Magnetic installation and retrieval tool for fluid lift plungers

A plunger installation and retrieval tool for installing a fluid lift plunger in a tubular lubricator on a gas wellhead, said tool comprising:

• a plunger support assembly comprising:
• a magnet holder having an upper end, a lower end, and a cylindrical side surface and defining a pocket extending upward from said lower end;
• a magnet having a lower surface, said magnet being disposed within said pocket such that said lower surface is proximal to or lower than the lower end of the magnet holder;
• a cylindrical skirt carried by a lower portion of the plunger support assembly, the cylindrical skirt being non-retractable and projecting below the lower surface of the magnet, the cylindrical skirt having a cylindrical bore sized to receive an upper portion of the fluid lift plunger and to prevent lateral and pivoting movement of the fluid lift plunger, and the magnet being encircled within the cylindrical bore;
• an elongate hanger having a lower end connected to the plunger support assembly and an upper end connected to a hanger support member;
• and
• an elongate actuating member having a lower portion slidably disposed with a longitudinal bore extending through the plunger support assembly, and an upper portion longitudinally movable relative to the hanger support member;
• such that when a fluid lift plunger is magnetically engaged by the magnet, a downward force applied to the upper end of the actuating member will urge the lower end of the actuating member downward against the plunger, thereby breaking a magnetic bond between the magnet and the plunger.