Agitator tool

Abstract

A rotatable agitator tool is disclosed for use with a pump mechanism, for agitating production fluid comprising sand or other debris and for breaking out solution gas, comprising an elongate shaft connected to a rotating element such as a rotor, and a plurality of agitation members extending outwardly from the elongate shaft, the agitator tool extending in an upstream direction from the pump mechanism. The agitation members are preferably flexible to allow the agitator tool to be pushed and pulled through a stator (where employed with a progressive cavity pump) without damaging the elastomeric coating on the stator.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to tools for use with hydrocarbon or water production, and more particularly to tools that are employed with pumping mechanisms. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] In the context of hydrocarbon or water production, conventional pumping means are of great utility where the production fluid is relatively clean and free of debris or other particulate matter. However, where debris or other particulate matter are present in the production fluid, conventional pumping means can experience failure. For example, production fluids may contain “sand slugs” which can be sucked into a pump mechanism intake and either cause “sanding” of the pump, requiring costly servicing, or plugging of the intake which results in hysteresis in progressive cavity pumps or other failures in the ability to produce fluids. [0003] Also, gas lock can occur with progressive cavity (PC) pumps where entrained gas passes into the pump mechanism, comes out of so...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] An agitator tool in accordance with the present invention, therefore, can create strong turbulent flow to effectively agitate production fluid, keeping debris suspended in the emulsion while breaking out entrained gas, preventing pump intake plugging, agitating the wellbore sump, and keeping the production fluid energized. The agitator tool is cost-effective to produce, adaptable to pumps of different sizes, is easily installed, can be removed with the rod string due to bristle flexibility, and can have substantial bristle outer diameter (OD) due again to flexibility of the bristles.

Problems solved by technology

However, where debris or other particulate matter are present in the production fluid, conventional pumping means can experience failure.

For example, production fluids may contain “sand slugs” which can be sucked into a pump mechanism intake and either cause “sanding” of the pump, requiring costly servicing, or plugging of the intake which results in hysteresis in progressive cavity pumps or other failures in the ability to produce fluids.

Also, gas lock can occur with progressive cavity (PC) pumps where entrained gas passes into the pump mechanism, comes out of solution and accumulates in the cavities; such gas lock may block the ability of the pump to pass fluids through the pump.

As production fluid may comprise a combination of oil, water, gas, sand and other particulates, these problems are of significant concern to companies involved in hydrocarbon production, as the problems can result in costly servicing and pump damage, not to mention the loss of operation efficiency and actual production.

It has been found that only limited agitation is generated, and the entire pump must be pulled if the agitator experiences wear.

Also, the drive spear fastened to the rotor has been found to break in some instances, possibly due to the rotor eccentricity and oscillation, and the Gizmo™ itself can break off of the pump, requiring “fishing” efforts to remove any broken parts.

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