Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include an apparatus, such as a plunger for oil and/or gas wells, that includes one or more scraping features. The scraping feature may include at least one ridge configured to scrape material, such as paraffins, asphaltenes, salt, hydrates, debris, solids, etc., from an inner surface of a tubular body and direct the scraped material away from the plunger body. A disclosed method for scraping material from a tubular body includes releasing a plunger within the tubular body, the plunger having a body with an outer surface and a scraping feature on the outer surface that includes at least one ridge; scraping material from an inner surface of the tubular body with the ridge of the scraping feature; and directing the scraped material away from the plunger body.

Abstract: A helical solid profile attached and originating from the outer diameter of a composite or steel sucker rod and extending approximately to the inner diameter of the production tubing, running axially along the sucker rod body and affixed to it for reinforcement and stabilization of the sucker rod tension member body in axial alignment to the central axis of the production tubing which the sucker rod member is housed in, whereas the helical solid profile is made of material which is for acceptable use within the production system environment, the helical solid profile purpose being to control and reduce the sucker rod's deflection during compressive moments, extending the life of the sucker rod or reduction in stress and erratic buckling cycles.

Abstract: The invention relates to reamers used in downhole oil well drilling operations, particularly in reaming while drilling applications. Presented is a reamer having an interior channel which runs along an elongate axis of the entire body of the reamer, wherein there are openings along both ends of the reamer, exposing the interior channel. Additionally presented in the reamer are a plurality of paths extending parallel to the interior channel along the exterior of the body of the reamer, and running in a helical pattern along the entirety of the exterior of the body of the reamer. Disposed within the helical paths are a plurality of cutting inserts, which cutting inserts are enabled to provides a uniform cutting surface against a well bore, which preferably improves cutting action and reduces strain on the reamer.

Abstract: A gate-valve and/or hot-tap drilling system uses a secondary pack-off or sealing element which can be engaged when the primary sealing element develops a leak. Generally, the secondary sealing element is configured to have an engaged position in which a fluid tight seal is formed such that the secondary sealing element engages the bore wall in a pressure-containing housing and drill rod extending through the bore defined by the bore wall. The fluid tight seal prevents fluid flow in the annulus, if the primary seal develops a leak. When the primary seal is working normally—no fluid leak—the secondary sealing element is in a disengaged position where a fluid tight seal is not formed with the bore wall and drill rod.

Abstract: An invented reamer provides an annular body supporting two or more blades wherein each blade includes a spiral section disposed between two tapered sections placed on an exterior of the body. The spiral section fixes a plurality of a one type of cutting insert, e.g., tungsten carbide inserts, and the two tapered sections may each fix cutting inserts of an alternate type, e.g., polydiamond inserts. Certain embodiments provide of the tapered sections have a first flat surface area that extends towards and away from a central longitudinal axis of the annular body and/or a second surface area that positions cutting surfaces of attached cutting inserts linearly along a line that intersects the central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A downhole device for use in a deviated well is described. The downhole device comprises a device body having a longitudinal axis, the device body adapted to be connected to the end of a tool string and a guide member. At least a portion of the guide member is moveable with respect to the device body, one of said moveable portions defining the leading end of the device.

Abstract: An oil well sucker rod guide protects the rods and production tubing from frictional wear during the vertical reciprocation pumping action. The guide has a sleeve enveloping the sucker rod with raised ribs contacting the tubing in an opposed fashion. The raised ribs are circumferentially sequenced to contact the entire circumference of the tubing and provide oil flow-through passages between the sleeve and the tubing. The raised ribs have side and inside end walls angled and contoured to increase through-put of oil in the tubing.

Abstract: The rod guide and solids control assembly can be mounted on a rod string. The assembly can allow well fluid that contains high solids to pass through the pump under normal operation while eliminating the solids from being swept back into the pump barrel. The assembly can include a body portion coupled to a bristle that extends helically around the body portion. The body portion can be placed on a pump valve rod or hollow valve rod. On an upstroke, the bristles can be locked into place for trapping and lifting the solids. On a downstroke, the bristles can be rotated for leaving the solids higher and away from a pump intake. This can allow the solids to be lifted out of the pump and thereby prevent solids from collecting on a bottom portion of the pump. Multiple assemblies can be incorporated into the sucker rod string.

Abstract: A method to select, evaluate and recommend optimal rod pumping system design for a downhole well. The method includes the steps of selecting at least one downhole rod type as a setup preference, selecting at least one pumping unit type as a setup preference, and selecting at least one motor power meter type as a setup preference. Well information, including depth of a pump and run time, is entered as a case input. Additionally, a target production for the well is entered. Records are retrieved from a database wherein the records contain input data on each downhole rod type, each pumping unit type, and each pump motor type. Data is merged from all the case inputs, all of the setup preferences, and from the database records. Scores of gearbox loading, structure loading, system efficiency, rod loading, minimum polished rod loading and bottom minimum stress are calculated and then combined to determine a calculated percentage score for each pumping unit type for the downhole well.

Abstract: A device for coupling a driver system to a downhole string of sucker rods in a petroleum well employs a polish rod construction in which the polish rod is strengthened by an attached sleeve providing a transverse should in a predetermined plane. The sleeve is shrink fit in place and mechanically adhered to withstand the stresses and shocks encountered in long-term cyclic operation. The device provides specific benefits for an improved sucker rod connection which prestresses the sucker rod pin ends and the coupling in a fashion to resist the development of microcracks and fatigue failures.

Abstract: A system allows for sequential treatment of sections of a zone. Access to each portion can be with a sliding sleeve that has a specific internal profile. Pump down plugs can be used that have a specific profile that will make a plug latch to a specific sleeve. Pressure on the plug when latched allows a sequential opening of sleeves while zones already affected that are below are isolated. The pump down plugs have a passage that is initially obstructed by a material that eventually disappears under anticipated well conditions. As a result, when all portions of a zone are handled a flow path is reestablished through the various latched plugs. The plugs can also be blown clear of a sliding sleeve after operating it and can feature a key that subsequently prevents rotation of the plug on its axis in the event is later needs milling out.

Abstract: A casing brush tool for cleaning interior walls of a well bore casing. The brush tool has a free rotating sleeve mounted on a mandrel with bearings mounted between the sleeve and the mandrel to facilitate rotation. The sleeve carries a plurality of non-axial rows of bristles that are arranged to wind in a spiral, or helical fashion from one end of the sleeve to the other end. When moved in and out of the casing, the spiral rows of bristles cause rotation of the sleeve and by contacting the walls of the casing, clean the casing of the extraneous matter. A casing brush assembly may incorporate one or more of the brush tools. If more than one brush tool is used, it is preferred to use the sleeves having opposite direction of bristle rows such that the sleeves rotate in opposite directions when lowered into the well bore or retrieved from the casing.

Abstract: A guide for use on a sucker rod vertically reciprocated within the tubing of an oil well having an internal cylindrical surface in which the guide has an elongated tubular body portion concentrically surrounding the sucker rod with first and second guide portions integrally extending from the body portion, each guide portion having a semi-cylindrical guide surface of diameter slightly less than the tubing and of arc of about 180°, the second guide portion being rotationally diametrically opposed to the first guide portion whereby the opposed guide surfaces together provide about 360° of guide surface adjacent the tubing internal cylindrical surface and wherein the first and second guide portions are displaced with respect to each other providing a pair of diametrically opposed fluid flow passageways.

Abstract: An automatic paraffin removal unit, including a scraper body, a tumbler, an arc spring leaf and a return torque spring, and the upper and lower commutators having a sleeve, an open spacing ring and a tower spring. In operation, the scraper is clamped on a pumping rod, while the upper, lower commutators are respectively connected to the upper, lower ends of the tubing section from the well head to the section having toe temperature lower than paraffin deposition temperature requiring paraffin removal. The scraper moves up and down following the pumping rod via unidirectional upward or downward movement, paraffin removal being performed to the inner wall of tubing and pumping rod unceasingly, and variations in direction being performed in the upper, lower commutators.

Abstract: A casing brush for cleaning the walls of a well casing, the casing brush comprising a body (1) in which are mounted cleaning bristles (2) and an adapter (4) to connect the upper end of the body (1) to the lower end of a bridge plug. The body (1) and the adapter (4) are comprised of a material which is at least drillable by a rock bit.

Abstract: An automatic paraffin removal unit, comprises a scraper body (3), a tumbler(4), an arc spring leaf (2) and a return torque spring(16), and the upper, lower commutators consist of a sleeve(1), an open spacing ring(5) and a tower spring(6). In operation, the scraper is clamped on a pumping rod(9), while the upper, lower commutators are respectively connected to the upper, lower ends of the tubing section from the well head to the section having toe temperature lower than paraffin deposition temperature requiring paraffin removal, the scraper moves up and down following the pumping rod, via unidirectional upward or downward movement, paraffin removal is performed to the inner wall of tubing and pumping rod unceasingly, and variations in direction being performed in the upper, lower commutators. The apparatus has the features of a reasonable structure, simple and convenient in mounting, able to perform reliable automatic running and long service life.

Abstract: A scraper apparatus for a reciprocating sucker rod for prevention of the wearing of grooves in well tubing. The scraper is formed by a body with two opposed spiral vanes extending 180 degrees around the body and defining flow channels positioned between the spiral vanes. The scraper is secured to the reciprocating sucker rod and is positioned within the well tubing. The well tubing has an inner circumference with the two opposed spiral vanes engaging 360 degrees of the inner circumference of the well tubing while enabling fluids to bypass the body through the flow channels.

Abstract: A rod guide is provided for centering a sucker rod within a tubular string that powers a pump within a wellbore. The rod guide comprises a rotor secured to the sucker rod and having upper and lower stop surfaces thereon, and a sleeve formed from metal to substantially increase the life of the rod guide. The rod guide stator has an elongate slot extending along its axial length. The stop surfaces limit axial travel of the stator on the sucker rod, and the sleeve prevents the stator from engaging the sucker rod. The sleeve may be retained on the rod by a clip, and plastic end members then molded over the clip and the ends of the metal sleeve. The stop surfaces may be formed by a ring member spaced axially between the upper and lower ends of the sleeve.

Abstract: Improved methods and systems for creating a multilateral well and improved multilateral well structures.

Abstract: A self aligning stuffing box for a pumpjack unit of the type having a polished rod reciprocatingly extending therethrough and downhole to a pump located at the lower end of a borehole. The stuffing box has a main body that terminates in a tubing adaptor at the lower end thereof by which it can be mounted to the upper end of the tubing of a wellhead. The main body has an annular seal assembly that includes a pressure set seal pack for sealingly engaging the polished rod. The polished rod reciprocatingly extends through the seal assembly and main body. The seal assembly moves within the main body radially of the passageway to align the polished rod with the production tubing of the wellhead. A lower end of the seal assembly includes a compression piston which is moved in proportion to the well tubing pressure, and thereby compresses the seal of the seal pack so that the seal pack is always properly adjusted.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for tubular members has a pattern of scratching elements arranged on the outside of an elongate member such as a mandrel. The mandrel is coated with a rigid or resilient polymeric material or a combination of both. The scratching elements are affixed in the polymeric material in an arrangement to allow fluid flow around the mandrel.

Abstract: A well pump sucker rod scraper arrangement that includes a sucker rod, scrapers fixed to said rod and a scraper at spaced apart positions movably mounted on said rod, between adjacent pairs of the fixed scrapers. The movable and fixed scrapers each have surfaces at respective opposite ends thereof and an outer fluted surface. The fluted surface is defined by spaced apart ribs and the ribs on the movable scraper are angularly disposed relative to the longitudinal axis of the rod. The movable scraper has a slot lengthwise thereof with a throat portion whose width is narrower than the diameter of the rod and through which the rod passes when pressing such movable scraper onto the rod. A lug on the fixed scrapers project therefrom in a direction toward an adjacent movable scraper and the lugs are so positioned so as to project into said slot of a movable scraper associated therewith as the latter approaches the fixed scraper and prior to engagement of the abutting planar end surfaces on the respective scrapers.

Abstract: A device used in oil wells having a cylindrical, central body with six longitudinal ribs extending radially to an outside diameter that contacts the inner wall of the tubing and acts as a sucker rod guide and paraffin scraper during the reciprocating action of the rod string. Three ribs at each end of the invention are radially space 120 degrees apart forming a triad that leaves three flow channels of the same size and spacing as the ribs. The three ribs at each end are geometrically the same, but they are rotated to fully cover or offset the flow channels, thereby effecting a full 360 degrees of guiding, bushing, and scraping action. Each rib has a sharply pointed wedge, aimed towards the flow channel that it offsets, to scrape and direct material through the channels into the general flow of oil up the well, the invnetion will be injection molded of plastic, having two different styles. One style, called a "mold-on" scraper and guide, will be molded directly to the sucker rod at spaced intervals.

Abstract: A cleaning plug assembly for cleaning condenser and heat exchanger tubes and the like is disclosed. The plug is adapted to be propelled through a tube by fluid pressure injected into the tube, and includes an elongated body supporting annular rings extending radially outwardly for contacting the inner surface of a tube. The rings are selectively removable from the body of the plug and are formed to circumferentially contract and expand within the tube to be cleaned. The rings are secured against free rotation on the plug body by projections formed in circumferential grooves formed on the body for receiving the rings. The projections are sized to allow contraction of the rings.

Abstract: A sucker rod guide bearing attachable at each end to a sucker rod coupling for interconnecting sucker rod sections and centering the sucker rods with respect to a well casing, the bearing includes a cylindrical body with a threaded stud at each end for connection to corresponding sucker rod couplings. A vaned cylindrical wheel is slidably mountable over the body and has a length slightly less than that of the body so as to remain free wheeling. The bearing end surfaces formed between each of the studs in the cylindrical surface of the body for pressing torque transfer engagement with a sucker rod coupling end surface.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for molding rod guides directly onto oilfield sucker rods including an apparatus for cleaning a short pre-determined section of the rod prior to the rod receiving a molded rod guide. The rod cleaning apparatus comprises a substantially linear member secured to a frame which reciprocates a pre-selected stroke distance. The rod to be cleaned is rotated and a plurality of brush assemblies mounted on the linear member engage the rotating rod at pre-selected points to clean a pre-determined length of the rod in preparation for receiving a rod guide. This automated system prepares rods for molding at a much faster rate without the requirement of large volumes of compressed air for sandblasting.

Abstract: A rod guide assembly for rods of a sucker rod string having a pair of longitudinally spaced stops rigidly secured to the sucker rod and a plurality of independently movable guide body sections mounted on the rod between these stops for limited longitudinal movement between these stops.

Abstract: The following structure is connectible to a well sucker rod string:(a) an axially elongated coupling section having threads at its axially opposite ends for coupling to and between successive sucker rods in the string, to transmit string loading,(b) a rod guide extending about and bonded to the coupling section to project outwardly therefrom for engagement with the well bore during up and down stroking of the string.The guide typically comprises molded plastic material, is generally annular, and has a bore bonded to the outer surface of the section.

Abstract: An improved sucker rod coupling is provided for use in a rod string in a pumping oil well. An elongate, cylindrical body member is utilized. This member has internally threaded, longitudinal bores at each end thereof, for connection with the sucker rods which it is to join. Transversely extending, substantialy diametric, longitudinally spaced apart, vertical slots are formed in the mid-portion of the body member. A wheel is mounted on a horizontally extending pin within each slot, for rotation therein. A portion of the wheel protrudes beyond each side of the body member, to thereby provide an anti-friction roller for the coupling when it contacts and slides against the surrounding tubing wall during reciprocation of the rod string. Preferably, the wheel is spaced from the side walls of the slot, so as to be movable laterally within the slot. This arrangement permits the wheel to shift back and forth on its pin, to thereby expel sand and wax building up between the wheel and the slot walls.

Abstract: A well tool, such as a paraffin scraper or centralizer, installable on a rod of a pump rod string, which is composed of two longitudinal sections longitudinally movable relative to one another on a rod interposed therebetween into clamping locked position on the rod and a resilient longitudinal member compressed between one of the sections and the rod, the two sections having first co-engageable means for moving the two sections laterally relative to each other to compress the compressible member against the rod upon relative longitudinal movement of one section toward the other and a second co-engageable lock means for holding the two sections in longitudinally telescoped locked position on the rod.

Abstract: A system for evacuating sand, paraffin, and other particulate matter from an oil well, while simultaneously lifting the oil to the surface and stimulating its rate of production, comprises a series of transport units attached to an endless belt. The belt is positively driven between a wellhead station at the surface and a downhole module which is self centering within the well casing, thereby avoiding damage and wear to the casing. Preferably, the belt comprises a roller chain which enables the depth and rate of production of the evacuation system to be easily adjusted. The transport units are replaceably mounted on the belt and are specially designed to agitate and accumulate the particulate member in the oil well.

Abstract: A plurality of sucker rod scrapers are securely attached in spaced apart relationship to a length of sucker rod for scraping paraffin deposits from the interior of a tubing string, thereby obviating obstruction to the flow of oil therethrough by maintaining a satisfactory effective flow area within the tubing string. The scrapers each have a spiraled scraping surface wound helically about the sucker rod and attached at each opposed end thereof by the provision of a clamping member which includes a U-band and a heat shield. The U-band has confronting marginal edge portions which overlap the edge portions of the heat shield. The heat shield has a slot formed centrally therein for receiving a tab located at either of the opposed ends of the spiraled scraper. The confronting edges of the U-band are welded to one of the marginal opposed ends of the scraper, while the heat shield prevents the metal of the sucker rod being elevated to a temperature which changes the characteristics thereof.

Abstract: For use in hydraulic workover operations for oil and gas wells, a snubbing element is provided that is made entirely of polymeric material such as polyurethane. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the strength and rigidity supplied to the snubbing element in the prior art metallic support ring is now provided by molding that portion of the polymeric annular snubbing element from a polymeric material having a higher density and hardness than that of the polymeric sealing member. The polymeric annular snubbing element thus comprises a high density polymeric support member and a relatively lower density polymeric sealing member.

Abstract: A reamer for removing paraffin, scale, ice and other accumulations from the inside surfaces of oil well pump tubing and casing which includes a hollow, tapered shell or housing fitted with external blades and having an enlarged upper internal bore area to accommodate a threaded lock nut, and a threaded shaft projecting into the housing cavity in threadable cooperation with the lock nut and provided with stops to permit limited rotation of the shell on the shaft and to prevent the shaft from exiting the shell when fully extended from the shell on the lock nut. When the reamer is lowered by means of a wire line and swivel joint into a length of tubing or casing to the constricted area, and the shaft is extended in the shell, a repetitive impact load on the projecting end of the shaft effects rotation of the shell and blades on the shaft to remove the deposits.

Abstract: A rod guide apparatus for a reciprocating rod comprised of two substantially identical half sections which include semicircular recesses therein and which are adapted to be lockingly clamped together adjacent opposite sides of the outer periphery of the rod whereby the rod extends through a bore formed by the semicircular recesses in the half sections. By the present invention each of the half sections includes at least one longitudinally extending ridge on a surface thereof within said semicircular recess whereby when the half sections are clamped together adjacent opposite sides of the rod, the ridges are positioned on opposite sides of the rod and deform the bore formed by the recesses through which the rod passes into a cross section of elliptical shape so that the clamped together half sections contact the periphery of the rod at at least four points thereby preventing slippage of apparatus on the rod.

Abstract: An anti-friction sucker rod coupling and guide apparatus comprises:(a) a rod member having an anti-friction surface along its cylindrical length;(b) fasteners affixed at each end of the rod member for attaching the rod member within a sucker rod string;(c) a rod guide having an inner anti-friction surface contacting the anti-friction surface of the rod member and slideably positioned about the rod member, the rod guide having an outer diameter sufficient to functionally contact the inner diameter of a tubing string in which the sucker rod string is positioned, the rod guide further including passageway sufficient to permit passage of produced fluid the fasteners adapted to maintain the rod guide on the rod member within deformation.

Abstract: A cable string for replacement of a prior art sucker rod string used in pumping oil wells with a pump jack unit. The cable string is comprised of a plurality of individual joints of multi-strand material connected together by a coupling member. Each individual joint has a pin member at each extremity thereof. Each joint is affixed in series relationship to another joint by the coupling member. The coupling member has a box connection at each extremity thereof. Hence, the pin member of adjacent joints are connected together by the box connection of the coupling member to provide a string of flexible cable joints of sufficient length to extend from proximity of the pump jack downhole through the borehole into proximity of the downhole pump. When a plurality of cable joints are connected together, the resulting length thereof is equivalent to the length of a standard solid metal joint of sucker rod.

Abstract: A molded plastic scraper is molded in place on the sucker rod and as a result of shrink fitting of the material is firmly held in place thereon. Special configurations and materials particularly useful as and in both scrapers and centralizers are disclosed as well as additional unexpected advantages of such scrapers, configurations, and materials. A preferred method and apparatus for the production and manufacture of such scrapers and centralizers are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a sucker rod scraper having two main portions. An inner portion is constituted by a plastic body member affixed to and surrounding the sucker rod, the body member including an elongated cylindrical portion with a plurality of longitudinal fins extending radially outwardly therefrom and spaced angularly therearound. The second part is a plastic ring member adapted to encircle the central body adjacent the fins, the ring member having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the adjacent part of the inner portion, whereby to allow a passageway for fluid or liquid to flow past the sucker rod scraper. Means are provided for retaining the ring member adjacent the fins, this being constituted in the preferred embodiment by the provision of inward recesses along the outer edges of each fin, with the ring member being dimensioned so as to permit it to register within the recesses, whereby the ring can rotate in position but cannot move longitudinally.

Abstract: For use in oil tools which are adapted to be run travelling relatively upwardly or downwardly in drill pipe for removing mud in the drill pipe, an improvement which incorporates a swab cup which flares out to contact the side wall of the pipe for the purpose of wiping it clean. It incorporates a rubber tubular body which is clamped in a slidable position on a support mandrel. The cylindrical body is tubular and concentric with the mandrel. The swab cup flares outwardly and has an exposed, external wiping lip. The external lip is shaped and dimensioned to contact the surrounding wall. This enables it to wipe the wall clean. The lip is connected to some elongate support members, typically straps which have a sizeable width which collectively extend from the lip to an encircling sliding collar. The collar slides along the support mandrel. The range of travel of the collar is limited by a shoulder preferably incorporated in the support mandrel.

Abstract: A simple cylindrical paraffin scraping tool adapted to slidably ride up and down between spaced apart stop means on a sucker rod to scrape and remove hardened paraffin and similar deposits from the interior walls of oil well tubing with the scraping tools stored in operative readiness within the well during pumping of the oil well so that the scraping apparatus is immediately available when it becomes necessary to clean the well. Some minor preventive maintenance may be performed during continued pumping of the oil well by incidental agitation of the scrapers preventing and slowing the formation of deposits in the oil well tubing but the principal scraping operation occurs when and as the sucker rod line and attached plurality of scraper tools are pulled out of the well for periodic pump changes.

Abstract: A continuous process for reclaiming sucker rod which has been used downhole in a borehole. The salvaged rod is degreased, visually inspected, subjected to a shot peening operation, analyzed for structural imperfections, imparted with a protective coating which includes an inhibiting agent, and stored for subsequent use.

Abstract: An anti-friction sucker rod coupling and guide apparatus comprises:(a) a rod member having an anti-friction surface along its cylindrical length;(b) fasteners affixed at each end of the rod member for attaching the rod member within a sucker rod string;(c) a rod guide having an inner anti-friction surface contacting the anti-friction surface of the rod member and slideably positioned about the rod member, the rod guide having an outer diameter sufficient to functionally contact the inner diameter of a tubing string in which the sucker rod string is positioned, the rod guide further including passageway sufficient to permit passage of produced fluid the fasteners adapted to maintain the rod guide on the rod member within deformation.