OIL WELL PUMPING SYSTEM POLISHED ROD PROTECTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

A cylindrical protective device is disclosed for the polished rod and packing of an oil well pumping system. The protective device is constructed with abrasive sandstone material, wraps around the polished rod, and is positioned on top of, or anchored to, the packing. The device has two symmetrical parts, each part having semicircular structure, the parts when joined together form a circular cavity to accommodate the polished rod therethrough. As the polished rod undergoes cyclic motion driven by a horsehead, the device smooths rough edges and oil chips, extending the polished rod's lifespan. By reducing friction and minimizing wear on the packing, the device prevents oil and natural gas leaks during the pumping process. Using the protective device, pump systems can operate more efficiently, ensuring a smoother and safer oil extraction process.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of oilwell pump systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel protective cylindrical attachment for ‘polished rod(s)’ that can sand down or even rough edges to maintain smoothness in the polished rod in order to prevent oil leaks. The device wraps around the polished rod and is secured using a fastener such as a hose clamp. The device is further tied off to a packing and protects the packing from wear and tear. The device is easy to install and movement of the polished rod through the device allows the device to file the rough edges down on the polished rod. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, crude oil and natural gas can leak from pumping equipment and wells during the extraction process. Oil companies must take measures to prevent any leaks of crude oil and natural gas from their wells and equipment. Leaks can be hazardous to the environment, lead to safety risks, and result in financial losses for the company. The polished rod is an important component of the sucker-rod string, which is part of the equipment used in oil wells to extract oil. During the regular operation of the oil well, the polished rod can be subject to wear and tear, or even damage. This can happen due to the high-stress environment and the continuous pumping action in the oil well. A worn polished rod also causes damage to packings as well. The packing is placed in a component called the stuffing box, which is a chamber located at the top of the wellhead. The polished rod passes through the stuffing box, and the packing surrounds the polished rod to create a tight seal. Due to leaks and operational issues, oil companies may face fines if oil and/or natural gas is leaked on or around a wellhead. Repairing the polished rod, packings, and more is not only costly but also time consuming and leads to operational losses. As a result, oil companies desire a device to prevent damage to the polished rod(s) to prevent leaks.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a cylindrical protective device for the polished rod and packing of an oilwell pumping system. The protective device comprises a generally cylindrical body formed by joining two symmetrical parts together, the cylindrical body having a central circular cavity extending from the top end to the bottom end thereof, the symmetrical parts having respective semicircular cavities that together form the central circular cavity when joined together, the flat surfaces of the symmetrical parts adhere to each other when the symmetrical parts are joined together, wherein the device wraps around the polished rod, the polished rod passes through the cavity, and the device is secured using a hose clamp, or similar adjustment clamp, that is fastened around the exterior surface of the protective device. The device is tied off to the packing and protects the packing from wear and tear during the pumping action of the pumping system.

In this manner, the round cylindrical protective device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a cylinder attachment for the polish rods, and further for sanding, filing, or grinding down rough edges to maintain smoothness and prevent leaks. The device remains secured to the polished rod and prevents debris such as oil chips from becoming accumulated. The device increases the lifespan of both the polished rod and the packing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a protective device for the polished rod of an oilwell pumping system. The protective device prevents oil leakage and keeps the polished rod smooth. The protective device further comprising a generally cylindrical body formed by joining two symmetrical parts together, the cylindrical body having a central circular cavity extending from the top end to the bottom end thereof, the symmetrical parts having respective semicircular cavities that together form the central circular cavity when joined together, wherein the device wraps around the polished rod, the polished rod passes through the cavity, and the device is secured using an adjustable tensioning fastener that is fastened around the exterior surface of the protective device.

In yet another embodiment, a cylindrical protective device for the polished rod and corresponding packing of an oil well pump system is disclosed. The protective device is formed by joining half-cylindrical symmetrical components positioned from opposite sides to create a central cavity, the central cavity accommodates the polished rod, a fastener used for securing the protective device around the polished rod, pressure of the adjustable tensioning fastener secures the cylindrical device around the polished rod and the device is tied off to the packing to provide additional support and security for the packing.

In another aspect of the present invention, a protective device for use in a pump system extracting oil from an oil well and facilitating a smooth cyclic motion of the polished rod driven by a horsehead during pumping is disclosed. The protective device is made of abrasive sandstone material, the device is configured to wrap around the polished rod and positioned on top of the packing, the polished rod passes through the device and the packing, the device files, grinds, or sands down rough edges and oil chips during the cyclic motion of the polished rod through a central cavity of the device, the filing down increases a lifespan of the polished rod, reduces friction, and minimizes wear on the packing and prevents leakage of oil during the pumping process.

The device of the present invention is comprised of sandstone and is intended to prevent users from having to replace the packing in the well head and clean up oil chips. The device can also be used to smooth the polish rod, so the packing does not become destroyed which can lead to leaks of oil and natural gas. The cylinder is wrapped around the rod with pressure of a adjustable tensioning fastener and is tied off to the packing.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a cylindrical protective device of the present invention for protecting the polished rod and packing of a pump unit in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged view showing the cylindrical protective device of the present invention secured to a polished rod in accordance with the disclosed structure;

FIG. 3 illustrates the protective device of the present invention being used with a pump system in accordance with the disclosed structure; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of the protective device accommodating the polished rod in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a safety device that can be attached to the polished rod of a sucker-rod string. There is also a long felt need in the art for a polished rod attachment device that can be detachably attached to the polished rod for protecting the polished rod from damage. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for an oil extraction safety device that prevents oil leaks and operational issues. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a safety device that saves oil companies from fines and regulatory notices. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a novel protective device that conforms to the shape of the polished rod and protects packing and polished rod. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a round cylindrical device that protects packing at the well head from damage. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a protective device that eliminates the need to constantly change the polished rod and packings associated with oil pumps.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a protective device for use in a pump system used for extracting oil from an oil well and facilitating a smooth cyclic motion of a polished rod driven by a horsehead during pumping. The protective device is made of abrasive sandstone material, the device is configured to wrap around the polished rod and can be positioned on top of the packing, the polished rod passes through the device and the packing, the device files down, grinds, or sands rough edges and oil chips during the cyclic motion of the polished rod through a central cavity of the device, the filing down increases a lifespan of the polished rod, reduces friction, and minimizes wear on the packing thereby preventing leakage of oil during the pumping process.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a cylindrical protective device of the present invention for protecting the ‘polished rod’ and packing of a pump unit in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The protective device 100 is generally cylindrical having a pair of two symmetrical parts 102, 104 that are joined together to form the cylindrical body. The device 100 has a central circular cavity 106 extending along a length of the device 100 from the top end 108 to the bottom end 110 of the device 100. The symmetrical parts 102, 104 have a semicircular cavity 112, 114 respectively that together form the central circular cavity 106 when the parts 102, 104 are joined. When joined, the flat surfaces 118, 120 of the first part 102 proximally align and/or adhere to the flat surfaces 122, 124 of the second part 104 respectively. In one embodiment of the present invention, the device 100 can have a one-piece construction with both the symmetrical parts 102, 104 integrated together.

The device 100 is preferably made of sandstone and can have the central cavity 106 of different diameters to accommodate polished rods of different sizes. The polished rod and packing protective device 100 are configured to wrap around a polished rod as illustrated in FIG. 2 for smoothing and filing the polished rod and preventing damage thereto. The device 100 can have a length extending between the ends 108, 110 from about six inches to about thirty-six inches to accommodate portions of the polished rod of different sizes. Further, a plurality of the protective devices can be used to cover and wrap the polished rod.

The outer surface 116 of the device 100 is smooth and uniform and does not contain any rough edges. Further, the device 100 can be manufactured using conventional molding techniques. The device 100 is preferably used as an aftermarket product by oil companies to wrap around the polished rod for protecting the rod and packing from debris, damage, and more, thereby prohibiting of oil leaks.

FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged view showing the cylindrical protective device of the present invention secured to the polished rod in accordance with the disclosed structure. The cylindrical protective device 100 is wrapped around the polished rod 202 of the pump system 200 for protecting the polished rod 202 and the corresponding packing 204 (illustrated in FIG. 3). The symmetrical components 102, 104 are positioned from opposite sides (shown by arrow A and arrow B) to form the central cavity 106 which accommodates a portion of the polished rod 202. For securing the device 100, a fastener 206 such as an adjustable tensioning fastener is used. The pressure of the hose clamp 206 is used for securing the cylindrical device 100 and also enabling the device 100 to tie off, anchor, or secure to the packing 204. In this embodiment, the device 100 remains stationary while the polished rod 202 moves into and out of (i.e., travels through) the device 100 during the pumping process by the pump system 300.

FIG. 3 illustrates the protective device of the present invention being used with a pump system in accordance with the disclosed structure. The pump system 300 is used for extracting oil from the oil well 310. The polished rod 202, during the pumping system by stroking due to horsehead 320, generates an up-and-down motion known as strokes and moves in and out of the well head, creating a cyclic motion. The stroke or travel of the polished rod is greater (i.e., longer) that the stroke or travel of the protective device 100. It is to be appreciated that the travel of the device 100 is prohibited (i.e., stopped) once the device 100 engages the packing 204, or when the device 100 is secured to the packing 204. Thereafter, the device 100 remains substantially stationary while the polished rod 202 continues its stroke or travel into packing 204. During the cyclic motion and travel of the polished rod 202 through the substantially stationary or stopped device 100, the protective device 100 made of abrasive sandstone material files and/or grinds down any rough edges and oil chips on the exterior surfaces of the polished rod 202 to increase the lifespan of the polished rod 202. Smoothening of the polished rod 202 also helps in preventing damage to the packing by reducing friction and minimizing wear on the packing.

The device 100 wraps around the polished rod 202 and is positioned on top of, or anchored to, the packing 204 in the ‘stopped’ or secured position. The polished rod 202 passes repeatedly through the device 100 and the packing 204 and the device 100 provides a smooth motion of the polished rod 202. Due to smoothening of the polished rod 202 and decreasing stroke pressure on the packing 204, oil and natural gas leaks are prevented during the pumping process by the pump system 300.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of the protective device accommodating the polished rod in accordance with the disclosed architecture. A first portion 302 of the polished rod 202 is accommodated inside the cavity 106 between the parts 102, 104 of the device 100 and the cavity 106 provides a space for periodic, cyclical, and repeated movement of the polished rod 202. During the movement of the polished rod 202, a second portion 304, which is positioned inside the packing 204 moves up in the direction shown as “C” (and down in an opposite direction of “C”) to be accommodated inside the cavity 106 and thus allows the device 100 to file any rough edges and remove oil chips. Further, the device 100 protects the rod 202 from damage, thereby preventing leakage of oil from the rod 202. Different portions of the polished rod 202 passing through the cavity 106 is smoothed and filed in order to increase a lifespan of the polished rod 202 and the packing 204.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “cylindrical protective device”, “protective device”, “cylindrical device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the polished rod and packing protective device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the polished rod and packing protective device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the polished rod and packing protective device 100 as shown in the FIGS. 1-3 are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the polished rod and packing protective device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the polished rod and packing protective device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the polished rod and packing protective device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A protective device for the polished rod and packing of a pump unit, the protective device comprising: a pair of symmetrical parts selectively joined together to form a cylindrical body and a central circular cavity extending along a length of said protective device from a top end to a bottom end;wherein each one of said pair of symmetrical parts defining a semicircular cavity that when selectively joined together form said central circular cavity;wherein a first one of said pair of symmetrical parts having a first flat terminal edge and a second flat terminal edge, and a second one of said pair of symmetrical parts having a first flat terminal edge and a second flat terminal edge;wherein respective said first flat terminal edges and said second flat terminal edges of corresponding said pair of symmetrical parts proximally aligned together when said pair of symmetrical parts are selectively joined together; andfurther wherein said pair of symmetrical parts having a material comprising a sandstone for grinding against an exterior surface of the polished rod passing therethrough during the pumping of the pump unit.

2. The protective device for the polished rod of claim 1, wherein said protective device having a length from six inches to thirty-six inches for positioning around a portion of the polished rod.

3. The protective device for the polished rod of claim 2 further comprising another protective device having another pair of symmetrical parts including a material of sandstone, wherein said protective device and said another protective device mounted adjacent to one another for grinding against the exterior surface of the polished rod passing therethrough during the pumping of the pump unit.

4. The protective device for the polished rod of claim 3, wherein said pair of symmetrical parts each having a smooth and uniform outer surface.

5. The protective device for the polished rod of claim 1 further comprising an adjustable tensioning fastener for said selectively joining together of said pair of symmetrical parts.

6. The protective device for the polished rod of claim 5, wherein said selectively joining of said pair of symmetrical parts having a selective tension between each of said pair of symmetrical parts.

7. The protective device for the polished rod of claim 6, wherein said adjustable tensioning fastener is a hose clamp.

8. The protective device for the polished rod of claim 7, wherein respective said first flat terminal edges and said second flat terminal edges of corresponding said pair of symmetrical parts adhered together when said pair of symmetrical parts are selectively joined together.

9. The protective device for the polished rod of claim 6, wherein said pair of symmetrical parts anchored to the packing of the pumping unit.

10. A protective device for the polished rod and packing of a pump unit, the protective device comprising: a pair of symmetrical parts selectively joined together to form a cylindrical body, a central circular cavity extending along a length of said protective device from a top end to a bottom end, and an adjustable tensioning fastener for said selectively joining together of said pair of symmetrical parts;wherein each one of said pair of symmetrical parts defining a semicircular cavity that when selectively joined together form said central circular cavity;wherein a first one of said pair of symmetrical parts having a first flat terminal edge and a second flat terminal edge, and a second one of said pair of symmetrical parts having a first flat terminal edge and a second flat terminal edge;wherein respective said first flat terminal edges and said second flat terminal edges of corresponding said pair of symmetrical parts proximally aligned together when said pair of symmetrical parts are selectively joined together;wherein said pair of symmetrical parts having a material comprising a sandstone for grinding against an exterior surface of the polished rod passing therethrough during the pumping of the pump unit;wherein said selectively joining of said pair of symmetrical parts having a selective tension between each of said pair of symmetrical parts; andfurther wherein said pair of symmetrical parts anchored to the packing of the pumping unit.

11. The protective device for the polished rod of claim 10, wherein said protective device having a length from six inches to thirty-six inches for positioning around a portion of the polished rod.

12. The protective device for the polished rod of claim 10 further comprising another protective device having another pair of symmetrical parts including a material of sandstone, wherein said protective device and said another protective device mounted adjacent to one another for grinding against the exterior surface of the polished rod passing therethrough during the pumping of the pump unit.

13. The protective device for the polished rod of claim 10, wherein said pair of symmetrical parts each having a smooth and uniform outer surface.

14. The protective device for the polished rod of claim 10, wherein said adjustable tensioning fastener is a hose clamp.

15. The protective device for the polished rod of claim 10, wherein respective said first flat terminal edges and said second flat terminal edges of corresponding said pair of symmetrical parts adhered together when said pair of symmetrical parts are selectively joined together.

16. A method of filing the polished rod and packing of a pump unit, the method comprising the steps of: providing a protective device having a pair of symmetrical parts selectively joined together to form a cylindrical body, a central circular cavity extending along a length of said protective device from a top end to a bottom end, and an adjustable tensioning fastener for said selectively joining together of said pair of symmetrical parts, wherein said pair of symmetrical parts having a material comprising a sandstone for grinding against an exterior surface of the polished rod passing therethrough during the pumping of the pump unit;defining a semicircular cavity with each one of said pair of symmetrical parts, wherein a first one of said pair of symmetrical parts having a first flat terminal edge and a second flat terminal edge, and a second one of said pair of symmetrical parts having a first flat terminal edge and a second flat terminal edge;selectively joining together said pair of symmetrical parts for defining said central circular cavity;selectively tensioning said pair of symmetrical parts together; andanchoring said pair of symmetrical parts to the packing of the pumping unit.

17. The method of filing the polished rod and packing of a pump unit of claim 16, wherein said protective device having a length from six inches to thirty-six inches for positioning around a portion of the polished rod.

18. The method of filing the polished rod and packing of a pump unit of claim 17, wherein said pair of symmetrical parts each having a smooth and uniform outer surface.

19. The method of filing the polished rod and packing of a pump unit of claim 18, wherein said adjustable tensioning fastener is a hose clamp.

20. The method of filing the polished rod and packing of a pump unit of claim 19, wherein respective said first flat terminal edges and said second flat terminal edges of corresponding said pair of symmetrical parts adhered together when said pair of symmetrical parts are selectively joined together.