Abstract: A sucker rod guide includes a pair of vanes, offset from one another by 180°, with each vane wrapping approximately 180° around the rod guide. The vanes wrap around the body of the guide, and are neither spiral nor helical because the surfaces of the vanes extending radially outwardly from the body of the rod guide define two dimensional planar surfaces, i.e. flat planes. The vane thickness varies from a maximum at each end of the vane to a minimum at a midway point along the vane. This shape assists in moving fluid up the production tubing when the guide is applied to a rotary system, such as a progressive cavity pump. This shape also enhances the erodable volume of the vanes at the extremities, while providing a less inhibiting path for the flow of fluid in reciprocating applications.

Abstract: A rod guide receiver is molded directly onto the sucker rod and a rod guide or spinner is then molded directly onto the rod guide receiver, the spinner having a plurality of blades or fins molded as an integral part of a spinner body that is free to turn about the rod guide receiver. The rod guide receiver serves in the manner of a bearing race, having a pair of opposing stops to retain the spinner subsequently molded thereon. The spinner may also be referred to herein as a centralizing sleeve. The rod guide receiver and the spinner are both formed of polymeric materials, but of materials different from one another so that the rod guide is free to rotate about the rod guide receiver. Further, the vanes of the rod guide are formed in a zig-zag pattern to enhance the strength and effectiveness of the vanes in bearing against the inside surface of the well tubing.

Abstract: A rod guide is molded to a sucker rod and includes a plurality of blades, vanes, or fins projecting from the body. At least one of the blades is formed to define a wear gauge with the blade having a graduated width with increasing radius from axis of the sucker rod.