Helical Track Anti-Rotation Anchor for Progressive Cavity Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-rotation solutions for progressive cavity pumps (PC Pumps) fail to effectively prevent rotation-induced backing off of threaded connections and the risk of the pump falling down the well, as they lack sufficient expansion range and security against dislodgment under applied forces.
Innovation Solution
A high expansion anti-rotation anchor catcher with a tubular body, expandable gripper cage, and centralizer cage, featuring a helical track and pivoting linkages that expand and contract to securely anchor the pump, utilizing a spring for centralization and a dual-coupling design for flexibility, allowing secure engagement and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional tubing anchor is used to prevent rotation, then rotation resistance is provided, but the anchor lacks sufficient expansion range to accommodate different pipe sizes and may become dislodged under high forces
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system employs a dynamic expandable cage structure with pivoting linkages that allow the anchor to adapt its expansion range. The cage can dynamically adjust its diameter to accommodate different pipe sizes while maintaining secure engagement through the helical track mechanism that converts rotational motion into radial expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor utilizes parameter changes by varying the expansion diameter through the helical track and pivoting linkage mechanism. As the tubing rotates during setting, the helical track converts this rotation into axial movement that pivots the linkages, changing the radial parameter of the anchor cage to match different pipe diameters and ensure reliable anchoring.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the anchor is designed with high expansion capability, then adaptability to different pipe sizes is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is segmented into modular components including the tubular body, expandable cage with multiple grippers, pivoting linkages, and helical track. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while working together to achieve high adaptability. The modular design simplifies manufacturing and assembly compared to a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical track on the tubular body provides a curved geometric path that naturally converts rotational motion into axial displacement. This geometric solution elegantly manages the complexity by using a simple curved surface rather than complex mechanical joints, enabling the pivoting linkages to smoothly transition the cage between expanded and retracted states.
3Ease of operation
If the anchor uses a simple set mechanism, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to prevent rotation-induced backing off of threaded connections is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor employs a self-service setting mechanism where the act of rotating the tubing string during normal operations automatically triggers the anchoring action. The helical track converts the rotation into automatic cage expansion and gripper engagement, eliminating the need for separate setting operations while ensuring reliable anti-rotation performance through the mechanical advantage of the expansion mechanism.
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
The solution provides reliable anti-rotation and vertical arrest functions, ensuring the PC Pump remains in place and prevents falling, with a wide range of compatibility for different pipe sizes and safety against dislodgment under varying forces, facilitating easy deployment and retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is provided which acts against a shoulder on the exterior surface of the tubular housing to exert a force upon the axially slidable hub urging the axially slidable hub along the exterior of the tubular body toward the second hub
Implementation Method 2
Rotation of the tubular body in a first rotational direction causes the track follower to move along the helical track toward the axially fixed hub
Data Source
AI summary
A high expansion anti-rotation anchor catcher includes a helical track positioned on an exterior surface of a tubular body. An expandable gripper cage is provided having an axially fixed hub mounted for rotation about the tubular body and an axially movable hub mounted for rotation about the tubular body. Pivoting linkages which support outwardly oriented grippers extend between the axially fixed hub and the axially movable hub. The axially movable hub has a track follower that engages the helical track on the exterior surface of the tubular body. Rotation of the tubular body in a first rotational direction causes the track follower to move along the helical track toward the axially fixed hub, thereby placing the expandable gripper cage in compression and causing the pivoting linkages and grippers to pivot outwardly away from the tubular body to secure the anchor in position.