Electric Plunger Catcher Assembly for Emission-Free Well Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional catcher mechanisms in oil and gas wells rely on well gas pressure for operation, leading to environmental emissions, variable force due to fluctuating well pressure, and require frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An electrically operated catcher mechanism using a motor-driven actuator to move a catcher ball between catch and release positions, eliminating the need for well gas and reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If well gas pressure is used to operate the catcher mechanism, then the mechanism can function with simple structure, but environmental emissions increase and operation becomes variable due to pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic system (well gas pressure) with an electric motor-driven mechanical system. The motor (144) drives a cam (148) through a cam follower (146), which mechanically actuates the piston (134) to move the catcher ball (130). This substitution eliminates gas emissions while providing controlled, consistent operation regardless of well pressure fluctuations.
2Device complexity
If well gas pressure is used to operate the catcher mechanism, then the system can operate with fewer components, but maintenance requirements increase due to pressure variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pressure-dependent pneumatic system with an electric motor-driven mechanical system. The motor (144) provides consistent rotational force to drive the cam (148), which in turn provides controlled mechanical motion to the piston (134) and catcher ball (130). This eliminates the variability and maintenance issues associated with well gas pressure fluctuations.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If electric motor is used to operate the catcher mechanism, then environmental emissions are reduced and operation consistency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electric motor (144) that converts electrical energy to mechanical rotation, which then actuates the cam-follower-piston mechanism. This substitution eliminates gas emissions and provides consistent operation, with the added complexity being a standard electric motor assembly that replaces the simpler but problematic pneumatic system.
4Reliability
If electric motor is used to operate the catcher mechanism, then operation consistency improves despite pressure fluctuations, but maintenance requirements may change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the well gas pressure-dependent system with an electric motor-driven system. The motor (144) provides consistent rotational motion that drives the cam (148) to move the catcher ball (130) reliably. This eliminates the operation variability caused by pressure fluctuations, and the motorized system requires different but potentially reduced maintenance compared to managing pressure variability in a pneumatic system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces environmental emissions, maintains consistent operation despite fluctuating well pressure, and minimizes maintenance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring that is configured to urge the catcher ball into engagement with the plunger
Implementation Method 2
a retraction spring that is configured to move the piston to the release position
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically operated catcher mechanism that is part of a lubricator and catcher unit used in conjunction with a bypass plunger in an oil or gas well include an electrically operated mechanism to move between the catch and release positions. The electrically operated catcher mechanism includes a cam rotated by a motor which causes the device to move between catch and release positions.