Magnetic Plunger Retrieval Tool with Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing and retrieving fluid lift plungers in natural gas wellheads are cumbersome and prone to causing damage, especially when the lubricator is long, as they require significant vertical force and can displace or impact the catcher, leading to potential damage to wellhead components.
Innovation Solution
A plunger installation and retrieval tool equipped with a rare earth magnet that magnetically engages the plunger's fishing neck, allowing for controlled insertion and retrieval, featuring a release mechanism to break the magnetic bond and a flexible or rigid actuating member for safe operation, along with a stabilizing skirt for alignment and size adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional mechanical tools are used to install and retrieve plungers, then the plungers can be moved, but significant vertical force is required which may displace or damage the catcher and wellhead components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical gripping tools with a magnetic field-based system. A magnet mounted on a retrieval tool magnetically engages the fishing neck of the plunger, eliminating the need for mechanical force application that could damage the catcher or wellhead components. The magnetic force can be applied and released without physical contact, solving the contradiction between moving the plunger and preventing damage.
2Ease of operation
If manual fishing methods are used to retrieve plungers from long lubricators, then the plungers can be accessed, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary between the retrieval tool and the plunger's fishing neck. This magnetic intermediary allows for easy engagement and disengagement of the plunger from long lubricators without cumbersome manual fishing operations. The magnetic connection can be established and broken quickly, significantly reducing retrieval time while simplifying the operational process.
3Force
If a magnet is used to engage the plunger, then controlled insertion and retrieval with minimal force is achieved, but a release mechanism is required to break the magnetic bond
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the magnetic field dynamic by incorporating a release mechanism that can turn the magnet on and off. This allows the magnetic force to be applied during insertion and retrieval, then deactivated to release the plunger. The dynamic control of the magnetic field adds minimal complexity while enabling the force benefits described in the contradiction.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a stabilizing skirt is added for alignment and size adaptability, then the tool can accommodate various plunger and lubricator sizes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a stabilizing skirt to the retrieval tool that provides both alignment functionality and size adaptability. The skirt can be configured to match different lubricator internal diameters, allowing the same basic tool design to work with various plunger and lubricator sizes. This universal approach increases adaptability while adding minimal complexity compared to having multiple specialized tools.
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 tool enables safe and precise installation and retrieval of plungers with minimal vertical force, reducing the risk of damage to wellhead components and accommodating various plunger and lubricator sizes, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A plunger installation and retrieval tool equipped with a rare earth magnet that magnetically engages the plunger's fishing neck
Data Source
AI summary
A plunger installation and retrieval tool that incorporates a magnet which magnetically supports a fluid lift plunger during insertion into or retrieval from a lubricator on a natural gas wellhead. The magnet is housed in a magnet holder suspended from an elongate hanger member the upper end of which is connect to a hanger support. An actuation rod slidably extends through the hanger support and through bores in the magnet and magnet holder, such that a downward force applied to the actuating rod will cause the lower end of the actuation rod to project below the magnet and break its magnetic bond with the plunger, thus releasing the plunger from the tool. The tool may be provided with a cylindrical skirt fitting closely around the upper end of the plunger to prevent laterally leading that could break the magnetic bond during plunger insertion and retrieval.