Polished Rod Rotator With Threaded Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for vertical positioning adjustment of sucker rod strings in oil wells are technically challenging, require high skill, and carry significant risk due to the potential failure of the friction connection between the polished rod clamp and the polished rod, leading to potential equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A tubular rod carrier with external threads is used, supported by a rotator with a worm wheel and main thrust bearing, allowing for vertical movement of the polished rod without disengaging the fixing mechanism, utilizing a locking mechanism such as taper lock bushings or clamps, and a ratchet mechanism for safe and convenient adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the polished rod clamp is used to create a friction connection with the polished rod for vertical positioning adjustment, then the adjustment can be made, but the friction connection may fail causing the polished rod and sucker rod string to fall downhole
Solution Approach 1:
A rod carrier is introduced as an intermediary component between the polished rod clamp and the polished rod. The rod carrier has internal threads that engage with external threads on the polished rod, providing a positive mechanical connection instead of relying solely on friction. This mediator transfers the load from the clamp through the rod carrier to the polished rod, eliminating the reliability issue of friction connection failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction-based mechanical connection is replaced with a threaded mechanical engagement system. The rod carrier's internal threads engage with the polished rod's external threads, creating a positive mechanical lock that prevents downward movement. This substitution eliminates reliance on friction coefficients and provides deterministic load transfer.
2Ease of operation
If the polished rod clamp is repositioned for vertical adjustment, then the height can be changed, but the operation requires high skill and carries significant risk
Solution Approach 1:
The rod carrier is designed with dynamic adjustability through threaded engagement. The rod carrier can be rotated along the threaded polished rod to change vertical position, and locking mechanisms can be engaged or disengaged as needed. This provides a dynamic, flexible adjustment system that is simpler to operate than traditional friction-clamp repositioning while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the rod carrier for positioning, the threaded engagement for secure attachment, and locking mechanisms for fixation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall operational complexity and skill requirements.
3Reliability
If the polished rod clamp is used to restrain the polished rod vertically, then the connection can be maintained, but breaking the connection is required for height adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The rod carrier is pre-threaded onto the polished rod with external threads already engaged. Locking mechanisms are pre-positioned and can be quickly engaged or disengaged without breaking the fundamental threaded connection. This preliminary setup allows for rapid height adjustment by simply rotating the rod carrier to a new position and re-engaging locks, eliminating time-consuming disconnection and reconnection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection between the rod carrier and polished rod remains continuous during adjustment operations. The rod carrier can be rotated along the threaded rod to any position without breaking the mechanical connection, maintaining continuous structural integrity while enabling flexible repositioning. This eliminates the need to break and remake connections, saving time and maintaining reliability.
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
Enables safe and convenient vertical positioning adjustment of the sucker rod string without breaking the connection between the polished rod and the rod carrier, reducing the risk of equipment damage and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the wheel being in threaded connection with the external threads of the rod carrier and supported by the main thrust bearing; wherein the rotation of the wheel relative to the tubular rod carrier results in vertical movement of the polished rod
Implementation Method 2
The clamp is used to create a friction connection with the polished rod and prevent it from moving downwards through the cylindrical opening in the rod rotator
Implementation Method 3
a ratchet mechanism for safe and convenient adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are provided for rotating the sucker rod strings of pumping equipment and adjusting the vertical position of the sucker rod string. The apparatuses can include a threaded tubular rod carrier or spindle and a polished rod can run through the rod carrier. The rod carrier can be held in place along the rod with a locking mechanism on the upper and lower ends of the rod carrier. A rotator can surround the rod carrier, and the rotator can include a wheel and a main thrust bearing, the wheel being in threaded connection with the threads of the rod carrier and supported by the main thrust bearing. The rotation of the wheel relative to the rod carrier can result in vertical movement of the rod and the vertical movement of the rod can be accomplished without disengaging the means for fixing the rod carrier to the rod.