Mechanical Hold Down With Internal Strainer for Pump Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing downhole rod lift pumps are susceptible to damage due to poorly mated strainers that allow downhole solids to enter the pump, compromising efficiency and longevity.

Innovation Solution

A filter assembly comprising a strainer with a filter section and strainer bushing, secured within a mechanical hold down and an external bushing, which prevents solids from entering the pump by entrapment and protects the strainer from interference with mating components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a washer is welded to a perforated gauge plate to form a strainer assembly, then the strainer can be secured within the pump, but the assembly is poorly mated with corresponding pump components and susceptible to fracture or other damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrainer assembly integrityVSAvoidstrainer assembly compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The strainer assembly is divided into separate components: a strainer component with filtering surfaces and a holder component with internal and external surfaces. The holder component is received within the pump housing with proper mating surfaces, while the strainer component is positioned within the holder. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for both manufacturing ease and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder component serves as an intermediary between the strainer component and the pump housing. It provides a standardized interface that mates properly with the pump housing, eliminating the poor mating issues of previous direct-welded assemblies. The holder protects the strainer component from damage while maintaining proper positioning and fluid flow paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If solids are allowed to enter the pump, then pumping continues without interruption, but pump efficiency and longevity are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepumping continuityVSAvoidpump longevity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The strainer assembly with filtering surfaces is positioned upstream in the fluid path to prevent solids from entering the pump in the first place. By removing harmful particles before they can reach the pump mechanism, the system maintains both continuous operation and long-term reliability without requiring pump shutdowns for damage repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The filter assembly performs preliminary filtration of the well fluid before it enters the pump. The strainer component with its filtering surfaces captures solids upstream, preparing the fluid for clean pump operation. This preliminary action prevents solids from reaching the pump mechanism, ensuring both continuous productivity and extended pump life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If the strainer is loosely positioned, then assembly is simple, but the strainer is susceptible to fracture or other damage from interference with mating components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidstrainer resistance to damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The strainer component is nested within the holder component, which is itself received within the pump housing. This nested arrangement provides protective enclosure for the strainer while maintaining a relatively simple overall assembly structure. The holder acts as a protective cage that prevents direct interference between the strainer and mating components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder component provides beforehand protection for the strainer component against mechanical damage. By positioning the strainer within the holder that has proper mating surfaces with the pump housing, the design anticipates and prevents potential fracture or damage from interference with mating components before such damage can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 filter assembly enhances pump efficiency and longevity by securely positioning the strainer, reducing the risk of damage and vibration, while maintaining fluid flow integrity.

Implementation Method 1

The filter section may have a plurality of filter holes sized to aid in the filtration of solids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12392226B2Mechanical hold down with internal strainer

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 Q2 ARTIFICIAL LIFT SERVICES LLC

AI summary

A mechanical hold down for use with a pump assembly containing a seat nipple including: (i) a mandrel having a top edge, an external threaded region, a bottom tapered seat member, and an interior bore; (ii) a top bushing having a bushing interior bore, an upper external threaded section, and a lower internal threaded section engaged with the external threaded region of the mandrel; wherein the mandrel top edge is within an interior space defined by the engagement of the mandrel with the bushing; and (iii) an internal strainer assembly including a strainer bushing positioned in the interior space that has a lower edge abutting the mandrel top edge, a strainer affixed to the strainer bushing and extending through at least a portion of the mandrel's interior bore, and an intermediate element positioned about the mandrel and below the mandrel external threaded region that defines a tapered external surface.