Pump protection system

Abstract

An apparatus for protecting a pump system from solids fallback in a downhole environment, comprising a housing (550) adapted to be installed in the production tubing (580) of a wellbore, and a plurality of storage chambers (505) within the housing, each storage chamber having a deflector (540) and a storage base (570) with slots (575) for fluid communication, the deflectors and storage bases are arranged to form a pathway for fluid flow through the slots in the storage bases, facilitating the capture and storage of precipitated solids when fluid flow ceases, and enabling the mobilization and removal of collected solids upon the resumption of fluid flow.

Description

[0001] SAND KATCHER 10 BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Specialised downhole pumps are used in the hydrocarbon exploration and production industry in various applications, and in particular for the production of hydrocarbons to surface from significant wellbore depths. There are several types of downhole pump in use, including Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESPs) and Sucker Rod Pumps (SRPs). An SRP system is powered by a rod extending from surface to the downhole pump, and the stroking action, can be achieved by a “nodding donkey” reciprocating machine, or long stroke hydraulically powered machines. The SRP is also referred to as a reciprocating pump. The downhole pump typically comprises a standing valve and a traveling valve. The standing valve is attached to the tubing. The traveling valve reciprocates with the rod string. Both valves typically comprise a ball check arrangement. Downhole pumps are sensitive to sands and other abrasive solids being present in the production fluid. The amount of sand which is produced from a well depends on characteristics of the formation, and various methods are used to control sand production. However, it is common for some amount of sand or abrasive solids to be present in the production fluid. With many production systems which use a downhole pump, problems can arise when the pump is shut down after a period of pumping fluid up the production tubing to surface. When production ceases with an SRP the fluid column is sustained in the tubing by the stationary valve. The entrained solids in the production tubing will fall with gravity in the static fluid column. The falling solids can accumulate several feet on top of the traveling and stationary valve resulting in erosion and valve blockage. In some cases, a solids fallback protection device can be installed integrally to the rod string above an SRP system or a stationary device attached to the production tubing inner diameter with the rod string oscillating linearly within it. Prior art details a device with multiple chambers with slits intended to capture the falling solids and which also allow fluid to remove solids upon restart of the SRP system. Prior art also details a device above the solids fallback protection device which directs solids inwards to increase capture percentage. It is amongst the aims and objects of the invention to provide various methods to prevent the above-described deficiencies of downhole pump systems. Further aims and objects will become apparent from reading the following description.

[0002] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This disclosure is directed to systems and methods which will remove solids from fluids and remove solids from the functioning surfaces reducing or eliminating one or more of the problems above with sucker rod pump (SRP) systems. Solids in the fluid column will fallback in the stationary fluid column resting upon the SRP downhole valving. A device with multiple chambers each containing multiple bases with slots and storage volumes will prevent solids from entering a pump and self- clean upon reversing fluid direction in applications involving a sucker rod pump. Centralizers attached to the rod string will guide falling solids outwards radially reducing the capture effectiveness of an SRP fallback solids capture device. A device which will direct falling solids inwards is included in this disclosure. This disclosure also includes an alternative approach to capturing fallback solids. A device which attaches to the production tubing inner diameter allowing the rod string to oscillate within it. The device will capture and store falling solids, and self clean upon restart of the downhole pump.

[0003] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS There will now be described, by way of example only, embodiments of the invention with respect to the following drawings, Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a typical SRP system Figure 2 is a diagram of an SRP system with a solids fallback protection device Figure 3 is a diagram of an SRP system with a deflector above a solids fallback protection device Figure 4 depicts a stationary solids fallback protection device Figures 5A is a diagram of a solids fallback protection device and select components Figure 5B are views of a solids fallback protection device demonstrating the solids capture function Figure 5C are views of a solids fallback protection device demonstrating the self- cleaning function Figure 6A are views of a deflector device and guide Figure 6B are a view demonstrating the deflection function, as well as component depictions Figure 7A are views of a stationary solids fallback protection device Figure 7B are views of a solids fallback protection device demonstrating the solids capture function Figure 7C are views of a solids fallback protection device demonstrating the self- cleaning function Figure 7D are views of the storage tube and dissolvable guide Figure 7E are views of the storage base Figure 8A are views of a stationary solids fallback protection device being deployed Figure 8B are views of a solids fallback protection device demonstrating the solids capture function Figure 8C are views of a solids fallback protection device demonstrating the self- cleaning function Figure 8D are isometric views of the storage cap and base Figure 9A are views of an alternative stationary solids fallback protection device being deployed in the well, during normal operation, and being removed from the well Figure 9B are views of the exploded assembly and the slotted base Figure 9C are views of a solids fallback protection device demonstrating the solids capture function Figure 9D are views of a solids fallback protection device demonstrating the self- cleaning function Figure 10A are views of an alternative stationary solids fallback protection device being deployed in the well, during normal operation, and being removed from the well Figure 10B are views of the components and assembly of an alternative stationary solids fallback protection device Figure 10C are views of the storage tube of an alternative stationary solids fallback protection device and on-site assembly Figure 10D are views demonstrating the solids capture function of an alternative stationary solids fallback protection device Figure 10E are views demonstrating the self-cleaning function of an alternative stationary solids fallback protection device Figure 10F are views of an alternative storage tube and on-site assembly Figure 10G are views of an alternative storage tube, on-site assembly steps, and final assembly DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One or more embodiments of the invention are described below. It should be noted that these and any other embodiments described below are exemplary and are intended to be illustrative of the invention rather than limiting. As described herein, various embodiments of the invention comprise systems and methods to exclude solids from entering an SRP. As mentioned above, solids can enter a downhole pump from the discharge, or settle on top of the pump. A method to capture, contain and self-clean solids will reduce operating costs with SRP systems. Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a typical SRP system. The main components of the downhole SRP system 120 are a traveling valve 126 and a stationary valve 124 located above the well perforations 122 and inside the production tubing 128 and well casing 140. A beam pump 110 on the surface provides a reciprocating linear motion to the rod shaft string 130 which lifts and lowers the traveling valve 126. Referring to figure 2, there is shown the addition of a solids fallback protection device 250 located between the downhole SRP system 220 and the surface. Referring to figure 3, there is shown the addition of two centralizers 370, a deflector device 360, and a solids storage device 350 located above the SRP system 320. Centralizers 370 are used to reduce contact between the rod string 330 and the production tubing 305. Referring to figure 4, a stationary fallback solids protection device 450 is shown located above the downhole SRP system 420 and below the surface. Referring to figure 5A, is shown an isometric view of a subterranean solids fallback protection device. View 5.1 depicts the housing 550, production tubing 580, and well casing 500 sectioned. The rod string 510 connects to the head 520 and base 590. Rods 530 connect the head 520 to the storage chamber 505, the storage chambers 505 to each other, and the storage chamber 505 to the base 590. Each storage chamber consists of a deflector 540, a storage tube 560, and a multitude of bases 570. The head 520 and base 590 adapt the rod string 510 to the housing 550. The housing 550 transfers the rod string 510 compression and tensile load and contains the captured solids. The head 520 and base 590 have openings which allow fluid and solids to pass. The storage tube 560 has fluid communication slits 566 and a transverse pin 563. A View 5.2 shows a three-dimensional depiction of the deflector 540. View 5.3 shows a three-dimensional depiction of the storage base 570 with a multitude of communication slots 575. Referring to figure 5B, are shown cross sectional isometric views of a subterranean solids fallback storage device demonstrating the solid fallback capture function. When the downhole pump ceases to move fluid the fluid column inside the tubing 580 becomes static and suspended solids 505 fall with gravity. View 5.4 shows a partially full top chamber 510. Solids 505 fall with gravity inside the tubing entering the device through openings in the head 520 as well as between the housing 550 outer diameter and tubing 580 inner diameter. The solids 505 inside the device accumulate on top of the deflector 540 until the solids 505 fall around the outer surface of the deflector 540. These falling solids 505 then accumulate above the base 570 in the annular volume between the storage tube 560 outer diameter and the housing 550 inner diameter. View 5.5 shows a sectioned full top chamber 510 and partially full lower chamber 515. When the top chamber 510 reaches full storage capacity then the falling solids 505 enter the storage tube 560 inner diameter falling to the deflector 540 in the lower chamber 515. The process outlined in view 5.4 with the upper chamber 510 repeats itself with the lower chamber 515. View 5.6 shows a three-dimensional depiction of the deflector 540. The deflector 540 directs solids to the annular space between the storage tube 560 outer diameter and housing 550 inner diameter. Semi- circular voids around the perimeter of the deflector 540 facilitate solids 505 movement. View 5.7 shows a three-dimensional depiction of the base 570 with slots 575 on the perimeter. View 5.8 magnifies the solids 505 capture function. The deflector 540 directs the solids 505 into the annular volume between the storage tube 560 outer diameter and housing 550 inner diameter. The slots 575 in each sequential base 570 are not aligned vertically to prevent solids 505 from traveling below the bottom base 570. Solids 505 are shown filling the slots 575 in the top base 570. The solids 505 spread out on the middle base 570 but do not enter the slots 575 in the middle nor lower base 570. Referring to figure 5C, are shown isometric cross-sectional views of the self-cleaning function of the subterranean solids fallback protection device. View 5.9 depicts the well fluid 510 moving inside the storage tube 560, and in and around the solids fallback protection device carrying stored solids 505 to the surface. Well fluid 510 travels around the device and enters the device through openings in the base 590. The well fluid 510 continues moving inside the housing 550 and around the storage bases 570, storage tube 560 and deflector 540. The well fluid 510 carrying solids 505 exits the device through openings in the head 520. View 5.10 shows an enlarged view of the fluid 510 entering the multitude of storage bases 570 through a slot then traveling perpendicularly to the middle base 570 slot. The fluid travels longitudinally through the middle storage base 570. The fluid 510 then travels perpendicularly to the top base 570 longitudinal slot. A section of the storage tube 560 demonstrates the fluid traveling inside and outside the storage tube 560. A transverse pin 563 creates a back pressure forcing fluid out of the slits 566 improving the solids 505 removal function. Referring to figure 6A, are shown cross sectional isometric views of a solids deflector device. View 6.1 shows the deflector device 630 and guide 635 being pushed inside the production tubing 610 by the centralizer 650 which is attached to rod string 620. View 6.2 shows normal operation with the centralizer 650 above the guide 635. The rod string 620 will oscillate linearly within the guide 635 and deflector 630. View 6.3 shows the centralizer 650 and deflector 630 after the guide 635 has dissolved. An alternate embodiment would be with a non-dissolvable guide. Referring to figure 6B, are shown a cross section isometric view of the deflector function, an isometric depiction of the guide and isometric depictions of the major components. View 6.4 shows an isometric section view of the deflector 630 inside the production tubing 610 directing the falling solids 640 above the deflector to a narrower column 621 below the deflector. View 6.5 shows an isometric view of the dissolvable guide 635 with an opening allowing the rod string to fit inside during assembly on the surface. View 6.6 shows an isometric view of the wire brush 630 with an opening allowing the rod string to fit inside during assembly on the surface. View 6.7 shows an isometric view of a centralizer 650. Referring to figure 7A, are shown isometric section views of a subterranean stationary solids fallback protection device inside the sectioned well casing 710 and production tubing 720 during deployment and during normal operation. View 7.1 shows the storage device 745 consisting of a storage sleeve 750 and storage base 760 being deployed into the well. The rods 725 are joined by the coupling 730 which contacts the guide 740 which then contacts the storage device 745. The storage base 760 is shown in a cross-section depiction and attaches to the storage sleeve 750. An interference between the storage base 760 outer diameter and the production tubing 720 inner diameter prevents movement of the storage device. The guide 740 also adapts the surfaces of the coupling 730 to the storage tube 750. View 7.2 depicts the apparatus during normal operation with the guide 740 having dissolved and the coupling 730 oscillating linearly above. The rod string 725 also oscillates linearly within the storage sleeve 750 and storage base 760. Referring to figure 7B, are shown cross sectional isometric views of a subterranean stationary solids fallback storage device demonstrating the solid fallback capture function when there is no well fluid movement. View 7.3 shows a stationary solids storage inside the production tubing 720 and consisting of a storage sleeve 750, and a storage base 760. The falling solids 770 enter the storage area of the sectioned storage sleeve 750. View 7.4 depicts solids 770 entering longitudinal slots on the outer surface of the storage base 760 but ceasing to fall further upon entering a latitudinal channel on the outer surface of base 760. Referring to figure 7C, are shown cross sectional isometric views of a subterranean stationary solids fallback storage device demonstrating the solid self-cleaning function. View 7.5 shows normal production fluid 780 entering the longitudinal and latitudinal channels on the outer surface of the storage base 760. The fluid 780 enters the storage volume of the storage sleeve 750 through slots in the storage base 760 and storage sleeve 750. Fluid continues traveling removing solids 770 from the device. The rod string 740 oscillates linearly inside the storage sleeve 750 and storage base 760. View 7.6 is an enlarged depiction of the fluid 780, storage base 760, a section view of the storage sleeve 750 and solids 770. The fluid 780 travels longitudinally and latitudinally in the channels on the outer surface of the base 760. Referring to figure 7D, are shown isometric views of major components. View 7.7 shows the storage sleeve 750 with a “U” shaped cross section and a multitude of longitudinal slots 755 in the bottom end. View 7.8 shows a dissolvable guide 740 with a multitude of longitudinal slots 743 on the outer surface and a longitudinal opening 746 to accommodate the rod string during assembly on the surface. The slots 743 will allow fluid to pass during normal operation and falling solids to pass when fluid is not being produced. An alternative embodiment would be with a non-dissolvable guide. Referring to figure 7E, are shown isometric and section views of the storage base 760. A multitude of longitudinal and latitudinal slots 763 in the outer surface prevent falling solids from passing but allow produced fluid to pass. An opening 746 accommodates the rod string during assembly on the surface. Referring to figure 8A, are shown isometric cross-sectional views of an alternative subterranean stationary fallback solids protection device. The device resides inside the sectioned well casing 810 and the production tubing 820. View 8.1 shows the apparatus being deployed. The device 805 consists of a storage cap 845, storage tube 850, and a storage base 860. The coupling 830 connects rod strings 825 and contacts a dissolvable guide 840 which contacts the storage cap 845. View 8.2 depicts normal operation. The rod string 825 oscillates linearly within the storage cap 845, storage tube 850, and storage base 860. The coupling 830 oscillates linearly above the storage tube cap 845. Referring to figure 8B, are shown cross sectional isometric views of a subterranean stationary solids fallback storage device demonstrating the solid fallback capture function when there is no well fluid movement. View 8.3 depicts the falling solids 870 within the production tubing 820. The storage tube cap 845 deflects the solids 870 to the annular space between the storage tube 850 outer diameter and the production tubing 820 inner diameter. The storage base 860 prevents the solids 870 from passing below the device. View 8.4 enlarges the view of the stored solids around the storage base 860 showing the stored solids 870 in the annular space between the storage tube 850 outer diameter and the production tubing’s 820 inner diameter, as well as the solids 870 entering a longitudinal channel in the storage base 860. A lateral channel stops the solids from traveling further. Referring to figure 8C, are shown cross sectional isometric views of a subterranean stationary solids fallback storage device demonstrating the self-cleaning functions. View 8.5 depicts the normal production of fluid 880 removing the solids 870 from the device. Fluid 880 passes in the longitudinal and lateral channels in the storage base 860 then enters the storage volume between the storage tube 850 outer diameter and the production tubing’s 820 inner diameter. The fluid 880 and solids 870 pass the storage tube cap 845 and continue traveling to the surface. View 8.6 enlarges the area around the storage base 860 showing the fluid 880 passing the longitudinal 861 and latitudinal channels 862 in the storage base 860. The fluid 880 enters the storage volume carrying the solids 870 towards the surface. Referring to figure 8D, are shown isometric views of major components. View 8.7 shows the storage cap 845 with an opening 846 which accommodates the rod string during assembly on the surface. View 8.8 shows the storage base 860 with longitudinal 861 and latitudinal channels 862. Referring to figure 9A, are shown an isometric cross-sectional view of another alternative stationary fallback solids storage device. View 9.1 shows the assembly 905 being deployed in the well inside production tubing 920 which resides within the well casing 910. Arrows 932 show the components downward movement inside the production tubing 920. Rods 925 are connected with coupling 930 which contacts the device assembly 905 consisting of a cap 945, a storage tube 950, an upper base 960, and a lower base 965. View 9.2 shows the device during normal operation. The rods 925 oscillate linearly as indicated with arrow 934. The interference fit between bases 960 and 965 outer surfaces and the production tubing 920 inner diameter prevents the device from movement. View 9.3 shows the assembly 905 being removed from the well. Arrows 936 show the components upward movement inside the production tubing 920. Attached to the rod 925 is a centralizer 938 which contacts the base of the assembly 905. Referring to figure 9B are an exploded assembly view, and an isometric view of the storage base 960 and 965. View 9.4 shows an exploded view of the storage device assembly. An upper storage base 960 and lower storage base 965 attach to the storage tube 950 with their openings 966 opposed radially. The storage cap 945 attaches to the top of the storage tube 950. The rod 990 inserts inside the storage tube 950. The openings 966 in the upper storage base 960, lower storage base 965 and storage cap 945 accept the rod. View 9.5 depicts the upper storage base 960 and lower storage base 965 with a longitudinal opening 966. Referring to figure 9C, are shown cross sectional frontal and posterior views of a subterranean stationary solids fallback storage device demonstrating the solid fallback capture function when there is no well fluid movement. View 9.6 shows a frontal view depicting the suspended solids 970 falling with gravity inside the static fluid column inside the production tubing 920. The well casing 910, production tubing 920, and storage cap 945 are fully sectioned, and the storage tube 950 and captured solids 975 are partially sectioned. The storage tube cap 945 deflects the falling solids 970 to the annular space between the storage tube 950 outer diameter and the production tubing 920 inner diameter. A multitude of storage bases 960 and 965 prevent the captured solids 975 from passing below the device. View 9.7 enlarges the view of the captured solids 975 around the storage tube 950, above and in the opening 966 of the upper storage base 960, and on top of the bottom storage base 965. The bottom storage base 965 prevents the captured solids 975 from traveling further. View 9.8 shows a posterior view depicting captured solids 975 above the upper storage base 960 and no captured solids 975 in the opening 966 of the bottom storage base 965. Referring to figure 9D, are shown cross sectional frontal and posterior views of a subterranean stationary solids fallback storage device demonstrating the self- cleaning function. View 9.9 shows a frontal view depicting the normal production of fluid 980 removing the solids 985 from the device with the well casing 910 and production tubing 920 sectioned. Fluid 980 passes in the longitudinal opening 966 in the storage bases 960 and 965, and laterally between the storage bases 960 and 965. The fluid 980 then enters the storage volume between the storage tube 950 outer diameter and the production tubing’s 920 inner diameter. The fluid 980 and mobilized solids 985 pass the storage tube cap 945 and continue traveling to the surface. View 9.10 enlarges the view of the storage bases 960 and 965 showing the fluid 980 passing the longitudinal opening 966 in the storage base 960 and laterally between the storage bases 960 and 965. The fluid 980 enters the storage volume between the storage tube 950 outer diameter and production tubing 920 inner diameter carrying the solids 985 towards the surface. View 9.11 shows a posterior view depicting the self-cleaning function. The direction of the mobilized well fluid is shown with arrows 980 which enters the opening 966 in the bottom base 965. The well fluid 980 then travels transversely between storage bases 960 and 965. The fluid 980 mobilizes the solids 985 stored in the annular space between the storage tube 950 outer diameter and the production tubing 920 inner diameter. Referring to figure 10A, are shown an isometric cross-sectional view of another alternative stationary fallback solids storage device. View 10.1 shows the assembly 1015 being deployed in the well inside production tubing 1005 which resides within the well casing 1000. Arrows 1020 show the components downward movement inside the production tubing 1005. Rods 1010 are connected with coupling 1025 which contacts and guides the assembly 1015 consisting of a cap 1030, a storage tube 1035, an upper base 1040, and a lower base 1045. View 10.2 shows the device during normal operation. The rods 1010 oscillate linearly as indicated with arrow 1050. The interference fit between bases 1040 and 1045 outer surfaces and the production tubing 1005 inner diameter prevents the device from movement. View 10.3 shows the assembly 1015 being removed from the well. Arrows 1055 show the components upward movement inside the production tubing 1005. Rods 1010 are attached with coupling 1025 which contacts and guides the assembly 1015. Referring to figure 10B are isometric views of components, an exploded assembly view, and an assembled view. View 10.4 shows an isometric view of the bottom storage base 1045 with a slotted opening 1066. View 10.5 shows an isometric view of the upper storage base 1040 with a slotted opening 1066. View 10.6 shows an isometric view of the storage cap 1030 with a slotted opening 1066. View 10.7 shows an exploded view of the storage device assembly. An upper storage base 1040 and lower storage base 1045 attach to the storage tube 1035 with their openings 1066 opposed radially. The storage cap 1030 attaches to the top of the storage tube 1035. The rod 1010 fits inside the slotted openings 966 in the storage cap 1030, upper storge base 1040, and the bottom storage base 1045. The storage tube 1035 opens to accept the rod 1010. View 10.8 depicts the completed assembly with the storage cap 1030, storage tube 1035, upper storage base 1040, and bottom storage base 1045 with the rod 1010 residing inside the assembly. Referring to figure 10C depicts an isometric, magnified, and assembly views of the storage tube 1035. View 10.9 shows an isometric view of the storage tube. View 10.10 enlarges an end view of the storage tube in a neutral state. View 10.11 shows steps during assembly at the well site. The first step shown on the left expands the storage tube 1035 to accept the rod 1010. The expanded storage tube 1035 is then placed around the rod 1010 as shown in the middle. Finally, the storage tube 1035 contracts to the neutral state around the rod 1010 as shown on the right. Referring to figure 10D, are shown cross sectional views of a subterranean stationary solids fallback storage device demonstrating the solid fallback capture function when there is no well fluid movement. View 10.12 shows a left view depicting the well casing 1000, production tubing 1005, and storage cap 1030 fully cross sectioned, and the storage tube 1035 and captured solids 1065 partially cross sectioned. The non- oscillating rod 1010 passes through the device 1015. The solids 1060 fall with gravity in the static fluid column inside the production tubing 1005. The storage tube cap 1030 deflects the falling solids 1060 to the annular space between the storage tube 1035 outer diameter and the production tubing 1005 inner diameter. A multitude of storage bases 1040 and 1045 prevent the captured solids 1065 from passing below the device. View 10.13 is a cross sectional front view of the device showing the captured solids 1065 above and in the opening 1066 of the upper storage base 1040, and on top of the bottom storage base 1045. The bottom storage base 1045 prevents the captured solids 1065 from traveling further. View 10.14 shows a left view of the device. View 10.15 shows a posterior view with captured solids 1065 above the upper storage base 1040 and no captured solids 1065 in the opening 1066 of the bottom storage base 1045. Referring to figure 10E, are shown cross sectional views of a subterranean stationary solids fallback storage device demonstrating the self-cleaning function when production of the well fluid has been resumed. View 10.16 shows a left view depicting the well casing 1000, production tubing 1005, and storage cap 1030 fully cross sectioned, and the storage tube 1035 partially cross sectioned. The rod 1010 oscillates inside the device 1015. The well fluid 1075 moves in and around the storage bases 1040 and 1045, the storage tube 1035, and the storge tube cap 1030. The moving fluid 1075 carries the solids 1070 upwards to the surface. The fluid 1075 travels vertically except between the bottom storage base 1045 and the upper storage base 1040. View 10.17 shows a frontal view with the well fluid 1075 and mobilized solids 1070 moving horizontally between the bottom storage device 1045 and the upper storage base 1040, as well as vertically in the opening 1066 of the upper storage base 1040. View 10.18 shows a right cross-sectional view with the well fluid 1075 and mobilized solids 1070 moving horizontally between the bottom storage device 1045 and the upper storage base 1040, and vertically otherwise. View 10.19 shows a posterior cross- sectional view with the well fluid 1075 and mobilized solids 1070 moving vertically below, around, and above the device 1015, vertically in the opening 1066 of the bottom storage base 1045, and horizontally between the bottom storage device 1045 and the upper storage base 1040. Referring to figure 10F are isometric and assembly views of an alternative storage tube 1035. View 10.20 shows isometric and magnified views of a storage tube 1035 with two matching half round tubes 1090. View 10.21 shows an isometric view of a half round tube 1090. View 10.22 shows an assembly view of the storage tube 1035. The two half round tubes 1090 flank the rod 1010 as shown on the right. The half round tubes 1090 then engage to surround the rod 1010. Referring to figure 10G are isometric and assembly views of an alternative storage tube. View 10.23 shows an isometric view of a rectangular sheet with slots to accommodate tabs. View 10.24 shows an isometric view of the sheet formed into a cylinder and an magnified end view. View 10.25 depicts the steps to assemble to storage tube at the well site. The flat rectangular sheet 1095 is held parallel to the rod 1010 as shown on the left. The sheet 1095 is then formed around rod 1010 as shown on the right. View 10.26 shows the formed tube 1095 secured by a base 1092, sleeve 1093, and cap 1094. The base 1092 and cap 1094 have tabs 1096 which engage with the slots in the formed tube 1095.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An apparatus for protecting a pump system from solids fallback in a downhole environment, comprising: - a housing adapted to be installed in the production tubing of a wellbore; - a plurality of storage chambers within the housing, each storage chamber having a deflector and a storage base with slots for fluid communication; - wherein the deflectors and storage bases are arranged to form a pathway for fluid flow through the slots in the storage bases, facilitating the capture and storage of precipitated solids when fluid flow ceases, and enabling the mobilization and removal of collected solids upon the resumption of fluid flow.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each deflector within the storage chambers is configured to direct falling solids to the annular space between the storage chamber’s outer diameter and the housing’s inner diameter.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the slots in the storage bases are staggered to prevent vertical alignment, thereby inhibiting the downward movement of captured solids.

4. The apparatus of any previous claim, further comprising a head and a base at either end of the housing, both having openings to allow fluid and solids to pass through the device.

5. The apparatus of any previous claim, wherein the storage tube comprises an arrangement of transverse pins and slits to facilitate backpressure and improve the removal of collected solids.

6. The apparatus of any previous claim, further comprising a wire brush with an opening for assembly with the rod string on the surface, the wire brush directing falling solids inward for capture and storage.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein a multitude of wire brushes are provided to enhance the capture and storage of falling solids.

8. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein a solid sleeve to directs falling solids inward for capture and storage.

9. The apparatus of any previous claim, wherein a multitude of solid sleeves are provided to enhance the capture and storage of falling solids.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a dissolvable sleeve that adapts between a rod string coupling and the storage device, guides the storage device into the well, and accepts the rod string during surface assembly through an opening.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the sleeve is made of a non-dissolvable material.

12. The apparatus of any previous claim, further comprising a stationary solids fallback protection device affixed to the production tubing's inner diameter, wherein the device captures and contains falling solids, allows normal fluid movement to remove stored solids, includes a sleeve to store solids internally, and features a base with multiple channels on its outer surface, allowing the rod string assembly to oscillate linearly within.

13. The apparatus of any previous claim, further comprising an alternative stationary solids fallback protection device affixed to the production tubing's inner diameter, wherein the device captures and contains falling solids, allows normal fluid movement to remove stored solids, includes a base with multiple channels on its outer surface, stores solids in the annular space between the production tubing's inner diameter and the storage tube's outer diameter, and permits the rod string assembly to oscillate linearly within.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the alternative stationary solids fallback protection device includes a multitude of bases.

15. The apparatus of any previous claim, further comprising another alternative stationary solids fallback protection device affixed to the production tubing's inner diameter, wherein the device captures and contains falling solids, allows normal fluid movement to remove stored solids, includes multiple bases with misaligned openings, stores solids in the annular space between the production tubing's inner diameter and the storage tube's outer diameter, and permits the rod string assembly to oscillate linearly within.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the storage tube comprises overlapping material.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the storage tube comprises two half-round tubes.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the storage tube is formed from a flat sheet.

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