US 5,632,335 A · Well tubing and pump rod protector

Abstract

An improved rod guide which reduces flow resistance by flow-through design and by reducing fluid turbulence. Incremental flow velocity changes result from progressive changes in fluid path direction and cross-sectional area. Large bearing surfaces and a predetermined compliance to bending along the longitudinal axis provide for low bearing loads and long service life. Preferred embodiments may comprise features to absorb lateral shock loads and to streamline fluid flow, further reducing turbulence and flow resistance. The guides are adapted for efficient hot-oiling and preferred embodiments incorporate automatic rotation features for extended service life in relatively straight well bores. Embodiments of the improved rod guide for use in strongly curved well bores tend to be self-aligning in a preferred position to absorb the shock of changes in pump rod direction of movement.

Claims27

Dependent claims

A well tubing and pump rod protector, comprising

a substantially hollow outer bearing member having a substantially right circular cylindrical outer bearing surface and having first and second ends, a longitudinal axis, and a length measured along said longitudinal axis between said first and second ends;
first and second rod bearing means spaced apart along said longitudinal axis and fixed substantially coaxially within said outer bearing member surface adjacent said first and second ends respectively, each said rod bearing means comprising a substantially tubular longitudinal bore having a longitudinal rod bearing gap for allowing substantially lateral insertion of a pump rod within each said rod bearing bore, each said rod bearing gap having gap size at each point along said tubular longitudinal rod bearing bore;
and
first and second centering means for fixing said first and second rod bearing means respectively substantially coaxially within said outer bearing member surface.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Well tubing and pump rod protector

Life of this patent

Well tubing and pump rod protector

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims27