the dipper assembly hits fluid. In one further aspect, the
fluid indicator includes a quantity indicator that measures the
amount of tension across the wireline to provide data to the
controller assembly. Accordingly, the controller assembly
determines the amount of desired fluid within the dipper assembly
coupled to the wireline based on the net weight of the contents in
the dipper assembly and the predetermined density of the desired
fluid, such as petroleum.
[0013] In one aspect, the dipper assembly for a stripper device
coupled to the wellhead of an aliphatic hydrocarbon production well
includes a dipper body and a removable striker unit coupled to the
dipper body. The striker unit including a collection valve for
rendering between a fill position and a draw position to
selectively seal liquid aliphatic hydrocarbons in the dipper body.
In one further aspect, the dipper assembly includes a retrieval
mounting portion disposed on one end of the dipper body. As such, a
control module coupled to the wireline positions the dipper
assembly within the well with the wireline coupled to the dipper
body at the fishing neck assembly.
[0014] In one aspect, a control system for a stripper device at a
well site includes a network of stripper devices. The network
provides instructions in a computer readable format to each
stripper device and is coupled to a SCADA controller. The SCADA
controller distributes instructions to a controller assembly of the
well site stripper device for the collection of liquid aliphatic
hydrocarbons with a dipper assembly.
[0015] In one aspect, a method for accessing a wellhead includes
unsecuring a pivot element from a wellhead and removing fasteners
from the first and second plates of the pivot element. The
lubricator coupled to the first plate is moved apart from the
wellhead as the second plate remains in communication with the
wellhead.
[0016] In a further aspect, a method for retrieving a dipper
assembly from within an aliphatic hydrocarbon wellbore includes
pivoting a lubricator pipe away from the wellhead via the pivot
element and stabilizing the lubricator pipe in an access position.
The dipper assembly is drawn from within the well to the wellhead
and removed away from the wellhead.
[0017] Other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the present
invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the
present invention when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and
not by limitation in the accompanying figures, in which like
references indicate similar elements, and in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is an isometric view illustrating a stripper device
according to the present invention, the stripper device for use
with a wellhead features a pivot element coupled to a lubricator
assembly, the pivot element renders the lubricator assembly to
communicate with the wellhead in an operational position and apart
from the wellhead in an access position;
[0020] FIG. 2 is an isometric view illustrating the stripper device
of FIG. 1 from an opposing perspective;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a partially detailed, isometric view from the side
of one embodiment of the stripper device, the stripper device as
shown generally includes at least the following; FIG. 3A
illustrates one embodiment of a fluid indicator featuring a fluid
level sensor; FIG. 3B illustrates one embodiment, as exploded, of a
fluid indicator featuring either interchangeable or replaceable
gliding and counter wheels; FIG. 3C illustrates one embodiment of a
fluid indicator featuring a quantity indicator;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a cut-away, schematic view from the side of one
embodiment of a lubricator assembly featuring a dump arrangement
rendered in a collecting position, a dipper assembly with fluid
therein is drawn by a wireline through a lubricator assembly toward
a driver collar;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a cut-away, schematic view from the side of one
embodiment of the lubricator assembly of FIG. 4 featuring the dump
arrangement rendered in a dump position, fluid is drawn by
gravitational forces with a striker unit from the dipper assembly
to a dump manifold provided by the dump arrangement;
[0024] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are generally exploded, partially cut-away
views from the side of at least one exemplary embodiment of a
dipper assembly for containing aliphatic hydrocarbon fluids such
as, among others, petroleum, the dipper assembly including a
retrieval mounting portion for facilitating ease of removal of the
dipper assembly from the wellhead, the retrieval mounting portion
including at least one receiving pin, specifically FIG. 6
illustrates one embodiment of a dipper assembly having a removable
striker unit, the striker unit is shown as rendered in a fill
position for sealing at least one fluid within the dipper assembly,
FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a dipper assembly rendered in
a draw position for permitting at least one fluid to pass through
the dipper assembly, FIG. 7A illustrates one embodiment of a dipper
assembly including a impact compensator for governing the rate of
fluid passing through the dipper assembly, and FIG. 7B shows one
embodiment of a dipper assembly having a wireline tool modular
interface, illustratively comprising a weld for coupling the
retrieval mounting portion to the dipper body;
[0025] FIG. 8 is an isometric view from one end illustrating one
embodiment of a dipper assembly whereby the striker unit features
tabs;
[0026] FIG. 9 generally illustrates operation of the dipper
assembly, whereby FIG. 9A is an orthographic view from the side of
one embodiment of a dipper assembly in the draw position as
illustrated to show the dipper assembly at the downhole transition
boundary between gaseous fluids and liquid fluids known as a "fluid
boundary" where a valve is off-seat and the impact compensator is
compressed to absorb the energy of impact with the liquid fluids
while permitting the liquid to enter within the dipper assembly,
FIG. 9B is an orthographic view from the side of one embodiment of
the dipper assembly of FIG. 9A in the fill position for sealing
contents therein;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating a control module
featuring a quick connect interface, and FIG. 10A is a detailed
view of the quick connect interface having an electrical
interface;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a partially exploded, isometric view illustrating
one embodiment of a stripper device rendered in an access position
by a pivot element, a dipper assembly is shown as removed away from
a wellhead and the stripper device, the dipper assembly features a
retrieval mounting portion for interchangeably receiving a variety
of fishing necks assemblies of a standard type well known in the
industry, FIG. 11A is a detailed view of the pivot element
featuring an adjustable alignment stopper;
[0029] Generally, FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of a recovery
assembly, in particular FIG. 12 is a exploded view from the side
showing an anchoring flange apart from a wellhead and a support
tray of a stripper device, FIG. 12a is an isometric, partially
exploded view from the side illustrating the anchoring flange
coupled to the wellhead and the support tray; FIG. 12b is a
schematic view illustrating a retrieval system that includes a
modular winch arrangement;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment
of an energy manager system for a stripper device;
[0031] FIG. 14 is an isometric view illustrating one embodiment of
an electrical power recovery system for a stripper device; and
[0032] FIG. 15 is an isometric view illustrating one embodiment of
a control system for remotely operating at least one stripper
device.
[0033] Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the Figures are
illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily
been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the
elements in the Figures may be exaggerated relative to the other
elements to help improve understanding of the embodiments of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in
the Figures. Like numerals being used to refer to like and
corresponding parts of the various accompanying drawings. It is to
be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary
of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms.
[0035] FIGS. 1-2, 5-4, 11 and 13 generally illustrate at least one
embodiment of a stripper device 5 for extracting aliphatic
hydrocarbons from a wellhead 7 in an operational position and
whereby the stripper device 5 features a recovery assembly for
rendering a lubricator assembly apart from the wellhead in an
access position. FIG. 11 specifically illustrates a stripper device
154 while rendered in the access position whereby a lubricator
assembly 153 no longer communicates with a wellhead such that a
dipper assembly 152 having an interchangeable fishing neck assembly
158 may be retrieved from the well.
[0036] As generally shown in FIGS. 7, 7A-B, one embodiment of a
dipper assembly features an interchangeable striker unit for
selectively sealing aliphatic hydrocarbons therein. Illustratively,
where an aliphatic hydrocarbon well primarily produces petroleum,
the dipper assembly is cyclically sent downhole. Accordingly, as
the dipper assembly transitions from gaseous air to column of
liquids within the well, the dipper assembly impacts a downhole
liquid column such that the striker unit absorbs the impact with
the various liquids defining the column and opens to initiate
collection of liquid nearest the fluid boundary; whereby the impact
defines a condition known in the industry and defined in this
disclosure and appended claims as "hitting fluid", "hit fluid" or
"reaching the fluid boundary". In this manner, as the density of
petroleum is less than water, the dipper assembly is assured of
skimming or "dipping" at the top of a downhole liquid column
whereby petroleum and other aliphatic hydrocarbons typically float
atop liquid saltwater along the column.
[0037] As discussed in greater detail below in reference to FIGS.
9A and 9B, the striker unit generally includes an impact
compensator 177 that resiliently compresses to absorb the forces of
impact with the liquids while permitting liquid petroleum to
initially enter within the dipper assembly, see FIG. 9A. Fluid thus
enters initially through the striker unit and also then through a
plurality of dipper ports positioned on the dipper assembly above
the striker unit as the impact compensator 177 gradually returns to
its normally extended position to seal the aliphatic hydrocarbons
therein. The weight of the hydrocarbons contained within the dipper
assembly further push out against the interior body of the dipper
assembly to ensure a striker unit valve is seated to further seal
the dipper assembly.
[0038] In this application, "aliphatic hydrocarbons" is a term of
organic chemistry that includes petroleum and natural gas. In this
disclosure and appended claims, "production well" is a marketplace
term that defines a well that brings aliphatic hydrocarbons to the
earth's surface for sale. In this disclosure and appended claims,
the term "stripper well" is defined as a marginal aliphatic
hydrocarbon production well with an average yield that is
characteristically near the end of an economically useful lifespan
and includes, among others, petroleum wells as well as petroleum
and natural gas wells. In this application, the terms "well",
"wellhead", "downhole" is defined as an aliphatic hydrocarbon
production well for operative engagement with a stripper device
and/or dipper assembly, including, among others, a stripper well, a
petroleum well as well as petroleum and natural gas well. In this
application, the term "wellbore" collectively is defined as a
passage formed by the lubricator pipe, wellhead, and downhole
portion of an aliphatic hydrocarbon well by which a dipper assembly
traverses. In this disclosure and appended claims the term "fluid
boundary" is defined as the downhole transition boundary between
gaseous fluids and liquid fluids that includes liquid aliphatic
hydrocarbons. Furthermore, in this application, the term
"servicing" or "downhole servicing" is defined as the retrieval,
repair or maintenance of downhole components associated with an
aliphatic hydrocarbon well. In this application the term "dipper"
is defined as a fluid container or relates to a fluid container for
collecting liquid hydrocarbons in a production well as a means of
production. In this application, the term "retrieval tool" refers
to a general class of service equipment that is lowered downhole to
collect lost or stuck equipment, for example, among others, a
fishing tool and a shear pulling tool. Moreover, in this disclosure
and appended claims the term processor is defined as any component
or group of components, including any suitable combination of
hardware and software, that is capable of carrying out any of the
processes as described herein in a computer readable format.
Similarly, in this application the term "memory" refers to the
storage of data, instructions, and other information in a computer
readable format for access by the processor.
[0039] Specifically referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment embodiment
of a stripper device 5 is used for drawing fluid from a wellhead of
an aliphatic hydrocarbon wellhead 7 such as, among others, from the
wellhead of a petroleum and natural gas well. For illustrative
purposes only, this disclosure will discuss a petroleum and natural
gas well as a subset of the general aliphatic hydrocarbon well by
which the stripper device 5 is operatively applied to. Generally, a
stripper device is applied to other aliphatic hydrocarbon wells
that are readily recognizable by a person of ordinary skill in the
art. Accordingly, in one embodiment, FIG. 14 illustratively shows a
stripper device 5 coupled to the terminus of a petroleum wellhead
189.
[0040] Generally, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, the stripper device 5
features a lubricator assembly 10. The lubricator assembly 10
includes a lubricator pipe 12 that communicates with the wellhead
7. In one exemplary embodiment, the lubricator pipe 12 is of a type
well known in the industry fitted at the top of the wellhead 7 for
assisting placement of tools into a well under pressure. Those of
ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that end-of-life
striper wells do not produce significantly high pressure so that
the height of the lubricator pipe 12 is dependent, in part, on
applying sufficient gravitational forces to operate a dump
arrangement 110 as discussed below in reference to FIGS. 4 and
5.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 4-5, the lubricator assembly 10 further
includes at least one dipper assembly 70. In operation, as
discussed in greater detail below, the at least one dipper assembly
70 traverses the wellbore within the lubricator pipe 12, wellhead
7, and downhole portion of an aliphatic hydrocarbon well.
[0042] The stripper device 5 further includes a draw assembly 20.
Shown in FIG. 1, the draw assembly 20 includes a reel 21 and at
least one wireline 16. The wireline 16 is coupled to the reel 21 at
one end and to the dipper assembly 70 at another end. In operation,
the at least one dipper assembly 70 traverses the wellbore within
the lubricator pipe 12, wellhead 7, and downhole portion of an
aliphatic hydrocarbon well through processes implemented by a
controller assembly 40 coupled to the wireline 16 and the dipper
assembly 70. With specific reference to FIG. 3, a computer module
43 drives the speed of the reel 21 with a motor 44 and gear box 45
so that the wireline 16 is either variably drawn or fed through the
wellbore to position the dipper assembly 70 therein. In one
embodiment, the wireline 16 is TEFLON coated cable whereas in other
embodiments the wireline 16 is wire rope of a type well known in
the industry, for example, among others, oilfield slickline.
[0043] The draw assembly 20 includes a sheave unit 18 coupled to
the lubricator pipe 12. The sheave unit 18 facilitates alignment of
the wireline 16 with respect to the lubricator pipe 12 as the draw
assembly 20 positions the dipper assembly 70, coupled to the
wireline 16, along the wellbore. Specifically, the sheave unit 18
and a controller assembly 40 permit the reel 21 to accurately
position the dipper body 71 along the wellbore. In one embodiment,
as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sheave unit 18 is releasably coupled
to the lubricator pipe 12.
[0044] The reel 21 is composed of metallic material, such steel.
Optionally, the reel 21 includes reinforcement ribs 21a to
collectively ensure the reel's 21 structural integrity to prevent
warping. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the reinforcement
ribs 21a are cast forged. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 14,
the reel 21 is machined.
[0045] With reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 3A-C, the stripper device
5 further includes a controller assembly 40. The controller
assembly 40 is coupled to the dipper assembly 70 via the wireline
16 of the draw assembly 20. The controller assembly 40 includes at
least one processor and at least one memory and regulates the rate
of collection of aliphatic hydrocarbons from the well with the
dipper assembly 70.
[0046] The controller assembly 40 includes a control module 43. The
control module 43 is coupled to the draw assembly 20 to regulate
the rate the wireline 16 is wound for positioning the dipper
assembly 70 along the wellbore. Thus, the control module 43
regulates the rate of collection of aliphatic hydrocarbons from the
well with the dipper assembly 70.
[0047] The control module 43 features at least one processor device
and at least one memory device. The control module 43 includes at
least one program embodied on a computer readable medium and
operable to be executed by the processor whereby the at least one
program regulates the rate of collection of aliphatic hydrocarbons
from the well with the dipper assembly 70. In one embodiment, as
discussed below, the control module 43 is networked for remote
operation. The controller assembly 40 further includes a motor 44
and a gearbox 45, each coupled to the control module 43. In
operation, the controller module 43 sends control signals to the
gearbox 45 and the motor 44 to cooperatively drive the reel 21
thereby regulating the rate the wireline 16 is wound for
positioning the dipper assembly 70 in the wellbore. Accordingly,
the motor 44 and the gearbox 45 cooperatively wind the reel 21 in
either a clockwise or counterclockwise manner to effectively lower
or raise the dipper assembly 70 within the aliphatic hydrocarbon
well.
[0048] Moreover, the control module 43 is coupled to the pump 47.
In operation, the control module 43 sends signals to the pump 47
thereby regulating the rate aliphatic hydrocarbons, including
petroleum, is drawn from the dump manifold 11, through the fluid
drain 38, and to the collector 39.
[0049] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 12B, the control module 179 is
coupled to a winch module 178. In operation, the control module 179
sends signals to the winch module 178 to regulate the winding rate
of a service line 178d provided by the winch module 178 as the
winch module 178 moves the service line 178 to render a lubricator
assembly in either an access or operational position. FIG. 12B
illustrates one embodiment of a stand-alone control module 179
coupled to a stripper device 420 and a network of stripper devices
520. The network of stripper devices 520 includes separate stripper
devices from various geographical locations throughout the
world.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 10, the controller assembly 40
is mounted to a support frame 41. In one embodiment, the support
frame 41 is coupled to a support tray 187. Those of ordinary skill
in the art will readily recognize that other component assemblies
comprising a stripper device can be coupled to a support frame such
as, among others, a draw assembly.
[0051] Illustratively, for the embodiment of FIG. 10, the support
frame 139 features a plurality of quick connect interfaces 130.
Each quick connect interface 130 includes mounting members 133 for
releasably coupling a component assembly of a stripper device to
the support frame 139, such as, among others, a control module 121.
Removable fasteners 135 couple a component assembly to a
corresponding mounting member 133.
[0052] As shown, in one embodiment, the quick connect interface 130
includes an electrical interface 137 for supplying electrical power
and network connectivity to a component assembly connected the
mounting members 133. Those of ordinary skill in the art will
readily recognize that electrical power is supplied from either an
external electrical source such as, among others, an electrical
grid and electric generator; a combination of an external
electrical source and a stripper device battery; or directly from a
combination of stripper device generators or batteries. In one
embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10A, the electrical interface 137
comprises a prewired cable harness fed through tubing defining the
support frame 139 whereby the cable harness includes, among others,
electrical wires, coaxial cables, and audio/video cables.
[0053] As optionally as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 and discussed in
greater detail below, a controller assembly includes a battery 185
coupled to a control module. Stored electric power from the battery
185 makes operations of a stripper device either autonomous of or
partially autonomous from an external electrical source, such as an
electrical grid. Achieved independent operational efficiency
facilitates aliphatic hydrocarbon production operations with a
stripper device in remote locations lacking in or with limited
external energy supply.
[0054] As such, the controller assembly 40 further includes an
energy manager system 205 coupled to the control module 43 and to
the battery 185. The energy manager system 205 is a combination of
hardware and software components for regulating the storage of
electrical power during production operations for aliphatic
hydrocarbons from a well with a dipper assembly.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 3, the control module 43 is further
coupled a fluid indicator 27. In operation, for each trip down the
wellbore, the fluid indicator 27 determines the depth at which a
dipper assembly hits fluid. Illustratively, in either a petroleum
or a petroleum and natural gas well, the fluid indicator 24
determines the depth of the fluid boundary in the well between a
gaseous air mixture and a liquid column that includes liquid
aliphatic hydrocarbons and liquid saltwater, whereby typically
petroleum with a characteristically lighter density floats atop
liquid salt water and other liquids in the liquid column with a
characteristically heavier density. Operatively, the control module
43 receives the fluid boundary depth from the fluid indicator 27
and, based on such depth, calibrates subsequent collections of a
dipper assembly to ensure a greater probability of collecting
petroleum rather than water and other non-aliphatic hydrocarbons.
Moreover, the control module 43 is configured to make corrections
to the dipper assembly's downhole position if the location of the
fluid boundary changes as nearby debris and earth accumulates in
the wellbore.
[0056] Specifically, FIGS. 3, 3A, and 3C show the fluid indicator
27 coupled to the wireline 16. The wireline 16 is operatively wound
about a circuitous path between a downhole dipper assembly at one
end and a reel 21 at an opposing end. In particular, the wireline
16 extends from the reel 21; to the fluid indicator 27, namely
through a gliding wheel 24 and a counter wheel 25; across the
lubricator assembly 10 at the sheave unit 18; through the wellhead;
down the wellbore; and to the dipper assembly 70.
[0057] Moreover, in one embodiment, the fluid indicator 27 is
coupled to the support tray 32. To operatively engage the fluid
indicator 27 once coupled to the stripper device 5, the wireline 16
feeds through the guide wheel 24 and counter wheel 25 in the
circuitous path described above. In one embodiment, the fluid
indicator 27 is configured to be modular such that the fluid
indicator 27 is releasably coupled to the stripper device 5.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 3A, the fluid indicator 27 includes a
rocker arm 23. The fluid indicator 27 further includes a gliding
wheel 24 coupled at one end of the rocker arm 23 and to the
wireline 16. The fluid indicator 27 further includes a counter
wheel 25 coupled to the wireline 16 and to an end of the rocker arm
23 that opposes the gliding wheel 24. The fluid indicator 27
operatively determines when a dipper assembly hits fluid downhole
with the gliding wheel 24 as well as the depth along the wellbore
at which the dipper assembly hits fluid with the counter wheel 25.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize other
methods for determining the downhole fluid boundary for each trip
that the dipper assembly makes within the aliphatic hydrocarbon
well.
[0059] For the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the gliding wheel 24 and the
counter wheel 25 each comprise a sheave. The reel 21 operatively
feeds the wireline 16 through the grooves of each sheave defining
the gliding and counter wheels 24, 25 during the cyclical
production operations of collecting hydrocarbons from downhole with
the dipper assembly 70.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the gliding wheel 24 includes
a frame 24a. The frame 24a provides a shaft 24b for the gliding
wheel 24 to traverse along or "float". Operatively, the gliding
wheel 24 traverses along the shaft 24b to prevent the wireline 16
from entangling as the reel 21 turns.
[0061] The gliding wheel 24 further includes wire feedguide 26. The
wire feedguide 26 operatively establishes a small gap between the
body of the wire feedguide 26 and the groove of the sheave that
comprises the gliding wheel 24 to ensure continuous placement of
the wireline 16 on the groove.
[0062] The fluid indicator 27 further includes a fluid level sensor
29 positioned adjacent to and in operative engagement with the
gliding wheel 24 to identify when the dipper assembly 70 hits the
fluid boundary within an aliphatic hydrocarbon well, such as a
petroleum well. The fluid level sensor 29 is coupled to the control
module 43 for identifying the fluid boundary with data from the
fluid level sensor 29. In one embodiment, the fluid level sensor 29
comprises a proximity sensor.
[0063] Illustratively, the instantaneous slack exerted across the
wireline 16, as the attached dipper assembly hits fluid,
consequentially displaces the gliding wheel 24 such that the
resulting jarring motion due to loss of wireline tension exerted on
the associated gliding wheel frame 24a triggers the fluid level
sensor 29. The fluid level sensor 29 measures displacement of the
gliding wheel 24 to identify the fluid boundary within the
aliphatic hydrocarbon well.
[0064] Illustratively, in the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the frame 24a
provides a fluid level target portion 24t. As a dipper assembly 70
hits fluid, the dipper body 71 travels from a gaseous air mixture
to a liquid column having a significantly greater density than the
gas such that the resistive liquid fluids at the fluid boundary
generate a jolting force that acts against the dipper assembly 70
and wireline 16. Accordingly, the fluid level target portion 24t is
jarringly forced toward the fluid level sensor 29 that is disposed
on the support tray 32 at a predetermined distance to thus trigger
the sensor 29 to indicate that the dipper assembly has arrived at
the fluid boundary for this individual downhole pass. Accordingly,
in one embodiment, the sensor 29 sends at least one "hit fluid"
signal to the control module 43 for processing thereof.
[0065] In one embodiment, the fluid indicator 27 provides an
indicator damper 28 coupled to gliding wheel 24. In operation, the
indicator damper 28 modulates displacement exerted by the jarring
gliding wheel 24 and frame 24a for each time the dipper assembly
hits fluid. The displacement modulation is calibrated to operate
with the type of fluid level sensor 29 employed by the fluid
indicator 27.
[0066] Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the counter wheel 25 is
coupled to counter frame 25a and a depth gauge. The depth gauge is
coupled to the wireline 16 and the control module 43. The depth
gauge measures the depth of a dipper assembly within an aliphatic
hydrocarbon well relative to the stripper device 5. In one
embodiment, the depth gauge continuously measures the depth of the
dipper assembly.
[0067] As shown, the depth gauge in one embodiment includes a
counter 225 and a counter target 25t that is coupled to the counter
wheel 25. As the dipper assembly traverses the wellbore, the
wireline 16 operatively turns the counter wheel 25. A stripper
device controller assembly coupled to the counter 225 determines
the linear distance traveled by the dipper assembly along the
wellbore by counting the trigger signals generated between the
counter 225 and the counter target 25t. In one embodiment, trigger
signals are generated between the stationary counter 225 and the
revolving counter target 25t as the counter target 25t travels in
tandem with the counter wheel 25. Illustratively, for the
embodiment of FIG. 3A, the counter target 25t comprises a key
whereas for the embodiment of FIG. 3C the counter target 25t
comprises a laminate disposed on the sheave defining the counter
wheel 25. The trigger signals are sent by the counter 225 to the
control module 43 for processing.
[0068] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 3C, the fluid indicator
27 further includes a quantity indicator 22 coupled to the wireline
16 and the control module 43. The quantity indicator 22 measures
the tension exerted by the wireline 16 to determine the amount of
desired fluid within the dipper assembly coupled to the wireline 16
based on the net weight of the contents in a dipper assembly and
the known density of a desired fluid.
[0069] In one embodiment, the quantity indicator 22 measures the
amount of tension across the wireline 16 to provide data to the
controller assembly 40. The controller assembly 40 determines the
amount of desired fluid within the dipper assembly coupled to the
wireline 16 based on the net weight of the contents in the dipper
assembly and the predetermined density of the desired fluid stored
in the at least one memory. The predetermined density of the
desired fluid, in one embodiment, is based on past collections of
the desired fluid by the dipper assembly that is stored in the at
least one memory. Accordingly, the at least one memory is coupled
to a control system for the stripper device. In particular, the
control system includes a controller assembly provided by the
stripper device and linked to a SCADA controller. The at least one
memory of the controller assembly provides information to the SCADA
controller that is related to the quantity of desired fluid
collected by a dipper assembly of the stripper device, such as,
among others, the quantity of liquid petroleum.
[0070] Illustratively, the quantity indicator 22 comprises a load
cell. In one embodiment, the quantity indicator 22 comprises a
mechanical diaphragm. The displacement measured by the quantity
indicator 22 is used by a control module 43 of the controller
assembly to determine the weight of specific contents sealed within
a dipper assembly of a fixed volume and weight that is retrieved
from downhole. Accordingly, the control module 43 includes density
tables of various aliphatic hydrocarbons drawn from a particular
well that are stored in a computer readable memory and thus
calculates the amount of a desired fluid drawn from the well, such
as, among others, the ratio of petroleum to salt water, based on
the net weight of fluids drawn from a hydrocarbon well by the
dipper assembly.
[0071] In one embodiment, based on the data received from the
counter 225, the fluid level sensor 29, and the quantity indicator
22, the control module 43 each trend various metrics.
Illustratively, these metrics include, among others, the average
depth of the fluid boundary for each well, a rate by which the
dipper assembly collects of aliphatic hydrocarbons from a specific
stripper well without overworking that well, and the amount of a
particular aliphatic hydrocarbon collected by a dipper assembly for
each downhole trip.
[0072] In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 3B, to facilitate ease of
servicing and manufacturing, the guide wheel 24 and the counter
wheel 25 each maintain the same size configuration with respect to
one another. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3B, guide wheel 24 and the
counter wheel 25 each feature corresponding support frames 24a and
25b. Each corresponding support frame 24a and 25b couples with the
rocker arm 23. Specifically, in one embodiment, each support frame
24a, 25a is releasable from the rocker arm 23 to facilitate ease of
servicing and manufacturing.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 1, the stripper device 5 includes a
dump manifold 11. The dump manifold 11 includes a dump actuator 15
and at least one dump processing reservoir 13. In the embodiment of
FIG. 4, a dump actuator 215 includes a flapper 115 and a strike
point 117.
[0074] The dump manifold 11 of FIG. 1 is in operative engagement
with the dipper assembly 70 and receives hydrocarbon fluids from
the dipper assembly 70. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, and 3, the aliphatic
hydrocarbons in at least one embodiment are collected from the
dipper assembly 70 and directed through at least one dump
processing reservoir 13, across a fluid drain 38, to a collector
39, via a pump 47. The collector 39 is in fluid communication with
the dump manifold 11 to prevent the hydrocarbons from escaping to
the surrounding environment. From the collector 39, the hydrocarbon
fluids may be directed to a gun barrel and storage tank battery in
preparation for future refinement. For the embodiment of FIG. 3,
the dump manifold 11 collects aliphatic hydrocarbon fluids from the
dipper assembly 70 and initially applies gravitational forces to
direct the hydrocarbons and other fluids from the liquid column
collected within the dipper assembly 70 through a first dump
processing reservoir 13 and a second dump processing reservoir
17.
[0075] The dump manifold 11 includes a dump actuator 15. For the
embodiment of FIG. 1, the dump actuator 15 is coupled to the
lubricator pipe 12 and selectively opens the dipper assembly 70,
via an actuator rod 14 provided by the lubricator assembly 10, to
receive fluids from the dipper assembly 70.
[0076] Specifically, referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the actuator
rod 14 selectively opens the dipper assembly 70 as follows. In FIG.
4, a dump arrangement 110 is collectively provided by a lubricator
assembly 210 and a dump manifold 211. The dump manifold 211
includes a dump actuator 215 and at least one dump processing
reservoir 213. The lubricator assembly 210 includes a lubricator
pipe 12, an actuator rod 14, a driver collar 89, a target element
113 coupled to the actuator rod 14, and a proximity sensor switch
119 as well as a corresponding a sensor support 116 both coupled to
the lubricator pipe 12.
[0077] FIG. 4 shows the dump arrangement 110 rendered in a
collecting position. Accordingly, a dipper assembly 70 containing
at least one fluid therein is drawn by a wireline 16 toward a
driver collar 89. In the collecting position, the flapper 115
provided by the dump actuator 215 and is aligned substantially
parallel with the actuator rod 14 and the lubricator pipe 12 of the
lubricator assembly 210.
[0078] FIG. 5 illustrates the lubricator assembly 210 of FIG. 4
featuring the dump arrangement 110 rendering toward a dump
position. As the dipper assembly 70 contacts the driver collar 89,
the flapper 115 coupled to the driver collar 89 is urged by the
actuator rod 14 toward the dipper assembly 70 by the dump
arrangement 110 at an angle relative to the lubricator pipe 12. In
the dump position, the flapper 115 contacts a striker unit 73 to
ultimately unseat a collection valve to draw fluid from the dipper
assembly 70 to at least one dump processing reservoir 213 provided
by the dump manifold 11.
[0079] Optionally, the dump actuator 215 includes a strike point
117 coupled to the flapper 115 for ensuring direct contact with the
striker unit 73. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in at least one
embodiment, the strike point 117 is configured as a wedge to ensure
substantially perpendicular contact with the striker unit 73.
[0080] In comparing FIG. 4 with FIG. 5, as the dipper assembly 70
operatively contacts the driver collar 89, the driver collar 89,
coupled to the actuator rod 14 at the exterior surface of the
lubricator pipe 12, moves the actuator rod 14 toward the sheave
unit 18 in tandem with the dipper assembly 70. Accordingly, a
target element 113 mounted to the moving actuator rod 14 is
directed to intersect and thus engage a proximity sensor 119
adjustably disposed on a sensor support 116 that is fixed to the
exterior surface of the lubricator pipe 12 at a predetermined
position. To ensure proper alignment with the proximity sensor 119,
the moving actuator rod 14 is directed through a plurality of
linkage supports 114 mounted on the exterior surface of the
lubricator pipe 12.
[0081] Operatively, to engage the flapper 115 as the dipper
assembly 70 contacts the driver collar 89, the proximity sensor 119
sends a signal to a control module 43 to stop the motor 44 for
driving the reel 21 and thus stopping further movement of the
wireline 16 and coupled dipper assembly 70. In one embodiment, the
proximity sensor signal stops the motor 44 so that the dipper
assembly 70 subsequently comes to rest within the lubricator pipe
12 at a predetermined distance while engaging the flapper 115.
[0082] In operation, the flapper 115 and, optionally, the strike
point 117 open the sealed dipper assembly 70. In one embodiment,
the flapper 115 is configured in a U-shaped profile, such as, among
others, a channel-like shape or a flume shape. The flapper 115 then
directs the flow of liquid hydrocarbons exiting the striker unit 73
of the dipper assembly 70 to the at least one dump processing
reservoir 213. The liquid hydrocarbons are then pumped from the at
least one dump processing reservoir 213 through the fluid drain 38
to the collector 39.
[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 11, and 12, the stripper device
further includes a recovery assembly 31. In general, the recovery
assembly 31 facilitates ease of servicing of a stripper device, for
example, among others, servicing a stripper device in remote
locations with limited resources.
[0084] The recovery assembly 31 includes a pivot element 33. The
pivot element 33 is coupled to a lubricator assembly 10 and to the
wellhead 7 via a support tray 32. In general, the pivot element 33
operatively renders the lubricator pipe 12 of the lubricator
assembly 10 to communicate with the wellhead 7 in a first position
and renders the lubricator pipe 12 apart from the wellhead 7 in a
second position. In the second position, the lubricator pipe 12 is
positioned such that the dipper assembly may be retrieved from
downhole and removed away from the wellhead 7. Generally, the
wellhead 7 is that of an aliphatic hydrocarbon well, such as among
others a petroleum well, a natural gas well, and a petroleum and
natural gas well. In one embodiment, the lubricator pipe 12 in the
second position is stabilized to a defined position whereby the
dipper assembly may be retrieved from downhole and removed away
from the wellhead 7.
[0085] In one embodiment, the pivot element 33 is releasably
coupled to the support tray 32. Operatively, the support tray 32
facilitates anchoring the pivot element 32 and lubricator assembly
10 to the wellhead 7. Moreover, the support tray 32 provides a
support framework for various component systems defining the
stripper device 5, such as, among others, a draw assembly, a fluid
indicator, a dump manifold, and a controller assembly.
[0086] In one embodiment the support tray 32 is coupled to the
anchoring flange 36 while in another embodiment the support tray 32
is integral with the anchoring flange 36. The support tray 32 in
one embodiment comprises a plate with a lip formed substantially
about the periphery. The lip operatively retains residual fluids
from the wellbore including hydrocarbon fluids, such as petroleum,
that seep downward from the dump manifold 11 to the support tray
32.
[0087] Illustratively, the pivot element 172 of FIGS. 12, 12A, 12B,
and 12C includes a first plate 174 coupled to a second plate 175.
The first plate 174 is coupled to a lubricator pipe 177 whereas the
second plate 175 is aligned with the centerline A-A of a wellhead
173 and releasably anchored to the support tray 187 via fasteners
as shown in FIG. 12. In another embodiment, the second plate 175 is
fixedly coupled to the support tray 187, such as with welds. For
illustrative purposes, the pivot point coupling the first and
second plates 174, 175 is defined as a hinge although those of
ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize other suitable
pivot points that provide up to six degrees of freedom, such as,
among others, a ball and socket and a swivel.
[0088] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12A, the first and
second plates 174, 175 each define lubricator mounts 176a. As the
surfaces of first and second plates 174 and 175 mate while the
lubricator pipe 177 is rendered in an operational position, each
lubricator mount 176a from each plate 174, 175 collectively forms
at least one continuous passageway through the folded pivot element
172 for receiving a respective fastener therethrough. Specifically,
in one embodiment, the support tray 187 defines bores (not shown)
that respectively align with each continuous passageway defined by
the lubricator mounts 176a for securedly receiving the fasteners
fed from the lubricator mounts 176a therethrough to, at least in
part, secure the lubricator assembly to the support tray 187.
[0089] Alternatively, while rendered in an access position, the
lubricator pipe 177 is separated from the wellhead 169 by removing
the fasteners from the corresponding lubricator mounts 176a and
separating the first plate 174 from the second plate 175. Thus,
while in the access position, downhole entry is achieved without
the added condition of either entirely removing the lubricator pipe
177 or stripper device from the wellhead 169.
[0090] In one alternative embodiment, the second plate 175 further
defines wellhead mounts 176b. Each wellhead mount 176b receives a
corresponding fastener to releasably couple the pivot element 172
to the support tray 187. While in the access position, the removal
of the lubricator pipe 177 entirely from the associated stripper
device is quickly achieved by removing fasteners from the pivot
element 172 at both the wellhead mounts 176b as well as the
lubricator mounts 176a. Otherwise, while in the access position,
the lubricator pipe 177 will remain fastened to the support tray
187 at the wellhead mounts 176b despite removing fasteners at the
lubricator mounts 176a to gain access to the wellhead 169.
[0091] FIG. 12B illustrates one embodiment of a winch module 178
that includes winch mounts 178c. Those of ordinary skill in the art
will readily recognize that the winch mounts 178c may align with
any combination of lubricator mounts 176a and/or support tray bores
to secure the winch module 178 to the stripper device while in the
access position. As such, the winch module 178 operatively assists
in servicing the stripper device, for example, among others, moving
a lubricator pipe between operative and access positions and
retrieving a dipper assembly while downhole. Specifically, in one
embodiment, a servicing line 178d from the winch module 178 couples
to at least one lift eye on the lubricator pipe 177 to move the
lubricator pipe 177 either away from or toward the wellhead.
[0092] As illustratively shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pivot element
33 operatively renders the lubricator pipe 12 of the lubricator
assembly 10 to communicate with the wellhead 7 in a first position
and renders the lubricator pipe 12 apart from the wellhead 7 in a
second position. Specifically, in FIG. 1, the pivot element 33
renders the lubricator assembly 10 in a first position to
communicate with the wellhead 7. For purposes of illustration, in
one embodiment, the first position comprises an operational
position characterizing the configuration of the stripper device 5
as the dipper assembly 70 traverses the wellbore. In particular,
while in the operational position, the lubricator assembly 10
includes a lubricator pipe 12 that communicates with the wellhead
7. Accordingly, a dipper assembly traverses within the well,
through the wellhead 7 and within the lubricator pipe 12.
Hydrocarbon fluids are drawn from the dipper assembly 70 while
positioned within the lubricator assembly 10 and pumped to the
collector 39 or other hydrocarbon storage container that is well
known in the industry.
[0093] Furthermore, the pivot element renders the lubricator
assembly apart from the wellhead in a second position as shown in
FIGS. 11, 12, and 12A-C. For purposes of illustration, in one
embodiment, the second position comprises an access position
characterizing the configuration of the stripper device 5 rendered
for immediate downhole entry to the well without further
modification or removal of the stripper device 5 with respect to
the wellbore site. As such, the immediate downhole entry that is
achieved while the stripper device 154 remains coupled the wellhead
169 circumvents the costly and potentially damaging effort of
constantly removing and resetting the striper device 154 at the
wellbore site.
[0094] Illustratively, as generally shown in FIG. 12, a lubricator
pipe 177 no longer communicates with the wellhead 169 as the
recovery assembly 170 is rendered in the access position. In one
embodiment, the lubricator pipe 177 is stabilized while in the
access position. Moreover, as shown for the recovery assembly 150
of FIG. 11, a pivot element 151 in second position facilitates
access to at least one dipper assembly 152 without the lubricator
pipe 155 obstructing entry to the wellhead 169. The at least one
dipper assembly 152 is drawn from within the well to the wellhead
169 and then removed away from the wellhead 169. Accordingly, in
one embodiment, the access position facilitates ease of removal of
the at least one dipper assembly 152 as the stripper device 154
remains coupled to the wellhead 169. In one embodiment, the pivot
element 151 positions a lubricator assembly 153 apart from the
wellhead 169 to expose the wellhead 169 without further obstruction
by the lubricator pipe 155.
[0095] Referring now to FIG. 11, one embodiment of a stripper
device 154 is rendered in an access position by a recovery assembly
150. The recovery assembly 150 includes a pivot element 151. The
pivot element 151 is coupled to a lubricator pipe 155 and to a
wellhead 107. The pivot element 151 renders the lubricator pipe 155
to communicate with the wellhead 107 in a first position and
renders the lubricator pipe 155 apart from the wellhead 107 in a
second position.
[0096] In one embodiment, the recovery assembly 150 further
includes an anchoring flange 157. Shown in FIG. 11, the anchoring
flange 157 is secured to and in communication with the wellhead
169. The anchoring flange 157 is coupled to a support tray 232 and
extends outwardly from the support tray 232. In one embodiment, the
anchoring flange 157 is coupled to the pivot element 151 and
extends outwardly from the pivot element 151. In effect, the
anchoring flange 157 secures the stripper device 160 to the
wellhead 169. Moreover, the anchoring flange 157 facilitates
portability for the stripper device to provide for easy removal and
connection from one wellhead to another. Specifically, the entire
stripper device 170 is easily removed from its location at an
aliphatic hydrocarbon well site by simply unsecuring the anchoring
flange 157 from the wellhead 169. In one embodiment, once the
anchoring flange 157 is removed from the wellhead 169, the stripper
device 160 is configured of sufficient size and weight to be
entirely loaded and transported within a pickup truck.
[0097] Moreover, in one exemplary embodiment, the pivot element 151
is coupled to the anchoring flange 157. In FIG. 11, the pivot
element 151 remains secured to the anchoring flange 157 as the
pivot element 151 renders the lubricator pipe 155 in a second
position to no longer communicate with the wellhead 169.
[0098] In one embodiment, the pivot element 151 is releasably
coupled to the wellhead 169. In one embodiment, the pivot element
151 is releasable from the anchoring flange 157 to facilitate
removal of the lubricator assembly 153 as the stripper device 154
remains secured to the wellhead 169. The pivot element 151 in one
embodiment is releasable to remove the lubricator pipe 155 from the
stripper device 154.
[0099] The recovery assembly 150 further includes lift eyes 156
disposed on the lubricator pipe 155. The lift eyes 156, in
cooperative engagement with the pivot element 151, facilitate
movement of the lubricator pipe 155 between the first and second
positions. In one embodiment, the lift eyes 156 are disposed along
the center of gravity of the lubricator pipe 155.
[0100] As optionally shown in FIG. 11A, the recovery assembly 150
includes an alignment stopper 252. In one embodiment, the alignment
stopper 252 is disposed on the pivot element 151 and extends
outwardly from the pivot element 151. In operation, the alignment
stopper 252 either rests against the stripper device 154 or
wellhead 169 to control the angle of inclination of the lubricator
pipe 155 with respect to the stripper device 154 while rendered in
the access position. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the alignment
stopper 252 is variably adjustable to provide a desired angle for
the lubricator pipe 155 to rest while in the access position.
[0101] Optionally, the recovery assembly 150 includes a winch
module. As illustrated for the recovery assembly 170 in FIG. 12B,
the winch module 178 includes a winch 178a of a type well known in
the industry and a winch anchor 178b to secure the winch 178 to the
stripper device. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 12 B, the winch
anchor 178b interfaces with the pivot element 172 to ultimately
attach to the stripper device. In an alternative embodiment shown
in FIG. 12B, the winch anchor 178b mounts to either the anchoring
flange 173 as shown or the wellhead 169. For example, the winch
anchor 178 mounts to the wellhead 169 to provide anchoring force
for winching a heavy lubricator pipe 177 whereas the winch anchor
178 mounts to the anchoring flange 173 to provide relatively less
anchoring force for winching a dipper assembly to move along the
wellbore.
[0102] As generally shown in FIG. 11, a dipper assembly 152 is
removed away from the wellhead 169 and the stripper device 154. The
dipper assembly 152 in one embodiment includes a retrieval mounting
portion 159 for interchangeably receiving a variety of fishing neck
assembly configurations, as discussed in greater detail below with
reference to FIGS. 4-9. Those of ordinary skill in the art will
readily recognize that the retrieval mounting portion 159 is
configured to receive any combination of fishing neck assemblies of
a type well known in the industry for easy, downhole retrieval of
the dipper assembly 152 such as, among others, a WL pulling tool,
an R fishing neck profile, an OTIS fishing neck profile, an SB
fishing neck profile, and an external JDC fishing neck profile.
[0103] Each fishing neck assembly 158 couples to a distal end of a
wireline. Accordingly, the dipper assembly 150 is repositioned
within the well while coupled to the wireline and the fishing neck
assembly 158 that is secured to the retrieval mounting portion 159
of the dipper assembly 152. As shown in FIG. 1, the wireline 16 is
dispensed from a draw assembly 20.
[0104] The recovery assembly 150 for the embodiment of FIG. 11
features the retrieval mounting portion 159. Specifically, in one
embodiment, the retrieval mounting portion 159 is
characteristically modular such that the retrieval mounting portion
159 releasably couples to the dipper body 152a of a dipper assembly
152. Accordingly, in operation, the retrieval mounting portion 159
is configured to fixedly receive a fishing tool, a pulling tool or
other retrieval tool of a type well known in the industry,
including a fishing neck assembly and a shearing pulling tool, to
operatively recover the dipper assembly 152 from downhole.
Specifically, the retrieval mounting portion 159 includes a
receiving pin 152c and, optionally, a tapered latch 152b and a
mounting portion retrieval neck.
[0105] As shown, the retrieval mounting portion 159 defines a
receiving pin 152c for interchangeably receiving a variety of
standard fishing neck assemblies thereon. Optionally, the retrieval
mounting portion 159 defines an integrated fishing neck to be used
in conjunction with the fishing neck assembly 158 that is coupled
to the receiving pin 152c, or in lieu of the fishing neck assembly
158, for retrieval of the dipper assembly 152. Specifically, the
integrated fishing neck of the retrieval mounting portion 159
includes at least one tapered latch 152b and a mounting portion
retrieval neck. In one embodiment that is characteristically
without an integrated fishing neck, the retrieval mounting portion
159 includes a body with the receiving pin 152c extending outwardly
from the body.
[0106] FIG. 7 further illustrates a mounting portion retrieval neck
84a. In operation, the at least one tapered latch 152b and mounting
portion retrieval neck collectively receive a pulling tool, such as
among others an OTIS pulling tool profile, a CAMCO pulling tool
profile, an RB pulling tool profile, an RS pulling tool profile,
LJ/RJ pulling tool profiles, SBs as well as SMs shearing pulling
tool profiles, and other conventional releasable pulling tools, to
retrieve the dipper assembly 152 from downhole.
[0107] Moreover, the recovery assembly 150 further includes a
striker unit 152d that is coupled to one end of the dipper assembly
152 opposite of the retrieval mounting portion 159. Specifically,
in one embodiment, the striker unit 152d is characteristically
modular such that the striker unit 152d releasably couples to the
dipper assembly 70. In operation, the striker unit 152d controls
the rate of aliphatic hydrocarbons passing through the dipper
assembly 152. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily
recognize that the striker unit 152 may be coupled at any location
on the dipper body 152a that is suitable for facilitating selective
actuation of the striker unit 152 through either direct physical or
remotely networked means.
[0108] At least one method may be appreciated for accessing a
wellhead. The wellhead, in one exemplary embodiment, defines the
terminus of an aliphatic hydrocarbon well, such as, among others, a
petroleum well. While in an operational position, a pivot element
facilitates communication of a lubricator assembly with a wellhead
to permit unobstructed travel of a dipper assembly therein.
[0109] Illustratively, in one exemplary embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 12, a pivot element 172 includes a first plate 174 coupled to
a lubricator pipe 177 and a second plate 175 coupled to a wellhead
169. In the operational position, the first plate 174 and the
second plate 175 are secured together with fasteners to maintain
the established communication between a lubricator assembly and the
wellhead 169 for travel of the dipper assembly therethrough.
[0110] While in the access position, the second plate 174 of the
pivot element 172, in one embodiment, remains secured to the
support tray 187 and thus coupled to the wellhead 169.
Alternatively, the second plate 174 is removed from the support
tray 187 while in the access position to remove the lubricator
assembly entirely from the stripper device.
[0111] In the continuing method for accessing a wellhead, fasteners
are removed from the pivot element 172. The pivot element 172 then
moves the lubricator pipe 177 apart from the wellhead 169 thereby
terminating the established communication with the wellhead 169 and
rendering the pivot element 172 in an access position.
[0112] Moreover, at least one method may be appreciated for
retrieving a dipper assembly from within a wellbore. In a first
position, fasteners are removed from a pivot element. The pivot
element is coupled to a lubricator assembly and a wellhead.
[0113] A servicing line is secured to at least one lift eye on a
lubricator pipe to move the lubricator pipe away from the wellhead.
A winch module in one embodiment supplies the servicing line to
move the lubricator assembly. In at least one embodiment, the
lubricator pipe is stabilized while in an access position.
Optionally, as shown in FIG. 11, an alignment stopper may be
coupled to the pivot element to adjustably stabilize the position
the lubricator pipe while in the access position.
[0114] In the access position, the lubricator assembly is moved
away from the wellhead such that the lubricator assembly no longer
communicates with the wellhead. The dipper assembly is drawn from
within the well toward the wellhead by securing either a fishing or
pulling tool to a retrieval mounting portion defined by the dipper
assembly. Specifically, in one embodiment, a fishing tool is
secured to the fishing neck assembly of a dipper assembly.
Accordingly, the dipper assembly is removed from the wellhead.
[0115] Once removed from the well, the dipper assembly may be
serviced. In one embodiment, servicing a dipper assembly includes
removing one fishing neck assembly from the dipper assembly for
replacement with another fishing neck assembly on to the dipper
body. Illustratively, in one embodiment, the replacement of fishing
necks can take place as a stripper device is relocated to another
well site having a different wellbore size or depth and thus
requiring a different sized dipper assembly and correspondingly
sized fishing neck assembly. Similarly, a retrieval mounting
portion from the dipper assembly may be modularly exchanged for
another retrieval mounting portion having a different configuration
and thus coupled to the dipper body to accommodate configuration
changes between different well sites. Moreover, during servicing, a
striker unit from the dipper assembly can be removed and replaced
with another striker unit.
[0116] Now, with specific reference to the dipper assembly of FIGS.
4-9, each dipper assembly 70 is generally characterized as a
selectively sealable fluid container for collecting liquid
aliphatic hydrocarbons from a well. The dipper assembly 70 includes
a dipper body 71.
[0117] In one embodiment, the dipper body 71 is an elongated,
thin-walled metallic container configured for collecting between
1500 cubic inches (in.sup.3) and 6500 cubic inches (in.sup.3) of
fluid at a time as sealed therein. Those of ordinary skill in the
art will readily recognize that the interior volumetric size of the
dipper body 71 is a function of length of the dipper assembly 70
and inner-diameter pipe size of the wellbore. In another
embodiment, the dipper body 71 is composed of a polymeric material.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize other
configurations or material compositions for the dipper body 71.
[0118] In general, FIGS. 6-7 refer to at least one exemplary
embodiment of a dipper assembly 70 for containing aliphatic
hydrocarbons such as, among others, petroleum. Each dipper assembly
70 includes a retrieval mounting portion 80 for facilitating ease
of removal of the dipper assembly 70 from downhole with service
equipment of a type well known in the industry such as, among
others, an OTIS fishing neck profile, an internal GS fishing neck
profile, an SD fishing neck profile, and ODC fishing neck profile,
an external JDC fishing neck profile, an OTIS pulling tool profile,
a CAMCO pulling tool profile, an RB pulling tool profile, an RS
pulling tool profile, LJ/RJ pulling tool profiles, SBs as well as
SMs shearing pulling tool profiles, and other releasable pulling
tools.
[0119] As shown in FIGS. 6-7, the dipper body 71 defines a
plurality of dipper ports 171. Generally, the plurality of dipper
ports 171 are poisoned on the dipper body 71 above a striker unit
73. Illustratively, in one embodiment, the dipper ports 171 are
disposed near one end of the dipper body 71 that is closest to
fluid boundary while downhole. Accordingly, as the dipper body 71
hits fluid, petroleum is more likely to enter through the dipper
ports 171 positioned closest to the fluid boundary on the dipper
body 71 as the density of liquid petroleum is lighter than water
whereby both fluids collectively define, at least in part, the
liquid column of the aliphatic hydrocarbon well. In one embodiment,
the dipper body 71 defines a multiplicity of dipper ports 171. In
at least one embodiment, the dipper ports 171 form any combination
of alphanumeric characters as well as geometrical figures.
[0120] The dipper assembly 70 includes a removable striker unit 73.
The striker unit 73 is coupled to one end of the dipper body 71. In
one embodiment, the striker unit 73 is positioned at the end of the
dipper body 71 that will initially hit fluid. As shown in the
embodiment of FIG. 7, the striker unit 73 is threadedly coupled to
the dipper body 71. In operation, the striker unit 73 is shown in
FIG. 7A as rendered in a draw position for channeling at least one
fluid through the dipper assembly 70 and is shown in FIG. 7B as
rendered in a fill position for sealing at least one fluid within
the dipper assembly 70.
[0121] Generally, in one embodiment, the striker unit 73 is shown
in FIG. 7A as having a collection valve 72 that is unseated to
render the dipper assembly 70 in a draw position. In the draw
position, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as, among others, liquid
petroleum are channeled through the dipper assembly 70.
[0122] In one operation, the striker unit 73 in the draw position
absorbs the forces of impact with the liquid as the dipper assembly
70 hits fluid to permit the liquid petroleum and other hydrocarbons
to initially enter within the dipper assembly 70 through the
striker unit 73. While submerged in the liquid column, the
collection valve 72 seats to maintain a seal for holding liquids
within the dipper assembly 70 until the striker unit 73 is rendered
in the draw position. In another operation, the striker unit 73 is
rendered in the draw position as it is contacted by a flapper 115
of a dump arrangement 110 provided in a dump position. The flapper
115 contacts a striker unit 73 to ultimately unseat a collection
valve to empty the hydrocarbons from with the dipper assembly 70
for collection thereof.
[0123] The striker unit 73 is shown in FIG. 7B as rendered in a
fill position for sealing at least one hydrocarbon fluid within the
dipper assembly 70. In particular, striker unit 73 includes a
collection valve 72 that is seated to define a seal as the dipper
assembly 70 is rendered in the fill position.
[0124] As shown in FIGS. 6-9, the collection valve 72 includes
striker stem 77. In operation, the striker stem 77 is rendered
between a fill position and a draw position to selectively seal the
aliphatic hydrocarbons within the dipper body 71. Illustratively,
in FIG. 9A the striker stem 77 positions a valve piece 77a
"off-seat". An "off-seat" configuration refers to the valve piece
77 that is positioned apart from a corresponding mechanical seal
77c to thus characterize the dipper assembly 70 in the draw
position.
[0125] In FIG. 9B, the striker stem 77 positions the valve piece
77a "on seat" that is defined as being mated with the valve piece's
77a corresponding mechanical seal 77c to thus characterize the
dipper assembly 70 in the fill position. In at least one
embodiment, as shown, the valve piece 77a as well as an opposing
stop piece 77b are releasably coupled to the striker stem 77 to
facilitate easy access for servicing and manufacturing.
[0126] As shown, in FIGS. 6-7 the valve piece 77a comprises a ball
valve whereas the valve piece 77a for embodiment of FIG. 9
comprises a flat head valve. Those of ordinary skill in the art
will ready recognize that the valve piece 77a may comprise any
valve head that will reliably seat and provide a seal over a period
of heavy usage. Illustratively, the flat head valve piece shown in
FIG. 9 seats on the corresponding mechanical seal to reliably seat
and provide a seal over a period of heavy usage.
[0127] The striker unit 73 further includes an impact compensator
177. In one embodiment, the impact compensator 177 is disposed on
the striker stem 77 between an exterior surface at one distal end
of the dipper body 71 and the stop piece 77b.
[0128] The impact compensator 177 supplies a resilient force to the
striker stem 77 to counteract movement of the stop piece 77b as the
dipper assembly 70 initially contacts the fluid boundary or "hits
fluid". Initially, while impacting the fluid boundary, the stop
piece 77b moves toward the dipper body 71 to compress the impact
compensator 177. At the moment of fluid boundary impact, the impact
compensator 177 acts as a spacer for preventing the stop piece 77b
from obstructing fluid flow into dipper assembly 70 thereby
permitting liquid fluid to enter through the collection valve 72
opening formed by the "off-seat" valve piece 72a and along the
striker stem 77 as the dipper body 71 is initially filled with the
liquid. Thereafter, while the dipper assembly 70 is submerged in
liquid fluid, the resilient forces from the impact compensator 177
gradually move the stop piece 77b away from the dipper body 71 to
urge the valve piece 77a to seat on the mechanical seal 77c. The
impact compensator 177 extends to its normally expanded
configuration thereby sealing the collection valve 72 while
submerged in the liquid column until the dipper assembly 70 is
retrieved from the wellhead by the stripper device and then opened
via a dump manifold.
[0129] FIG. 7A illustrates one embodiment of a striker unit
including an impact compensator 177 for governing the rate of fluid
passing through the dipper assembly 70. In at least one embodiment,
the impact compensator 177 comprises a resilient member with a
predefined rate of restorative displacement. In at least one
embodiment, the impact compensator 177 comprises a spring with a
predetermined spring constant. In one embodiment, the impact
compensator 177 comprises a dashpot with a predefined rate of
restorative potential energy.
[0130] Illustratively, in operation, the impact compensator 177
resiliently compresses when hitting fluid to absorb the forces of
impact with the liquid while permitting the liquid petroleum to
initially enter within the dipper assembly, see FIG. 9A. The
resilient force provided by the impact compensator 177 facilitates
a gradual transition period between a draw and a fill position to
optimize collection of liquid at the fluid boundary as the dipper
assembly 70 becomes entirely submerged therein. Namely, fluid
enters initially through the striker unit 73 and also then through
dipper ports 171 at the opposing end of the dipper body 71 as the
impact compensator 177 gradually returns to its normally extended
position to effectively seal the aliphatic hydrocarbons nearest to
the fluid boundary within the dipper assembly 70 while submerged
within the liquid hydrocarbons.
[0131] As the dipper assembly 70 returns to the gaseous air mixture
above the fluid boundary from being submerged in liquid column in
the well, the resilient forces from the impact compensator 177
counteract forces exerted on the striker stem 77 from the liquid
contained within the dipper assembly 70 to maintain the seal within
the dipper body 71 as the collection valve 72 is rendered in a fill
position. The weight of the hydrocarbons contained within the
dipper assembly 70 further assist to push out against the interior
of the dipper body 71 to ensure the striker units' 73 valve piece
77a is seated to seal the dipper assembly 70.
[0132] In another operation, the impact compensator 177 resiliently
compresses while contacted by a flapper 115 of a dump arrangement
110 that is rendered in a dump position. The flapper 115 contacts a
striker unit 73 to ultimately unseat the valve piece 77a to empty
the hydrocarbons from with the dipper assembly 70 for collection
thereof. When the dipper assembly 70 is emptied, the flapper 15
moves away from the striker unit 73 such that the impact
compensator 177 resiliently returns to its normally extended
position to seal the dipper assembly 70.
[0133] Generally, in a further embodiment, a stripper device is
provided for an aliphatic hydrocarbon well, the aliphatic
hydrocarbon well includes a fluid boundary having petroleum
floating on a liquid column of aliphatic hydrocarbons and other
liquids that are located adjacent to the fluid boundary. The
stripper device includes a dipper assembly having a dipper body
with a distal end and a striker unit coupled to the distal end. The
striker unit includes a collection valve having a valve piece that
is seated to define a mechanical seal for containing liquid
hydrocarbons as the dipper assembly is rendered in the fill
position. The collection valve includes a striker stem that is
coupled to a stop piece and to the valve piece located within the
interior of the dipper body. The stop piece provided by the
collection valve is positioned on the striker stem on the outside
of the dipper assembly and adjacent to the exterior surface of the
dipper body. The striker unit further includes an impact
compensator disposed on the striker stem between an exterior
surface at the distal end of the dipper body and the stop
piece.
[0134] As the dipper body is submerged in liquid fluid, the
resilient forces from the impact compensator gradually move the
stop piece on the striker stem away from the dipper body to urge
the valve piece disposed on the striker stem within the dipper body
to seat on the mechanical seal to thereby render the dipper
assembly in a fill position while submerged within the liquid
hydrocarbons. As the dipper assembly returns to a gaseous air
mixture above the fluid boundary from being submerged within the
liquid column of the well, the resilient forces from the impact
compensator counteract forces exerted on the striker stem to
maintain the seal within the dipper body as the collection valve is
rendered in the fill position. Illustratively, the impact
compensator counteracts shear forces exerted on the striker stem
from the liquid contained within the dipper assembly.
[0135] Initially, the impact compensator prevents the stop piece
from obstructing fluid flow into the dipper assembly by resiliently
absorbing shock forces exerted at the fluid boundary following
impact by the dipper assembly at the fluid boundary. The impact
compensator at least in part facilitates entry of liquid fluids
through the collection valve opening formed by the temporarily
separated striker stem and valve piece so that the dipper body is
initially filled with liquid petroleum and other aliphatic
hydrocarbons. In one embodiment, liquid petroleum and other
aliphatic hydrocarbons at the fluid boundary initially enter
through the striker unit and also then through the plurality of
dipper ports provided at the opposing end of the dipper body as the
impact compensator gradually returns to its normally extended
position to effectively seal the aliphatic hydrocarbons within the
dipper assembly while submerged within the liquid column that
includes liquid hydrocarbons.
[0136] As shown in FIG. 8, the striker unit 73 further includes a
limit collar 75. In operation, the stop piece 77b and impact
compensator 177 are urged against the limit collar 75 as the dipper
assembly 70 is rendered in a draw position. In one embodiment, the
limit collar 75 forms a plurality of tabs 78 for contacting the
stop piece 77b and impact compensator 177. In the embodiment of
FIG. 8, the limit collar 75 defines a plurality of recessed
passageways 78a between the tabs 78. Each region between the
adjacent tabs defines a recessed passageway 78. The plurality of
recessed passageways 78 facilitate the flow of liquid hydrocarbons
through the dipper assembly 70 as the striker unit 73 is rendered
in the draw position. In one embodiment, the plurality of tabs 78
comprise fluted tabs.
[0137] Operatively, the recessed passageways 77a permit the flow of
hydrocarbons through the dipper assembly 70 as the stop piece 77b
is compressed against the limit collar 75 while the striker stem 77
operates to unseat the valve piece 77a within the interior of the
dipper body 71. In particular, the plurality of tabs 78 provide
space for fluid to flow through the dipper assembly 70, along the
striker stem 77.
[0138] Referring now to FIGS. 6-7, the dipper assembly 70 further
includes a retrieval mounting portion 80. The retrieval mounting
portion 80 is disposed on the dipper body 71 to provide a reliable
coupling interface to the dipper assembly 70 for recovery while
downhole. Generally, the retrieval mounting portion 80 includes a
receiving pin 83 and, optionally, a tapered latch 84 with a
mounting portion retrieval neck 84a. During operation of the
stripper device, the retrieval mounting portion 80 facilitates
coupling of the dipper body 71 with the wireline 16. Moreover,
during servicing, the retrieval mounting portion 80 is configured
to receive either a fishing tool, pulling tool or other retrieving
tool to recover the dipper assembly 70 from downhole, such as,
among others, situations where the wireline is no longer
operational to move the dipper assembly along the wellbore.
[0139] The retrieval mounting portion 80 is disposed on an end of
the dipper body 71 that opposes the striker unit 73. In one
embodiment, a plurality of retrieval mounting portions are disposed
about the dipper body 71.
[0140] The retrieval mounting portion 80 includes a receiving pin
83. The receiving pin 83 operatively couples to at least one
fishing neck assembly 85 provided by the dipper assembly. The
receiving pin 83 in one embodiment releasably receives a variety of
standard fishing neck assemblies. In one embodiment, the retrieval
mounting portion 80 includes a plurality of receiving pins each
disposed on the dipper body 71. Each receiving pin operatively
couples to corresponding fishing tool, a pulling tool or other
retrieval tool of a type well known in the industry to recover the
dipper assembly 70 from downhole.
[0141] Specifically, the fishing neck assembly 85 comprises a
fishing neck assembly that is well known in the industry and
integrates with the dipper body 71 at the receiving pin 83. During
operation of the stripper device, the fishing neck assembly 85 and
receiving pin 83 generally facilitate coupling of the dipper body
71 to the wireline 16. Moreover, during servicing, the fishing neck
assembly 85 is configured to receive either a fishing or pulling
tool thereon to retrieve the dipper assembly 70 from downhole. In
at least one embodiment, the fishing neck assembly 85 is configured
to mate with a fishing tool, a pulling tool or other retrieval tool
of a type well known in the industry, for example, among others, an
OTIS fishing neck profile, an internal GS fishing neck profile, an
SD fishing neck profile, and ODC fishing neck profile, an external
JDC fishing neck profile, an OTIS pulling tool profile, a CAMCO
pulling tool profile, an RB pulling tool profile, an RS pulling
tool profile, LJ/RJ pulling tool profiles, and SBs as well as SMs
shearing pulling tool profiles.
[0142] Specifically, the fishing neck assembly 85 includes a
fishing neck 87, a rope socket 86 coupled to the fishing neck 87,
as well as an anchoring collar 82 coupled to the fishing neck 87
and opposingly positioned relative to the rope socket 86. In FIG.
7, the anchoring collar 82 releasably couples with the receiving
pin 83 to accommodate a variety of a fishing neck assemblies or
other well known retrieval tools in the industry.
[0143] With the retrieval mounting portion 80, the dipper assembly
70 may be recovered from the well with a variety of well known
oilfield tools in such illustrative events where the wireline 16
becomes detached from the rope socket 86 or the dipper assembly 70
becomes lodged while in the wellbore. Once the dipper assembly is
retrieved for servicing, either a fishing neck assembly 85 is
exchanged for another or the fishing neck assembly 85 is removed,
repaired, and then recoupled to the receiving pin 83 on the dipper
body 71. In another illustration, one fishing neck assembly 85 is
substituted for another fishing neck assembly or other well known
retrieval tool of a different size or performance capacity.
[0144] Optionally, as shown, the retrieval mounting portion 80
includes at least one tapered latch 84 and a mounting portion
retrieval neck 84a, each adjacent to the receiving pin 83 in this
particular embodiment. The at least one tapered latch 84 and the
mounting portion retrieval neck 84a collectively provide an
integrated fishing neck on the retrieval mounting portion 80 for
receiving a fishing tool or other pulling tool thereon.
Accordingly, the retrieval mounting portion 80 defines an
integrated fishing neck to be used in conjunction with the fishing
neck assembly 85 coupled to the receiving pin 83 or in lieu of the
fishing neck assembly 85 for downhole retrieval of the dipper
assembly 70.
[0145] In operation, the at least one tapered latch 84 and a
mounting portion retrieval neck 84a are each configured to
securedly receive a retrieval tool to ultimately recover the dipper
assembly 70 from the wellbore. For example, if the dipper assembly
70 cannot be retrieved with a wireline, the at least one tapered
latch 68 receives a retrieval tool of a type well known in the
industry such as, among others, an OTIS pulling tool profile, a
CAMCO pulling tool profile, an RB pulling tool profile, an RS
pulling tool profile, LJ/RJ pulling tool profiles, and SBs as well
as SMs shearing pulling tool profiles.
[0146] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7B, the tapered latch 84 is
configured to extend from the mounting portion retrieval neck 84a
at an angle, .alpha., from a horizontal plane. In one embodiment,
the angle .alpha. is defined at 10.degree. to facilitate optimal
interface with a retrieval tool thereon, such as a fishing tool or
a pulling tool of a type well known in the industry.
[0147] Referring to FIGS. 7, 7A, 7B, the retrieval mounting portion
80 optionally includes a wireline tool modular interface 81 that is
releasably coupled to the dipper assembly 70. Specifically, the
wireline tool modular interface 81 facilitates releasable coupling
of the retrieval mounting portion 80 from the remaining dipper body
71. For ease of manufacturing, the retrieval mounting portion 80 is
assembled as a modular unit for coupling to the dipper body 71 with
the wireline tool modular interface 81. Illustratively, as shown in
FIG. 7, the wireline tool modular interface 81 threadedly couples
to the dipper body 71. Similarly, in FIG. 7A, the wireline tool
modular interface 81 threadedly couples to one end of the dipper
body 71. FIG. 7B illustratively shows a wireline tool modular
interface 81 as a weld for coupling to the dipper body 71.
[0148] Shown in FIGS. 6-7, a wireline 16 is secured to the dipper
assembly 10 with the rope socket 86. Moreover, the wireline 16 is
also secured to a draw assembly 20 to position the dipper assembly
70 along the wellbore. While the wireline 16 remains coupled to a
draw assembly 20 of the stripper device 5, the dipper assembly 70
is suspended at the rope socket 86 with a variable length of the
wireline 16 to position the dipper assembly 70 along the wellbore
at a correspondingly predetermined distance.
[0149] With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, an electrical power
recovery system 200 is generally provided. The electrical power
recovery system 200 regulates the supply of electrical power to a
stripper device for the collection of aliphatic hydrocarbons from a
hydrocarbon well with a dipper assembly. In one embodiment, to
facilitate portability and operational autonomy of a stripper
device, the electrical power recovery system 200 manages various
networked power sources to cooperatively provide operational power
to the stripper device. Those of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that the electrical power recovery system 200 is one
illustration for regulating power for the collection of aliphatic
hydrocarbons with a dipper assembly.
[0150] As schematically shown in FIG. 13, the electrical power
recovery system 200 includes an energy manager system 205. The
electrical power recovery system 200 is coupled to a stripper
device and to at least one electric power source, such as, among
others, an external electrical supply line. The operations of the
electrical power recovery system 200 is executed by a controller
assembly of the stripper device. Specifically, in one embodiment,
the operations of the electrical power recovery system 200 are
executed by the control module 205 for the stripper device.
[0151] In particular, the controller assembly includes an energy
manager system 207. The energy manager system 207 includes a
processor 207a. The processor 207a is coupled to the control module
205 and to a battery 217.
[0152] As schematically shown in FIG. 13, the energy manager system
207 includes a plurality of line sensors 202. The plurality of line
sensors 202 are coupled to the processor 207a. Each line sensor 202
provides a status signal to the processor 207a. In one embodiment,
at least one status signal includes information associated with the
amount of electric power stored in the battery 217. Another status
signal includes information associated with the amount of electric
power available by an electric power source 208. In one embodiment,
the electric power source 208 comprises an external electrical
power source such as, among others, an AC power grid.
[0153] The processor 207a receives the status signals and
determines the amount of electric power available from the electric
power source 208 and stored in the battery 217 to collectively
operate the stripper device via the energy manager system 207. As
shown in FIG. 13, at least one supervisory control data and
acquisition (SCADA) system 209 is coupled to the electrical power
recovery system 200 for remote management thereof. The SCADA system
209 remotely determines the amount of electric power available from
the electric power source 208 and stored in the battery 217, among
other components, to operate the stripper device via the electrical
power recovery system 200.
[0154] The electrical power recovery system 200 further includes a
wireline reverse motor recharge system 211. In one embodiment, the
motor 44 of the controller assembly 40 features the wireline
reverse motor recharge system 211 for generating electric power for
each time the dipper assembly is carried downhole, in part, with
the earth's gravitational forces. The wireline reverse motor
recharge system 211 is coupled to the processor 207a and at least
one sensor from the plurality of line sensors 202. At least one
sensor from the plurality of line sensors 202 provides a status
signal including information associated with the amount of electric
power provided by the wireline reverse motor recharge system
211.
[0155] In operation, for each time force of gravity is applied to
the dipper assembly while traveling down the wellbore, the wireline
reverse motor recharge system 211 coupled to the dipper assembly
correspondingly generates electric current for the electrical power
recovery system 200. Specifically, gravitational forces act on the
falling dipper assembly such that the wireline turns an electric
armature of the wireline reverse motor recharge system 211 to
generate electric current. In one embodiment, the electric power
generated by the electrical power recovery system 200 is stored in
the battery 217. Shown in FIG. 13, an invertor 219 is provided
between the electrical power recovery system 200 and the battery
217 ensure a continuous supply of AC current to the controller
assembly and other components of the stripper device. Moreover, as
shown in FIG. 14, an electric power recovery system 184 is coupled
to the controller assembly 185 and a battery module 186.
[0156] Optionally, in one embodiment, the electrical power recovery
system 200 further includes a backup generator 213. The backup
generator 213 is coupled to the processor 207a and at least one
line sensor from the plurality of line sensors 202. The at least
one line sensor 202 provides a status signal including information
associated with the amount of electric power provided by the backup
generator 213. In operation, the controller module 205 and
processor 207a cooperatively activate the backup generator 213
based on status signals indicating a deficiency of power throughout
the electrical power recovery system 200 that is necessary for
operating the stripper device.
[0157] A method for managing electric power for a stripper device
is appreciated as follows. An energy manager system is coupled to a
processor, a control module from a stripper controller assembly,
and to an electric power source.
[0158] A plurality of line sensors are coupled to the processor.
Each sensor provides a status signal to the processor.
[0159] Moreover, a battery is coupled to the processor and at least
one line sensor from the plurality of line sensors. In operation,
at least one status signal is provided to the processor from the at
least one line sensor coupled to the battery. The at least one
status signal includes information associated with the amount of
electric power stored in the battery.
[0160] In one embodiment, a line sensor is coupled to the electric
power source. At least one status signal is provided to the
processor from the line sensor coupled to the electric power
source. The at least one status signal includes information
associated with the amount of electric power available by the
electric power source.
[0161] Accordingly, the processor receives the plurality of status
signals and determines the combined amount of electric power from
the battery and the electric power source that is required to
continuously operate the stripper device. Accordingly, based on the
processor's determination of the amount of electric power needed,
the energy manager system and the control module collectively
provide computer readable instructions for continuously supplying
the required electric power for operating the striper device.
[0162] In one embodiment, a line sensor is coupled between a
processor and a photovoltaic collector module. In another
embodiment, a line sensor is coupled between a processor and a
backup generator. In one embodiment, a line sensor is coupled
between a processor and a reverse motor recharge system.
[0163] For the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the electrical
power recovery system 200 includes a photovoltaic collector module
215. The photovoltaic collector module 215 is coupled to the
battery 217 and the energy manager 207.
[0164] As shown in FIG. 14, a stripper device 180 includes a
photovoltaic collector module 181. The photovoltaic collector
module 181 is coupled to an electric power recovery system 184, a
controller assembly, and a battery module 186 to generate
electrical power to operate the stripper device 180 and for storage
in the battery module 186.
[0165] The photovoltaic collector module 181 includes a plurality
of photovoltaic elements 183 anchored to a collector support 183.
Each photovoltaic element 183 generates electric current with solar
radiation. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the collector
support 182 positions the plurality of photovoltaic elements 183 to
shelter, at least in part, the stripper device 180. Optionally, a
grounded lightning rod 188 may be coupled to the stripper device
180 to, at least in part, protect the stripper device 180 from
electrical lightening surges.
[0166] With reference to FIG. 15, a control system 190 for a
remotely operating at least one stripper device 191 is described as
follows. The control system 190 includes a network 194. The network
194 is coupled to the stripper device 191 and to a plurality of
stripper devices 194a at differing geographic locations and
provides instructions in a computer readable format thereto. In one
embodiment, the network 194 comprises a wide area network (WAN)
whereas, in another embodiment, comprises a local area network
(LAN).
[0167] The control system 190 includes a supervisory control and
data acquisition (SCADA) controller 192 coupled to the network 194
and to a controller assembly 279 of the stripper device 191. In one
embodiment, the SCADA controller 192 comprises a remote terminal
unit whereas, in an alternative embodiment, the SCADA controller
192 comprises a programmable logic controller.
[0168] The controller assembly 279 is coupled to a wireline 216 and
a dipper assembly of the stripper device 191. The controller
assembly 279 regulates the collection of aliphatic hydrocarbons
with the stripper device 191 from a well 199. The controller
assembly 279 receives instructions in computer readable format
through the SCADA controller 192 for regulating the collection of
liquid aliphatic hydrocarbons with a dipper assembly provided by
the stripper device 191. The dipper assembly is the same as the
dipper assemblies described above.
[0169] The SCADA controller 192 is optionally coupled to an energy
manager system of an electric power recovery system. Accordingly,
the SCADA controller 192 facilitates remote management of electric
power for operating the stripper device 191 and also the plurality
of stripper devices 194a within the network 194.
[0170] The control system 190 further includes a portable
electronic device 196. As shown in FIG. 15, the portable electronic
device 196 is coupled to the network and to the SCADA controller
192. The portable electronic device 196 includes a control
interface 197. The control interface 197 facilitates manual input
for operating the stripper unit 191. Illustratively, the portable
electronic device 196 receives input to regulate the rate of
production with the stripper device 191. In one embodiment, the
control interface 197 facilitates manual input for operating a
plurality of stripper devices via the network 194.
[0171] Generally, in a further embodiment, a control system for a
stripper device at a well site includes a network. The network
defines a plurality of stripper devices including the stripper
device at the well site. The network is coupled to the stripper
device at the well site and to the plurality of stripper devices in
addition to the well site stripper device. The network provides
instructions and information in a computer readable format to each
stripper device.
[0172] The control system includes a SCADA controller coupled to
the network and to a controller assembly of the stripper device at
the well site. The controller assembly is coupled to a dipper
assembly via a wireline, the dipper assembly is provided by the
stripper device at the well site. The controller assembly regulates
the rate of production of liquid aliphatic hydrocarbons with the
stripper device from the well site. In one embodiment, the
controller assembly receives instructions in a computer readable
format from the SCADA controller to collect liquid hydrocarbons
with the dipper assembly.
[0173] The control system includes a portable electronic device
coupled to the network and the SCADA controller. The portable
electronic device includes a control interface. The control
interface facilitates a manual input for operating, via the
network, a combination of the stripper device at the well site and
the plurality of stripper units.
[0174] Although the present invention has been described in detail,
it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and
alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
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