Well Lubricator Self-Aligning Piston Plug for Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubricators for well systems face challenges in limited space installations, requiring special tooling for rod manipulation and risking damage to sealing surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The lubricator design incorporates at least one piston with alignment projections and a piston plug with alignment cavities, allowing for automatic circumferential alignment and reduced length for easier installation in tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a standard lubricator is used in limited space installations, then the lubricator can perform standard operations, but the lubricator cannot be installed due to insufficient space
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricator is divided into multiple modular sections that can be collapsed into each other, allowing the device to be compact during installation and then extended to full operational length once in position
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping sections of the lubricator are designed to nest within each other during storage and installation, similar to nested dolls, reducing the overall footprint to fit confined spaces while maintaining full operational capability when deployed
2Ease of operation
If special tooling is used to manipulate the polished rod, then the rod can be moved and rotated, but the sealing surface of the rod may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricator incorporates self-aligning features with alignment contours on the piston and piston plug that automatically guide and center the polished rod during insertion and operation, eliminating the need for external alignment tools that could damage the rod's sealing surface
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment contours act as an intermediary mechanism between the piston and polished rod, providing a controlled interface that guides the rod into proper position without requiring direct contact with external tooling that could harm the sealing surface
3Length of moving object
If the lubricator is made shorter for tight space installation, then the lubricator can be installed in confined areas, but the stroke length required for tool insertion may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricator employs telescoping sections that can dynamically extend and retract, providing a long stroke length when needed for tool insertion while maintaining a compact form factor when retracted for installation in confined spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping mechanism allows the lubricator to change its effective length along the axial dimension, transitioning from a compact state during installation to an extended state during operation, effectively adding length when required without permanently increasing the installed footprint
Data Source
AI summary
A lubricator for a well system comprises at least one piston and at least one piston plug. The at least one piston is axially slidable within the lubricator along a lubricator axis. The at least one piston comprises a piston alignment contour of a surface of the at least one piston. The at least one piston plug is configured to limit an extent of axial displacement of the at least one piston, and comprises a piston plug alignment contour of a surface of the piston plug. The piston alignment contour and the piston plug alignment contour are configured to mate and automatically circumferentially align the at least one piston and the at least one piston plug about the axis upon travel of the at least one piston along the axis toward the at least one piston plug.