Plunger lift with an adjustable and variable clutch

Abstract

A plunger including a plunger body having a radially directed flow hole disposed therein and a pin that is removable from the plunger body without destroying the pin or the plunger body, the pin shifts back and forth in the plunger body to block the flow hole in a first position and allow fluid to flow through the flow hole in a second position. The plunger also includes a clutch mechanism supported by the pin to control the force necessary to shift the pin in the plunger body and a bumper portion supported by a body of the pin to limit the travel of the pin in the plunger body during operational use of the plunger. A method of lifting oil and gas fluids from a well using the plunger. The method includes the step of inserting the plunger into a well, the plunger including a plunger body having a pin disposed at least partially therein that is removable from the plunger body without destroying the pin or the plunger body. Another method that includes the step of removing a pin from a plunger body without destroying the pin or the plunger body. The method also includes the step of repairing or adjusting a part of the pin and reinstalling the repaired or adjusted pin in the plunger body.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 19 / 344,421, filed Sep. 19, 2025, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 654,706, filed May 3, 2024, which is a conversion of U.S. Provisional Application having U.S. Ser. No. 63 / 463,792, filed May 3, 2023, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a plunger with a pin that has an adjustable and repairable clutch that can be removed from the plunger body wherein the clutch can be adjusted and repaired to maximize the life of the plunger. Other components of the pin can be repaired or replaced as well.2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Typically, clutch mechanisms and pins of plunger lifts are the first components of a plunger lift to fail. Additionally, the body portion of a single piece body plunger is the most expensive part of plunger lifts and the plunger body has to be destroyed to get to the pin and / or clutch mechanism. Thus, when the clutch mechanisms of current designs fail, a lot of times the entire plunger has to be discarded, which is very inefficient.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a plunger with a removable pin that has a clutch that is adjustable and repairable to maximize the life of plungers.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] The present disclosure is directed to a plunger. The plunger includes a plunger body having a radially directed flow hole disposed therein and a pin that is removable from the plunger body without destroying the pin or the plunger body, the pin shifts back and forth in the plunger body to block the flow hole in a first position and allow fluid to flow through the flow hole in a second position. The plunger also includes a clutch mechanism supported by the pin to control the force necessary to shift the pin in the plunger body, a sealer ring, and a bumper portion supported by a body of the pin to limit the travel of the pin in the plunger body during operational use of the plunger.

[0007] The present disclosure is also directed to a method of lifting oil and gas fluids from a well using the plunger. The method includes the step of inserting the plunger into a well, the plunger including a plunger body having a pin disposed at least partially therein that is removable from the plunger body without destroying the pin or the plunger body.

[0008] The present disclosure is also directed to another method. The method includes the step of removing a pin from a plunger body without destroying the pin or the plunger body. The method also includes the step of repairing or adjusting a part of the pin and reinstalling the repaired or adjusted pin in the plunger body. The method can also include the steps of removing and / or installing a sealer ring in the plunger.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1A is a side elevation view of a plunger with a partial cut out section constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the plunger with a partial cut out section constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2A is a close-up view of a part of the plunger shown in FIG. 1A in a first position constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2B is a close-up view of the part of the plunger shown in FIG. 1B in a second position constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0013] FIGS. 3A-3B show the operation of a part of the plunger shown in FIG. 2A constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4A shows a partial cross-sectional and side elevation view of a part of the plunger constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4B shows a partial cross-sectional and side elevation view of a part of another embodiment of the plunger constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0016] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-3B, the present disclosure relates to a plunger 10 with a removable pin 12 having a clutch 14 that can be adjusted and repaired. The pin 12 can be removed from a plunger body 16 of the plunger 10, the clutch can be repaired and reinstalled in the plunger body 16 of the plunger 10. Various parts of the pin 12 and plunger 10 can be repaired and replaced after the pin 12 is removed from the plunger body 16. The clutch load can also be adjusted to achieve the desired shifting ability of the pin 12 in the plunger 10. The pin 12 can be inserted in the plunger body 16 and certain components of the pin 12 can be mounted to the pin 12 while the pin 12 is in the plunger body 16. Once these components are mounted, the pin 12 slides in the plunger body 16 to open and close a flow hole 18 disposed in the plunger body 16 but cannot slide out of the plunger body 16.

[0017] The plunger body 16 of the plunger 10 can be constructed of a single piece (i.e., not parts threaded together). The plunger body 16 also includes a mandrel portion 20 and a flow portion 22 where the pin 12 can slide back and forth between a first position and a second position inside the flow portion 22. A passageway 24 can extend axially through the plunger body 16 between a mandrel opening 26 disposed in the mandrel portion 20 of the plunger body 16 and a pin opening 28 disposed in the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16. The flow portion 22 includes the flow hole 18 to allow fluid to flow through the plunger body 16 via the mandrel opening 26, the passageway 24 in the mandrel portion 20 and the flow hole 18 when the pin 12 is in the open position. Conversely, when the pin 12 is in a closed position, the pin 12 is positioned uphole in the flow portion 22 of the plunger 10 so fluid cannot flow through the plunger body 16 of the plunger 10. When the pin 12 is in the open position, the pin 12 is shifted downhole in the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16 as much as possible such that part of the pin 12 extends out of the pin opening 28 in the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16. When the plunger 10 is in this orientation, the plunger 10 is permitted to fall in the well until the plunger 10 contacts something that forces the pin 12 into the closed position. Thus, when the pin 12 is in the open position, the passageway 24 through the mandrel portion 20 of the plunger 10 is in fluid communication with the flow hole 18 in the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16. The plunger 10 could contact a bottom hole bumper spring, a standing valve or a bottom hole assembly to cause the pin 12 to slide back into the closed position. The flow hole 18 in the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16 can be ultimately radially directed in the side of the plunger body 16.

[0018] The pin 12 includes a body 30, a clutch mechanism 32 supported by the body 30 to control the force needed to shift the pin 12 between the open and closed positions, and a bumper portion 34 supported by the body 30 of the pin 12 to limit the distance the pin 12 can travel in the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16. The clutch mechanism 32 can include at least one clutch pad 36 positioned in a cut out portion 38 of the body 30 of the pin 12. The clutch mechanism 32 can also include at least one spring disposed between the clutch pad 36 and the cut-out portion to force the clutch pad 36 outward from the body 30 of the pin 12 to provide a desired clutch load. The clutch load is how much force it takes to drive the clutch pad 36 inward toward (or into) the cut-out portion 38 of the body 30 to permit the pin 12 to shift between the open and closed positions in the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16.

[0019] The clutch pads 36 and cut out portions 38 can have any shape such that the clutch mechanism 32 performs as desired. The clutch pads 36 can also include a recessed area 40 for each spring 42 used in the clutch mechanism 32. In one exemplary embodiment, the clutch mechanism 32 can include three clutch pads 36 that extend circumferentially around the body 30 of the pin 12. Each clutch pad 36 can have numerous recessed areas 40 for multiple springs 42. In one exemplary embodiment, each clutch pad 36 can have nine recessed areas 40 for accepting nine springs. Springs 42 can be added or removed to generate the desired clutch load for the clutch mechanism 32. The flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16 can have a narrowed inside portion 44 that the clutch mechanism 32 has to move past as the pin 12 slides between the open position and the closed position. The narrowed portion 44 can be disposed on the inside 46 of the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16 between the flow hole 18 and pin 12 opening. The pin 12 opening and the mandrel opening 26 can be axially directed in the plunger body 16.

[0020] The plunger 10 is designed such that the pin 12 can be inserted at the mandrel opening 26 and passed down through the passageway 24 in the mandrel portion 20 to enter the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16. Thus, the outer diameter of the pin 12 is smaller than the inner diameter of the passageway 24 in the mandrel portion 20. To maintain the position of the pin 12 in the plunger 10 and shown in more detail in FIGS. 2A-3B, the plunger can include a sealer ring 35 that can be selectively secured in the plunger 10 to prevent the pin 12 from exiting the plunger 10 when the plunger 10 is in use and provides a seat the pin 12 can engage with when the pin 12 is in the closed position and fluid is prevented from flowing through the flow hole 18 and the plunger body 16 of the plunger 10. The sealer ring 35 can be secured in place in the plunger 10 after the pin 12 is inserted into the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16. The sealer ring 35 can be inserted into the flow portion 22 via the flow hole 18. Since the inner diameter of the sealer ring 35 is less than the outer diameter of the pin 12 it prevents the pin 12 from exiting the plunger 10 when the sealer ring 35 is in place.

[0021] The sealer ring 35 can be secured in the desired position in the plunger 10 via any manner known in the art. For example, the sealer ring 35 can be threaded into place, secured by frictional engagement, etc. In one embodiment, the sealer ring 35 could have protruded portions 37 extending around the circumference of the seal ring 35 that can be forced into circumferential grooves 39 disposed in the uphole end 41 of the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16. When maintenance for parts of the plunger 10 is necessary, the sealer ring 35 can be removed from the plunger 10 via the flow hole 18, which permits the pin 12 to be removed from the plunger 10 via the passageway 24 in the mandrel portion 20.

[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the body 30 of the pin 12 can include recessed portions 43 disposed on an outer side 45 to permit solids, such as sand, to have a place to navigate to when the plunger 10 is in use. The solids can cause a problem for the engagement between the pin 12 and the sealer ring 35. If the engagement between the sealer ring 35 and the pin 12 is impeded by solids, fluid can leak through the plunger 10 when it is undesirable for it to do so. The recessed portions 43 can have any shape and design such that solids can move downhole past the pin 12. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the recessed portions 43 can be circumferential grooves disposed on the outer side 45 of the body 30 of the pin 12. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the recessed portions 43 can be helically disposed grooves on the outer side 45 of the body 30 of the pin 12. The flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16 can also include a sand port 49 disposed in a sidewall to provide a mechanism for solids in the plunger 10 that traverse down past the pin 12 to escape the plunger 10.

[0023] In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the body 30 of the pin 12 can include a flanged portion 50 extending radially from the body 30 that creates a shoulder. The flanged portion 50 is wider than the pin opening 28 to potentially provide multiple functions. The primary function is to prevent the parts of the pin 12 (e.g., clutch mechanism parts, parts of the bumper portion, etc.) or other parts of the plunger 10 (e.g., the retainer ring) from exiting the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16 in the event the mentioned parts of the pin 12 or the plunger 10 become damaged and break apart or become disengaged from their operative positions. The secondary function is to provide a redundant feature to keep the pin 12 in the plunger body 16 during operation of the plunger 10.

[0024] The present disclosure is also directed to a method of removing / lifting fluids from a well using the plunger 10 described herein. The present disclosure is also directed to a method of withdrawing the pin 12, and its various parts, from the plunger body 16 to adjust and / or repair the pin 12 and / or its various components. The method also includes the step of reinstalling the pin 12 in the plunger body 16 so that the plunger 10 can function as described herein. More specifically, parts of the bumper portion 34 can be removed from the pin 12 via the flow hole 18, these parts can be repaired or adjusted and then reinstalled on the pin 12 via the flow hole 18. Once the parts of the bumper portion 34 are removed, the pin 12 is able to be removed from the plunger body 16 via the pin opening 28. The clutch mechanism 32 can also be repaired and adjusted once the pin 12 is out of the plunger body 16. The sealer ring 35 can also be removed and installed as desired to facilitate removal and reinstallation of the pin 12 in the plunger 10.

[0025] From the above description, it is clear that the present disclosure is well-adapted to carry out the objectives and to attain the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the disclosure. While presently preferred embodiments have been described herein, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the spirit of the disclosure and claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0016]Referring now to FIGS. 1A-3B, the present disclosure relates to a plunger 10 with a removable pin 12 having a clutch 14 that can be adjusted and repaired. The pin 12 can be removed from a plunger body 16 of the plunger 10, the clutch can be repaired and reinstalled in the plunger body 16 of the plunger 10. Various parts of the pin 12 and plunger 10 can be repaired and replaced after the pin 12 is removed from the plunger body 16. The clutch load can also be adjusted to achieve the desired shifting ability of the pin 12 in the plunger 10. The pin 12 can be inserted in the plunger body 16 and certain components of the pin 12 can be mounted to the pin 12 while the pin 12 is in the plunger body 16. Once these components are mounted, the pin 12 slides in the plunger body 16 to open and close a flow hole 18 disposed in the plunger body 16 but cannot slide out of the plunger body 16.

[0017]The plunger body 16 of the plunger 10 can be constructed of a single piece (i.e., not parts thre...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 19 / 344,421, filed Sep. 19, 2025, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 654,706, filed May 3, 2024, which is a conversion of U.S. Provisional Application having U.S. Ser. No. 63 / 463,792, filed May 3, 2023, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a plunger with a pin that has an adjustable and repairable clutch that can be removed from the plunger body wherein the clutch can be adjusted and repaired to maximize the life of the plunger. Other components of the pin can be repaired or replaced as well.2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Typically, clutch mechanisms and pins of plunger lifts are the first components of a plunger lift to fail. Additionally, the body portion of a single piece body plunger is the most expensive part of plunger lifts and the plunger body has to be destroyed to get to the pin and / or clutch mechanism. Thus, when the clutch mechanisms of current designs fail, a lot of times the entire plunger has to be discarded, which is very inefficient.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a plunger with a removable pin that has a clutch that is adjustable and repairable to maximize the life of plungers.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] The present disclosure is directed to a plunger. The plunger includes a plunger body having a radially directed flow hole disposed therein and a pin that is removable from the plunger body without destroying the pin or the plunger body, the pin shifts back and forth in the plunger body to block the flow hole in a first position and allow fluid to flow through the flow hole in a second position. The plunger also includes a clutch mechanism supported by the pin to control the force necessary to shift the pin in the plunger body, a sealer ring, and a bumper portion supported by a body of the pin to limit the travel of the pin in the plunger body during operational use of the plunger.

[0007] The present disclosure is also directed to a method of lifting oil and gas fluids from a well using the plunger. The method includes the step of inserting the plunger into a well, the plunger including a plunger body having a pin disposed at least partially therein that is removable from the plunger body without destroying the pin or the plunger body.

[0008] The present disclosure is also directed to another method. The method includes the step of removing a pin from a plunger body without destroying the pin or the plunger body. The method also includes the step of repairing or adjusting a part of the pin and reinstalling the repaired or adjusted pin in the plunger body. The method can also include the steps of removing and / or installing a sealer ring in the plunger.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1A is a side elevation view of a plunger with a partial cut out section constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the plunger with a partial cut out section constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2A is a close-up view of a part of the plunger shown in FIG. 1A in a first position constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2B is a close-up view of the part of the plunger shown in FIG. 1B in a second position constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0013] FIGS. 3A-3B show the operation of a part of the plunger shown in FIG. 2A constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4A shows a partial cross-sectional and side elevation view of a part of the plunger constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4B shows a partial cross-sectional and side elevation view of a part of another embodiment of the plunger constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0016] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-3B, the present disclosure relates to a plunger 10 with a removable pin 12 having a clutch 14 that can be adjusted and repaired. The pin 12 can be removed from a plunger body 16 of the plunger 10, the clutch can be repaired and reinstalled in the plunger body 16 of the plunger 10. Various parts of the pin 12 and plunger 10 can be repaired and replaced after the pin 12 is removed from the plunger body 16. The clutch load can also be adjusted to achieve the desired shifting ability of the pin 12 in the plunger 10. The pin 12 can be inserted in the plunger body 16 and certain components of the pin 12 can be mounted to the pin 12 while the pin 12 is in the plunger body 16. Once these components are mounted, the pin 12 slides in the plunger body 16 to open and close a flow hole 18 disposed in the plunger body 16 but cannot slide out of the plunger body 16.

[0017] The plunger body 16 of the plunger 10 can be constructed of a single piece (i.e., not parts threaded together). The plunger body 16 also includes a mandrel portion 20 and a flow portion 22 where the pin 12 can slide back and forth between a first position and a second position inside the flow portion 22. A passageway 24 can extend axially through the plunger body 16 between a mandrel opening 26 disposed in the mandrel portion 20 of the plunger body 16 and a pin opening 28 disposed in the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16. The flow portion 22 includes the flow hole 18 to allow fluid to flow through the plunger body 16 via the mandrel opening 26, the passageway 24 in the mandrel portion 20 and the flow hole 18 when the pin 12 is in the open position. Conversely, when the pin 12 is in a closed position, the pin 12 is positioned uphole in the flow portion 22 of the plunger 10 so fluid cannot flow through the plunger body 16 of the plunger 10. When the pin 12 is in the open position, the pin 12 is shifted downhole in the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16 as much as possible such that part of the pin 12 extends out of the pin opening 28 in the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16. When the plunger 10 is in this orientation, the plunger 10 is permitted to fall in the well until the plunger 10 contacts something that forces the pin 12 into the closed position. Thus, when the pin 12 is in the open position, the passageway 24 through the mandrel portion 20 of the plunger 10 is in fluid communication with the flow hole 18 in the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16. The plunger 10 could contact a bottom hole bumper spring, a standing valve or a bottom hole assembly to cause the pin 12 to slide back into the closed position. The flow hole 18 in the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16 can be ultimately radially directed in the side of the plunger body 16.

[0018] The pin 12 includes a body 30, a clutch mechanism 32 supported by the body 30 to control the force needed to shift the pin 12 between the open and closed positions, and a bumper portion 34 supported by the body 30 of the pin 12 to limit the distance the pin 12 can travel in the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16. The clutch mechanism 32 can include at least one clutch pad 36 positioned in a cut out portion 38 of the body 30 of the pin 12. The clutch mechanism 32 can also include at least one spring disposed between the clutch pad 36 and the cut-out portion to force the clutch pad 36 outward from the body 30 of the pin 12 to provide a desired clutch load. The clutch load is how much force it takes to drive the clutch pad 36 inward toward (or into) the cut-out portion 38 of the body 30 to permit the pin 12 to shift between the open and closed positions in the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16.

[0019] The clutch pads 36 and cut out portions 38 can have any shape such that the clutch mechanism 32 performs as desired. The clutch pads 36 can also include a recessed area 40 for each spring 42 used in the clutch mechanism 32. In one exemplary embodiment, the clutch mechanism 32 can include three clutch pads 36 that extend circumferentially around the body 30 of the pin 12. Each clutch pad 36 can have numerous recessed areas 40 for multiple springs 42. In one exemplary embodiment, each clutch pad 36 can have nine recessed areas 40 for accepting nine springs. Springs 42 can be added or removed to generate the desired clutch load for the clutch mechanism 32. The flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16 can have a narrowed inside portion 44 that the clutch mechanism 32 has to move past as the pin 12 slides between the open position and the closed position. The narrowed portion 44 can be disposed on the inside 46 of the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16 between the flow hole 18 and pin 12 opening. The pin 12 opening and the mandrel opening 26 can be axially directed in the plunger body 16.

[0020] The plunger 10 is designed such that the pin 12 can be inserted at the mandrel opening 26 and passed down through the passageway 24 in the mandrel portion 20 to enter the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16. Thus, the outer diameter of the pin 12 is smaller than the inner diameter of the passageway 24 in the mandrel portion 20. To maintain the position of the pin 12 in the plunger 10 and shown in more detail in FIGS. 2A-3B, the plunger can include a sealer ring 35 that can be selectively secured in the plunger 10 to prevent the pin 12 from exiting the plunger 10 when the plunger 10 is in use and provides a seat the pin 12 can engage with when the pin 12 is in the closed position and fluid is prevented from flowing through the flow hole 18 and the plunger body 16 of the plunger 10. The sealer ring 35 can be secured in place in the plunger 10 after the pin 12 is inserted into the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16. The sealer ring 35 can be inserted into the flow portion 22 via the flow hole 18. Since the inner diameter of the sealer ring 35 is less than the outer diameter of the pin 12 it prevents the pin 12 from exiting the plunger 10 when the sealer ring 35 is in place.

[0021] The sealer ring 35 can be secured in the desired position in the plunger 10 via any manner known in the art. For example, the sealer ring 35 can be threaded into place, secured by frictional engagement, etc. In one embodiment, the sealer ring 35 could have protruded portions 37 extending around the circumference of the seal ring 35 that can be forced into circumferential grooves 39 disposed in the uphole end 41 of the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16. When maintenance for parts of the plunger 10 is necessary, the sealer ring 35 can be removed from the plunger 10 via the flow hole 18, which permits the pin 12 to be removed from the plunger 10 via the passageway 24 in the mandrel portion 20.

[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the body 30 of the pin 12 can include recessed portions 43 disposed on an outer side 45 to permit solids, such as sand, to have a place to navigate to when the plunger 10 is in use. The solids can cause a problem for the engagement between the pin 12 and the sealer ring 35. If the engagement between the sealer ring 35 and the pin 12 is impeded by solids, fluid can leak through the plunger 10 when it is undesirable for it to do so. The recessed portions 43 can have any shape and design such that solids can move downhole past the pin 12. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the recessed portions 43 can be circumferential grooves disposed on the outer side 45 of the body 30 of the pin 12. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the recessed portions 43 can be helically disposed grooves on the outer side 45 of the body 30 of the pin 12. The flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16 can also include a sand port 49 disposed in a sidewall to provide a mechanism for solids in the plunger 10 that traverse down past the pin 12 to escape the plunger 10.

[0023] In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the body 30 of the pin 12 can include a flanged portion 50 extending radially from the body 30 that creates a shoulder. The flanged portion 50 is wider than the pin opening 28 to potentially provide multiple functions. The primary function is to prevent the parts of the pin 12 (e.g., clutch mechanism parts, parts of the bumper portion, etc.) or other parts of the plunger 10 (e.g., the retainer ring) from exiting the flow portion 22 of the plunger body 16 in the event the mentioned parts of the pin 12 or the plunger 10 become damaged and break apart or become disengaged from their operative positions. The secondary function is to provide a redundant feature to keep the pin 12 in the plunger body 16 during operation of the plunger 10.

[0024] The present disclosure is also directed to a method of removing / lifting fluids from a well using the plunger 10 described herein. The present disclosure is also directed to a method of withdrawing the pin 12, and its various parts, from the plunger body 16 to adjust and / or repair the pin 12 and / or its various components. The method also includes the step of reinstalling the pin 12 in the plunger body 16 so that the plunger 10 can function as described herein. More specifically, parts of the bumper portion 34 can be removed from the pin 12 via the flow hole 18, these parts can be repaired or adjusted and then reinstalled on the pin 12 via the flow hole 18. Once the parts of the bumper portion 34 are removed, the pin 12 is able to be removed from the plunger body 16 via the pin opening 28. The clutch mechanism 32 can also be repaired and adjusted once the pin 12 is out of the plunger body 16. The sealer ring 35 can also be removed and installed as desired to facilitate removal and reinstallation of the pin 12 in the plunger 10.

[0025] From the above description, it is clear that the present disclosure is well-adapted to carry out the objectives and to attain the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the disclosure. While presently preferred embodiments have been described herein, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the spirit of the disclosure and claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0016]Referring now to FIGS. 1A-3B, the present disclosure relates to a plunger 10 with a removable pin 12 having a clutch 14 that can be adjusted and repaired. The pin 12 can be removed from a plunger body 16 of the plunger 10, the clutch can be repaired and reinstalled in the plunger body 16 of the plunger 10. Various parts of the pin 12 and plunger 10 can be repaired and replaced after the pin 12 is removed from the plunger body 16. The clutch load can also be adjusted to achieve the desired shifting ability of the pin 12 in the plunger 10. The pin 12 can be inserted in the plunger body 16 and certain components of the pin 12 can be mounted to the pin 12 while the pin 12 is in the plunger body 16. Once these components are mounted, the pin 12 slides in the plunger body 16 to open and close a flow hole 18 disposed in the plunger body 16 but cannot slide out of the plunger body 16.

[0017]The plunger body 16 of the plunger 10 can be constructed of a single piece (i.e., not parts thre...

Claims

1. A plunger, the plunger comprising:a plunger body having a radially directed flow hole disposed therein;a pin that is removable from the plunger body without destroying the pin or the plunger body, the pin shifts back and forth in the plunger body to block the flow hole in a first position and allow fluid to flow through the flow hole in a second position;a clutch mechanism supported by the pin to control the force necessary to shift the pin in the plunger body;a bumper portion supported by a body of the pin to limit the travel of the pin in the plunger body during operational use of the plunger; anda sealer ring selectively securable in a part of the plunger body to engage the bumper portion of the pin when the pin is in the first position.

2. The plunger of claim 1 wherein the clutch mechanism includes at least one clutch pad and at least one spring disposed between the pin and the at least one clutch pad.

3. The plunger of claim 1 wherein the sealer ring includes protruded portions extending therefrom to selectively secure the sealer ring in the plunger body.

4. The plunger of claim 3 wherein the plunger body includes grooves disposed therein to accept the protruded portion extending from the sealer ring.

5. The plunger of claim 1 wherein the pin is removable from the plunger body via a passageway extending through a mandrel portion of the plunger body.

6. The plunger of claim 1 wherein the pin has a body portion between the bumper portion and the clutch mechanism includes grooves disposed around an outer side of the body portion of the pin.

7. The plunger of claim 6 wherein the grooves are circumferentially disposed in the outer side of the body portion of the pin.

8. The plunger of claim 6 wherein the grooves are helically disposed in the outer side of the body portion of the pin.

9. A method of lifting oil and gas fluids from a well, the method comprising:inserting a plunger into a well, the plunger including a plunger body having a pin and a sealer ring disposed at least partially therein that is removable from the plunger body without destroying the pin or the plunger body.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the sealer ring is removable from the pin via a flow hole disposed in a sidewall of the plunger body.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein the plunger comprises:a plunger body having a radially directed flow hole disposed therein; anda pin that is removable from the plunger body without destroying the pin or the plunger body, the pin shifts back and forth in the plunger body to block the flow hole in a first position and allow fluid to flow through the flow hole in a second position;a clutch mechanism supported by the pin to control the force necessary to shift the pin in the plunger body; anda bumper portion supported by a body of the pin to limit the travel of the pin in the plunger body during operational use of the plunger.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the clutch mechanism includes at least one clutch pad and at least one spring disposed between the pin and the at least one clutch pad.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein the sealer ring includes protruded portions extending therefrom to selectively secure the sealer ring in the plunger body.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the plunger body includes grooves disposed therein to accept the protruded portion extending from the sealer ring.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein the pin is removable from the plunger body via a passageway extending through a mandrel portion of the plunger body.

16. The method of claim 11 wherein the pin has a body portion between the bumper portion and the clutch mechanism includes grooves disposed around an outer side of the body portion of the pin.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the grooves are circumferentially disposed in the outer side of the body portion of the pin.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein the grooves are helically disposed in the outer side of the body portion of the pin.

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