Rod Jack Apparatus for Sucker Rod Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for maintaining and servicing oil and gas wells with artificial lift sucker rod assemblies require the complete removal and reinstallation of the rod assembly, leading to high costs, significant downtime, and inefficiencies in operations such as well suspensions, low production well management, offset well protection, and maintenance, due to the need for frequent removal and reinstallation.
Innovation Solution
A rod jack apparatus that allows for the lifting and manipulation of the sucker rod assembly without full removal, utilizing a framework with hydraulic cylinders and clamping assemblies to securely engage and disengage the polished rod, enabling operations like well suspensions, chemical treatments, and maintenance without taking the entire assembly out of the well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sucker rod assembly is completely removed and reinstalled for well maintenance and servicing, then the well can be properly maintained and serviced, but operational costs increase and significant downtime occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The rod jack apparatus segments the rod lifting function from complete rod assembly removal. The device divides the intervention process into two stages: first, the rod jack lifts and suspends the rod assembly at a controlled height; second, maintenance operations are performed on suspended rods. This segmentation eliminates the need for complete removal while enabling proper maintenance access.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod jack apparatus serves as an intermediary device between the rod assembly and the maintenance operations. It provides a mechanical interface that can engage the rod, lift it to a working height, and hold it suspended during maintenance. This intermediary mechanism enables maintenance without complete removal, reducing downtime while ensuring proper service capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sucker rod assembly is completely removed for well interventions, then operations such as well suspensions and chemical treatments can be performed, but operational costs and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rod jack apparatus is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple well intervention functions without requiring complete rod removal. It enables well suspensions, chemical treatments, and maintenance operations all through the same suspended rod mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces equipment requirements compared to full removal and reinstallation scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If the entire rod assembly is removed and reinstalled, then the downhole pump can be unseated, but the process becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The rod jack apparatus introduces dynamic control to the rod suspension process. It can lift and hold the rod assembly at variable heights, allowing operators to position the rod at the optimal height for pump unseating and maintenance operations. This dynamic positioning capability enables efficient pump unseating without complete removal, maintaining operational ease while improving productivity.
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 approach reduces operational costs and time by allowing for efficient well interventions and maintenance with the sucker rod assembly suspended within the well, minimizing downtime and equipment requirements, and enabling faster and more cost-effective management of well operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydraulic cylinder extending upwardly from the first lower bracket; a second hydraulic cylinder extending upwardly from the second lower bracket
Implementation Method 2
each of the first and second hydraulic cylinders has a top end that passes through an aperture in the first horizontal plate and is fixedly attached to the second horizontal plate
Implementation Method 3
a primary clamping assembly situated on top of the first or second horizontal plate and a secondary clamping assembly situated directly underneath the first or second horizontal plate
Implementation Method 4
The primary clamping assembly comprises a first pair of hydraulic cylinders oriented parallel to each other and situated on a left side of the first or second horizontal plate and a second pair of hydraulic cylinders oriented parallel to each other and situated on a right side of the first or second horizonal plate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a rod jack apparatus with four vertical legs that form a framework and first and second lower brackets connected to the vertical legs. Two hydraulic cylinders extend upwardly from the lower brackets, pass through a first horizontal plate, and are connected to a second horizontal plate. A primary clamping mechanism is situated on top of each of the two horizontal plates, and a secondary clamping mechanism is attached to the underside of each horizontal plate. The apparatus is configured to received a polished rod, and the primary and secondary clamping mechanisms are configured to grip the polished rod when activated. The sucker rod assembly is lifted out of the well when the first and second hydraulic cylinders are extended. The invention includes a method of using the apparatus described herein.