Sucker Rod Coupling Extractor for Oil Well Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for removing couplings from sucker rods in oil well production are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and pose safety risks due to the use of hammers and pipe wrenches, which can lead to injuries from flying metal shards and slippage.
Innovation Solution
A powered sucker rod tong with a coupling extractor featuring tapered spiral flutes and driving flanges, along with upper and lower backup wrenches, is used to safely and efficiently unscrew couplings from sucker rods, reducing the need for manual hammering and minimizing the risk of injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual hammering and pipe wrench methods are used to remove couplings, then the coupling can be removed, but the process is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and poses safety risks from flying metal shards and slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual hammering and pipe wrench methods with a powered extraction system. The coupling extractor is rotated using a powered mechanism (such as a hydraulic or electric motor) to unscrew the coupling from the sucker rod, eliminating the need for manual hammering and reducing safety risks associated with flying metal shards and tool slippage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coupling extractor as an intermediary tool between the operator and the coupling. This extractor features tapered spiral flutes that engage with the coupling's internal threads, allowing controlled extraction without direct manual contact with the coupling, thereby reducing safety hazards.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual hammering is used to loosen the coupling, then the coupling can be removed, but metal shards may fly and cause injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual hammering with a powered rotational extraction system. The coupling extractor is rotated to unscrew the coupling, eliminating the impact forces that generate flying metal shards while maintaining the ability to remove the coupling effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of impact forces (which cause metal shards to fly) into a beneficial controlled rotational extraction process. The tapered spiral flutes engage with the coupling's internal threads and rotate to unscrew it, transforming a violent removal method into a controlled, safe process.
3Ease of operation
If pipe wrenches are used to grasp the coupling, then the coupling can be rotated for removal, but the wrench may slip causing injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling extractor as an intermediary tool that provides reliable grip on the coupling. The extractor's tapered spiral flutes engage with the coupling's internal threads, providing stable engagement and controlled rotation without the slippage risks associated with pipe wrenches on smooth coupling surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs tapered spiral flutes (curved surfaces) on the coupling extractor to engage with the coupling's internal threads. This curved geometry provides progressive engagement and controlled extraction, improving grip stability and preventing slippage compared to the flat or cylindrical surfaces of traditional pipe wrenches.
4Productivity
If traditional coupling removal methods are used, then couplings can be removed, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual hammering and multiple manual rotations with a powered extraction system. The powered motor drives the coupling extractor to unscrew the coupling in a single continuous operation, dramatically reducing the time and labor required compared to traditional manual methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous useful action through powered rotation of the coupling extractor. Once engaged, the motor-driven extractor can continuously rotate to unscrew the coupling without interruption, eliminating the stop-start nature of manual hammering and multiple manual wrench operations, thereby reducing overall removal time.
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 solution significantly reduces the time and labor required for coupling removal, enhances safety by preventing injuries from metal shards and slippage, and allows for faster maintenance and repair of oil well equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a shaft having an end adapted as an extractor for engaging the inside wall of a coupling for unscrewing the coupling from a sucker rod
Implementation Method 2
both ends of the shaft are adapted as easy-out extractors, preferably as tapered spiral flutes
Implementation Method 3
the shaft preferably has at least one driving flange
Implementation Method 4
a powered mechanism adapted to rotate the jaw carrier assembly
Implementation Method 5
U.S. Pat. No. 3,144,794, issued to Foster and incorporated by reference, provides a description of one such example
Data Source
AI summary
A prior art sucker rod tong is improved to remove a coupling completely from a sucker rod assembly comprising sucker rods joined end to end by couplings. The prior art sucker rod tong has a rotatable jaw assembly and a lower backup wrench adapted to cooperate to unscrew a coupling joining first and second rods, where the coupling remains screwed to the second rod after it is unscrewed from the first rod. The improvement comprises a coupling extractor for unscrewing the coupling from the second rod so that the coupling can be replaced. The coupling extractor comprises a shaft having an extractor end portion on each end of the shaft and a shield around each extractor end portion, wherein the coupling extractor is designed and sized to fit within and to be rotated by the jaw assembly. The extractor end portion engages the inside wall of the coupling to unscrew the coupling from the second rod. The extractor end portion is preferably a tapered, left-handed spiral fluted easy-out extractor. The improvement preferably further comprises an upper backup wrench movably connected to the sucker rod tong for holding the second sucker rod when the second sucker rod is above the coupling.