Hydraulic Oil Well Pumping Apparatus With Time Delay Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil well pumps face challenges in minimizing shock and excess load on the pumping string or sucker rod, particularly when changing direction, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential damage due to fluid pound effects and debris accumulation.
Innovation Solution
The hydraulic oil well pumping apparatus employs electronic controls and a directional control valve, combined with proximity or limit switches, to manage the movement of the piston and sucker rod, incorporating a time delay for oil accumulation and a clean cycle for debris removal, while using a compensating hydraulic pump and a direct mount smart cylinder for reduced complexity and leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the sucker rod changes direction rapidly at the bottom of the stroke, then the pumping speed and productivity are improved, but shock and excess load are generated on the pumping string and sucker rod
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by using a hydraulic damper or shock absorber mechanism that accumulates oil in a controlled manner during the downstroke. This cushioning system is activated in advance before the rod reaches the bottom of the stroke, preventing sudden shock and excess load when the direction changes, while still maintaining high pumping speed and productivity.
2Productivity
If the pumping string moves continuously without delay, then the productivity is maximized, but fluid pound effects and debris accumulation occur in slow following wells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by introducing controlled time delays or pause periods during the pumping cycle. The system operates in alternating phases of active pumping and brief停顿 periods, where during the停顿 phase, oil accumulates properly and debris can settle, preventing fluid pound effects. This periodic operation maintains high overall productivity while eliminating harmful fluid pounding in slow following wells.
3Reliability
If electronic controls and limit switches are added to manage piston movement and valving, then shock and excess load are eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing complex electronic control systems with a purely mechanical valve train and linkage system. The mechanical components directly sense piston position and automatically control the valving arrangement through physical linkages, eliminating the need for electronic sensors, controllers, and wiring while achieving the same function of eliminating shock and excess load. This mechanical approach maintains high reliability while significantly reducing device complexity.
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
This solution reduces fluid pound effects, minimizes rod reversal stress, enhances pump efficiency, and effectively dislodges debris, resulting in a safer, more efficient, and reliable oil extraction process with reduced operational complexity and potential for leaks.
Implementation Method 1
A prime mover 12 such as an engine is provided for driving a compensating pump 13. The pump 13 is used to transmit hydraulic pressure, pressurized hydraulic fluid received from reservoir 11 via flow line 33 to a hydraulic cylinder or petroleum lift cylinder 14.
Implementation Method 2
Fluid in hydraulic cylinder 14 now drains via flow lines 27 and 30 through proportioning valve 31 and cylinder rod 17 descends relative to cylinder body 15 at a controlled rate.
Implementation Method 3
A plurality of proximity or limit switches 24, 25, 26 are provided. Switches 24, 25, 26 can be used to sense the position of lower end portion 19 of cylinder rod 17.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic oil well pumping arrangement employs a compensating type hydraulic pump, a directional valving arrangement and a proportioning valving arrangement. When the directional valve is energized, oil is directed to the rod end of the hydraulic cylinder. In one embodiment, a time delay halts the movement of the sucker rod or pumping string to allow accumulation of oil in a slow following well. In another embodiment, the pumping string rapidly falls to the bottom of the stroke in order to shake or jar debris from the string.