HK1148800A - Oil well pump apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Oil well pump device

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 11/865,494, filed on 1/10/2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/372,533, patent No. 7,275,592, filed on 21/2/2003, is also incorporated herein by reference. This application is not a continuation or partial continuation of any patent application.

Statement regarding federally sponsored research or development

Not applicable to

Reference to the "Microfilm appendix

Not applicable to

Technical Field

The present invention relates to oil well pumps. More particularly, the present invention relates to a downhole well pump assembly that uses a circulating working fluid to drive a specially configured pump operated by the working fluid, wherein the pump conveys oil from a well to the surface by mixing the pumped oil with the working fluid, separating the oil and working fluid at the well head or surface. More particularly, the present invention relates to a well pump operating in a downhole jacketed production tubing environment utilizing a pump having a single pump shaft with an internally geared bearing (gerotor) device at each end, one internally geared bearing device being driven by the working fluid and the other internally geared bearing device pumping the oil to be removed.

Background

Various types of pumps are used to pump oil from a well, the most common being surface mounted pumps that reciprocate between a low position and a high position. Examples include conventional oil well pumping machines (pumpjack) andand (4) a pump. Such pumps cyclically reciprocate a sucker rod within the well and extend to the depth of the bed. One of the problems with pumps is that maintenance and repair must be performed from time to time.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides an improved pump system for pumping oil from a well providing a downhole pump device that is operated with a working fluid that operates a specially configured pump device comprising a common shaft. One end portion of the shaft is a first spur gear driven by the working fluid. The other end portion of the shaft has a first spur gear for pumping oil from the well. In this arrangement, the pumped oil and the working fluid are mixed as they are delivered to the surface. A separator is used at the surface to separate the working fluid (e.g., water) and oil.

Drawings

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements, and wherein:

3 FIGS. 31 3 A 3, 31 3 B 3 and 31 3 C 3 are 3 cross 3- 3 sectional 3 elevation 3 views 3 of 3 a 3 preferred 3 embodiment 3 of 3 the 3 apparatus 3 of 3 the 3 present 3 invention 3, 3 wherein 3 FIG. 31 3 A 3 matches 3 FIG. 31 3 B 3 at 3 splice 3 line 3 A 3- 3 A 3, 3 and 3 FIG. 31 3 B 3 matches 3 FIG. 31 3 C 3 at 3 splice 3 line 3 B 3- 3 B 3; 3

FIG. 2 is a partially disassembled perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, showing some of the pump assemblies;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, showing the pump assembly;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7A-7B are perspective views of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, wherein the stitching line AA of FIG. 7A matches the stitching line AA of FIG. 7B;

FIG. 8 is a partial top view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing one of the filter disks;

FIG. 9 is a partial plan view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the filter tray spacers;

10A-10E are sequential illustrations showing a plurality of positions for upper and lower gerotors in the gerotor device;

FIG. 11A is a schematic illustrating operation of the apparatus and method of the present invention in a pump-out position;

FIG. 11B is a schematic illustration of the operation of the apparatus and method of the present invention in a withdrawn position;

FIG. 11C is a schematic illustration of the operation of the apparatus and method of the present invention in a neutral position;

FIG. 12 is a partial front view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing an alternative pump mechanism;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a partial front view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing another alternative pump mechanism;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention showing yet another alternative pump mechanism;

FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention showing yet another alternative pump mechanism;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 20;

fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 23-23 of fig. 20.

Detailed Description

3 fig. 3 1A 3, 31 3 B 3 and 31 3 C 3 show 3 cross 3- 3 sectional 3 elevation 3 views 3 of 3 the 3 well 3 pump 3 device 3 10 3, 3 fig. 3 1A 3 and 31 3 B 3 matching 3 at 3 line 3 a 3- 3 a 3 and 3 fig. 31 3 B 3 and 31 3 C 3 matching 3 at 3 line 3 B 3- 3 B 3. 3 The oil well pump 10 is to be used in a well casing 11 surrounding a production tubing 12. As shown in fig. 1C, a packer 13 is inserted between the well casing 11 and the production tubing 12. Above the packer 13 is placed a setting sub 14. As shown in fig. 1C, the landing nipple 14 receives a lower end portion 17 of the tool body 15. The tool body 15 (FIG. 11A) may be pumped out hydraulically or may be lowered into the inner bore (bore)18 of the production tubing 12 using a work string (not shown) that grasps the neck 32 at the upper end 16 of the tool body 15.

The apparatus 10 of the present invention provides a well pump 10 having a tool body 15, the tool body 15 being elongated to fit within an internal bore 18 of a production tubing 12, as shown in fig. 1A-1C. A well annulus 19 is the space between the well casing 11 and the production tubing 12. During use, a working fluid, such as water, mineral water, or an oil-water mixture, may be used to power the pump mechanism 26. The working fluid flows along the paths generally designated by arrows 20, 21, 22 and 23 in fig. 1A-1B. As indicated by arrow 20 in fig. 11A, a prime mover 121 is used to pump the working fluid from the wellhead area 120.

Prime mover 121 may be a commercially available pump that receives working fluid from reservoir 123 via flow line 122. The reservoir 123 is supplied with a working fluid, such as water, via a flow line 124 leaving an oil/water separator 125.

As the working fluid pumped by prime mover 121 passes through production tubing 12 in the direction of arrow 20, the working fluid enters T-shaped passage 34 as indicated by arrow 21. The working fluid then flows into the sleeve bore 36 of the sleeve 35 as indicated by arrow 22 until reaching the connector 60 and the flow channel 67 for the working fluid. Arrow 23 indicates the flow of working fluid from flow channel 67 to retainer 111 and passages 112, 113 of working fluid. Here, the working fluid enters the pump mechanism 26 (see fig. 1B, 2, and 3-6). A check valve 25 is provided that prevents oil from flowing in the opposite direction. The check valve 25 has a spring 50, and the spring 50 is pressed by the pressure of the working fluid flowing through the passage 51 in the direction of the arrows 20, 21, 22, 23. The working fluid exits the tool body 15 via the passage 137 and the working fluid drain 65 (see arrow 24).

The pump mechanism 26 is driven by the working fluid. The pump mechanism 26 also pumps oil from the well in the direction of oil flow arrows 27 as shown in fig. 1B, 1C, and 11A. A connector 68 is connected to the lower end of the pump mechanism housing 63. The connector 68 provides upper and lower external threads 69, 70 and a flow passage 71, the flow passage 71 enabling oil to be produced to reach the lower filter 31, the suction ports 133, 134 of the retainer 132 and the lower gerotor device 151 so that the lower gerotor device 151 can pump oil out to the oil discharge port 66 via the passage 135. At the discharge port 66, the produced oil enters the production tubing inner bore 18 where it mixes with the working fluid and the resulting mixture flows into the well annulus 19 through the perforations 114.

Oil flowing into the tool body (see arrow 27) from the pay zone flows upwardly through the seat joint 14. As seen in FIG. 1C, the lower end 17 of the tool body 15 has a tapered portion 84, and the tapered portion 84 is shaped to fit within the seat section 14. An O-ring 87 on the lower end 17 of the tool body 15 forms a fluid seal between the tool body 15 and the seat section 14. Above the passage 86, the oil is filtered by the lower filter 31. With a similar construction as filter 30, filter 31 may have alternating discs 76 and spacers 108 (fig. 8-9). The filter disc 76 is secured to the connector 68 by the shaft 72 having a threaded connection 73 to the connector 68, while the retaining plate 74 and bolts 75 retain the filter disc 76 on the shaft 72 (see fig. 1B, 7B, and 8-9). The connector 68 is connected to the pump body 3 at a threaded connection 78. The connector 68 is connected to the sleeve 80 and its internal threads 82 at a threaded connection 79. The sleeve 80 has an inner bore 81 occupied by the lower filter 31 (see fig. 1B and 7B). The seat section 14 is connected to the lower end of the sleeve 80 with a threaded connection 83. The hub 14 has an internal bore 86 and external threads 85 that connect to the sleeve 80 at a threaded connection 83.

Check valve 88 and its spring 89 prevent the working fluid from flowing into the oil-bearing formation. The pay zone is located below the packer 13 and the check valve 88. As is well known in the art of oil well technology, the produced oil enters the production tubing bore 18 through perforations (not shown). As oil is pumped up in the direction of arrow 27, the pressure of pump 26 overcomes the action of check valve 88. The pump 26 includes two central impellers or rotors 94, 95. The upper central rotor 94 and the outer rotor 98 are driven by the working fluid. The lower central rotor 95 and the outer rotor 99 are connected by a shaft 91 to the upper rotor 94 such that the lower central rotor 95 rotates as the upper rotor 95 is driven by the working fluid. Thus, the driving of the upper rotor 94 by the working fluid simultaneously drives the lower rotor 95 such that the lower rotor 95 pumps oil out of the well bore 18. As schematically indicated by arrows 28, 29 in fig. 1A, 1B, the pumped oil mixes with the working fluid at perforations 114 in the production tubing. The arrow 29 indicates the return of the oil/water mixture in the well annulus 19 between the well casing 11 and the production tubing 12.

In fig. 11A, the oil/water (or other working fluid) mixture is collected in flow line 126 and flows into oil/water separator 125, as indicated by arrow 127. Oil in flow line 128 is removed by the separator, as indicated by arrow 129 in fig. 11A. The working fluid (e.g., water) is separated and flows back to the reservoir 123 via flow line 124 for reuse as the working fluid.

As an alternative to lowering the tool body 15 into the well (if the pumping shown in FIG. 11A is not used), a neck 32 with an annular shoulder 33 is provided. This is a common type of connector known in the oilfield for lowering a perforating tool into a borehole in the well or as an alternative to removal.

An upper filter 30 is provided for filtering the working fluid before it enters the pump mechanism 26. A lower filter 31 is provided for filtering the oil before it enters the pump mechanism 26.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the tool body 15 includes a sleeve 35, and the sleeve 35 may be connected to the lower end of the neck 32 with a threaded connection 38. A pair of suction cups 37, 40 are connected to the sleeve section 35 at an isolation sleeve 42. The suction cup 37 provides an annular socket 39. The suction cup 40 provides an annular socket 41. Spacer sleeve 42 has an internal bore 43, the internal diameter of bore 43 closely conforming to the outer surface of sleeve 35. As shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the sleeve 35 provides an inner bore 36 through which the working fluid may flow. As shown in fig. 1B, the third suction cup 44 is placed directly above the valve housing 48. The suction cup 44 has an annular socket 47. As shown in fig. 1B, spacer sleeve 45 with internal bore 46 is sized to fit snugly over sleeve 35.

The valve housing 48 has an external thread that enables a threaded connection 49 with a sleeve 52 at an internal bore 53 having an internally threaded portion. The internal bore 53 of the sleeve 52 carries the filter 30, the filter 30 preferably being in the form of a plurality of filter discs 54 separated by spacer sheets 108 (see fig. 1B, 8-9). As shown in fig. 7A, the filter discs 54 of the filter 30 are held in place on a shaft 57 by a retaining plate 55 and bolts 56. As shown in fig. 1B and 7A, the shaft 57 has an internally threaded portion 58 for receiving the bolt 56. A threaded connection 59 is formed between the lower end portion of the shaft 57 and the connector 60. As shown in fig. 1B and 7A, the connector 60 has externally threaded portions 61, 62 and a plurality of longitudinally elongated flow channels 71.

Pump mechanism 26 (see fig. 1B, 2, 3) includes a pump housing 63 that is attached to the bottom of connector 60 at threads 62 with a threaded connection. The pump housing 63 in fig. 7B has internal threads 64 that can be connected with the connector 60.

The housing 63 has a working fluid discharge port 65 and an oil discharge port 66 (see fig. 3). The pump housing 63 carries a shaft 91. The shaft 91 (see fig. 2 and 3) has tapered ends 92, 93. Each rotor 94, 95 has a correspondingly shaped opening to fit tightly over the tapered end 92 or 93 of the shaft 91. In fig. 2, the upper rotor 94 has an opening 96 shaped to fit into the tapered end 92 of the shaft 91. The rotor 95 has an opening 97 shaped to fit into the tapered end 93 of the shaft 91.

Each of the central rotors 94, 95 is adapted to an outer rotor having a star shaped chamber. In fig. 2 and 3, the upper rotor 94 fits into a star shaped chamber 109 of the rotor 98. Similarly, lower rotor 95 fits into star shaped chamber 110 of rotor 99.

Each rotor 94, 95 has a plurality of blades (e.g., four as shown). The upper rotor 94 has vanes or gear teeth 100, 101, 102 and 103. The lower rotor 95 has base or gear tooth blades 104, 105, 106 and 107. This arrangement of a star-shaped inner rotor or central rotor rotating in a star-shaped chamber of an outer rotor having one more lobe than the central rotor or inner rotor is a pump device known per se as an "gerotor". Gerotor oil pumps are disclosed, for example, in U.S. patent nos. 3,273,501, 4,183,746, 4,540,347, 4,986,739, and 6,113,360, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The working fluid flowing downwardly in the direction of arrow 23 enters the enlarged chamber 113 portion of passage 112 of holding chamber 111 so that the working fluid can enter any portion of the star shaped chamber 109 of upper disk 98. An inflow plate 115 is supported above the upper plate 98 and provides a shaped opening 116. When working fluid is pumped from the enlarged portion 113 into the star shaped chamber 109 occupied by the upper rotor 94, the two rotors 94 and 98 rotate as shown in fig. 10A-10E to provide the upper internal gear bearing arrangement 150. Fig. 10A-10E illustrate a series of operations of the upper central rotor 94 relative to the upper outer rotor 98 and its star chamber 109 during pumping. In fig. 10A, the opening 116 is in position relative to the rotors 94 and 98. In the starting position of fig. 10A, the two reference points 140, 141 are aligned. Arrow 118 indicates the direction of rotation of the rotor 94. Arrow 119 indicates the direction of rotation of upper disc 98. By examining the location of the reference points 140, 141 in each of fig. 10A-10E, the sequence of pumping operations can be observed.

Each of the two internally geared bearing arrangements 150, 151 provided at the wedge-shaped ends 92, 93 of the shaft 91 utilizes an inner rotor and an outer rotor. At the upper end 92 of the shaft, the upper inner rotor 94 is mounted within a star shaped chamber 109 of the peripheral rotor 98. As the inner central rotor 94 rotates, the outer rotor 98 also rotates, both of which are driven by the working fluid pumped under pressure to the upper gerotor bearing 150.

A rotor or impeller 94 rotates the shaft 92 and a lower inner rotor or impeller 95. As the rotor 95 rotates with the shaft 92, the outer peripheral rotor 99 also rotates, drawing oil upward in the direction of arrow 27. As shown in fig. 2 and 10A-10E, each inner central rotor 94, 95 has one less tooth or blade than the outer rotor 98, 99 associated with its associated inner central rotor. Although fig. 10A-10E show the upper rotors 94, 98, the same configuration shown in fig. 10A-10E also applies to the lower rotors 95, 99. The eccentric relationship is established by parallel, but non-coaxial, rotational axes of the rotors 94, 98 such that full tooth or vane engagement between the rotors 94, 98 occurs at only a single point (see fig. 10A-10E).

As the working fluid flows into the star chamber 109 and the shaped opening 116 via the passageways 112, 113, the rotors 94, 98 rotate as the rotors 95, 99. Oil to be produced is drawn out through the suction ports 133, 134 of the retainer 132 to the shaped opening 136 of the outflow plate 117 and then into the star shaped chamber 110 of the outer rotor 99. The rotating rotors 95, 99 convey the oil to be pumped to the oil drain 66 through the passage 135.

At drain 66, the oil to be produced is mixed with the working fluid and exits perforations 114 of production tubing 12, as indicated by arrows 28 in fig. 1B.

In the pump-out mode of fig. 11A, working fluid (e.g., water) is moved from the reservoir 123 to the prime mover 121. The prime mover 121 may be a positive displacement pump that pumps the working fluid out of 1 through the three-way valve 30. In the pump-out mode, as shown in fig. 11A, the three-way valve 130 handle 131 is in a downward position, allowing working or motive fluid to enter the conduit 12. The working fluid pumps the tool body 15 into the seating nipple 14, then the lower suction cups 40, 44 flare outwardly, sealing off from the pipe 12, and then allow power fluid to enter the port or passage 34 at the upper end 16 of the tool body 15. The working fluid passes through the center of the stacked disc upper filter 30 and into the upper most gerotor motor 150, rotating the upper gerotor 150, and thus the shaft 92, and thus the lower gerotor 151.

When the lower gerotor 151 rotates, it pumps the produced oil into the casing ring 19, mixing the produced oil with the working fluid (arrow 28) and returning to the surface. At the surface or wellhead 120, the oil/water separator 125 separates the produced oil to a selected storage tank and recirculates the power fluid into a reservoir to complete the cycle.

In the extraction mode of fig. 11B, the working fluid moves from the reservoir 123 to the prime mover 121. The positive displacement prime mover 121 pumps the working fluid through the three-way valve 130. In the extraction mode, the three-way valve stem 131 is in an upper position (as shown in fig. 11B) allowing working fluid to enter the casing ring 19. The working fluid enters perforated production tubing 12 at perforations 114 but does not pass through packer 13. The working fluid flowing in the annulus 19 causes the upper suction cup 37 to open against the production tubing 12 to effect a seal. The tool body 15 provides a check valve 88 to prevent the circulation of the working fluid through the tool body 15 to the pay zone below the check valve 88 and packer 13. This arrangement raises the tool body 15 upward and back to the wellhead 120 where the overshot can be used to remove the tool body 15. In FIG. 11B, the tool body 15 may thus be pumped to the surface or wellhead area 120 for repair or replacement. The power fluid or working fluid circulates through the three-way valve 130 to the oil separator 125 and then to the reservoir 123, thereby completing the cycle.

In fig. 11C, the neutral mode is shown. For example, when the tool body 15 is captured with an overshot, the three-way valve 130 is placed in a neutral or neutral position as shown in fig. 11C. The configuration of fig. 11C circulates the motive or working fluid through the three-way valve 130 and directly to the separator 125 and then back to the reservoir 123. The configuration of FIG. 11A produces zero pressure on tubing 12. The union (hammer unit) may be released to remove the tool body 15 and release the overshot. The tool body 15 may be removed for servicing or replacement. A replacement pump may then be placed in the inner bore 18 of the tubing 12. The well operator then replaces the union and places the stem 131 of the three-way valve 130 in the lower position of fig. 11A. The tool body 15 is then pumped to the seating nipple 14 and seated in the seating nipple 14 as shown in FIG. 11A so that oil production can begin.

Fig. 12-19 illustrate an alternative pump mechanism 152 that may be used in place of or in place of pump mechanism 26 shown in fig. 1-11. Like the pump mechanism 26, which has a pump mechanism housing 63, the pump mechanism 152 provides a pump mechanism housing 153. In fig. 1-11, the pump mechanism 152 and its housing 153 may replace the pump mechanism 26 and its housing 63. Thus, housing 63 and housing 152 may be similarly or interchangeably sized and shaped. The upper end portion 154 of the housing 153 has an internal thread 155, the internal thread 155 enabling a connection to be established with the external thread 62 of the connector 60. The lower end portion 156 of the housing 153 has an internal thread 157, the internal thread 157 enabling a connection to be established with the external thread 69 of the connector 68.

The pump mechanism 152 provides a plurality of spur gears 169-172. These spur gears include an upper pair of spur gears 169, 170 and a lower pair of spur gears 171, 172. The upper retaining plate 158 is placed over the gears 169, 170 and held in place with nuts 210. The lower retaining plate 179 is placed under the gears 171, 172 and held in place with nuts 211. Gears 169, 170 are retained within upper cavity 163. Gears 171-172 are retained within lower cavity 164. A pair of upper spur gears 169, 170 are received within the upper cavity 163 of the pump mechanism housing 153. The lower spur gears 172, 172 are received within the lower cavity 164 of the pump mechanism housing 173.

The locking pins 160, 182 prevent separation of either of the retaining plates 158, 179 from the pump mechanism housing 153. As shown in fig. 12-14, 15, 18, longitudinally extending slots or slotted openings 161, 162 are provided in the housing 153. Shaft openings 165, 166 are provided in the housing 153 and communicate between the upper chamber 163 and the lower chamber 164. The shaft openings 165, 166 allow shafts 167, 168 to extend between each upper spur gear 169, 170 and lower spur gear 171, 172. In fig. 14 to 17, the upper spur gear 169 is connected to the lower spur gear 171 by a shaft 167. Similarly, upper spur gear 170 is connected to lower spur gear 172 with shaft 168. The upper spur gear 169 rotates with the lower spur gear 171. Similarly, the gears 170, 172 rotate together. Each locking pin 160, 182 can rotate a short distance within the provided pin slot 173, the provided pin slot 173 acting as a guide to align the pin 160, 182 with the pin hole in the plate 158 or 179. Retainer nuts 111 (see fig. 3) may be used to secure each plate 158, 179 to housing 153.

Each shaft 167, 168 has a generally cylindrical portion 174 and a D-shaped portion 175. As shown in fig. 19, the cylindrical portion 174 of each shaft 167, 168 is connected to a lower spur gear 171, 172. The D-shaped portion 175 of each shaft 167, 168 is connected to a D-shaped internal bore 176 provided on each of the upper spur gears 169, 170. As shown in FIGS. 15-19, each of the spur gears 169-172 has longitudinally and radially extending and circumferentially spaced-apart teeth 177. Each gear 171-172 is received within a partially cylindrical portion 180, 181 of the cavity 163, 164.

Each of the upper and lower chambers 163, 164 provides a rear portion 178 in communication with the inflow opening/passage 159.

The inflowing working fluid flows downwardly from the inflow opening/passage 159 in the direction of arrows 23, 184 in fig. 18. The incoming fluid along arrows 23, 184 is the working fluid, the same working fluid having been described with reference to fig. 1-11. Working fluid flows from the rear portion 178 of the upper chamber 163 in the direction of arrows 23, 184 and through the upper spur gears 169, 170 as shown by arrows 189 in fig. 15. As shown in fig. 15, the fluid flow rotates gear 169 in the direction of arrow 187 and rotates gear 170 in the direction of arrow 188. The rotation of the upper gears 169, 170 also rotates the lower gears 171, 172.

The pumped oil flows into the oil inlet openings 183 in the direction of arrows 27, 186, into the rear portion 178 of the lower cavity 174, and through the gears 171, 172. Working fluid flowing in the direction of arrows 23, 184 in fig. 18 exits the upper chamber 163 through the upper slot 161 as indicated by arrow 185. The pumped oil flows in the direction of arrows 127, 186 and exits the lower trough 162 to mix with the working fluid. As indicated by arrows 28 in fig. 18, the working fluid and oil pass through perforations 114, returning to the surface area through ring 19.

Fig. 20-23 illustrate another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, wherein the pump mechanism 190 includes a single upper spur gear 206 and a single lower spur gear 207. The pump mechanism 190 provides a pump mechanism housing 191 having an upper end portion 192 and a lower end portion 193. As with the preferred embodiment, the pump mechanism housing 191 provides upper internal threads 194 and lower internal threads 195. The upper retaining plate 196 is placed over the upper spur gear 206. The upper retaining plate 196 provides an inflow opening/passage 197. The lower retaining plate 199 is placed under the lower spur gear 207. As shown in fig. 20, the upper and lower retention plates 196, 199 may be held in place using latches 210, 211, respectively. The detent 210 provides a passage 197. Latch 211 provides a flow passage 212. As with the preferred embodiment, the working fluid is pumped out through the working string to the inflow opening/channel 197 and then into the upper chamber 202 through the port 208. The fluid then flows from the upper chamber 202 through the upper slot 200 to the exterior of the housing 191 in the direction of arrow 209. As with the preferred embodiment, rotation of spur gear 206 rotates shaft 205 and also rotates lower spur gear 207. As with the preferred embodiment, the shaft 205 passes through a shaft opening 205 located between the upper chamber 202 and the lower chamber 203.

The following is a list of suitable components and materials for the various elements of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Parts list

Part number description

10 oil well pump (oil well pump)

11 casing (casting)

12 oil pipe (production piping)

13 packer (packer)

14 seat section (setting ripple)

15 well instrument shell (tool body)

16 Upper end portion (upper end portion)

17 lower end portion (lower end portion)

18 inner hole (bore)

19 Ring (annulus)

20 arrow (arrow)

21 arrow head (arrow)

22 arrow (arrow)

23 arrow head (arrow)

24 arrow (arrow)

25 check-valve (check valve)

26 Pump mechanism (pump mechanism)

27 oil flow arrow (oil flow arrow)

28 oil mixture flow arrow (oil mix flow arrow)

29 Return flow arrow (return flow arrow)

30 filter, upper part (filter, upper)

31 filter, lower part (filter, lower)

32 neck (neck section)

33 annular shoulder (annular shoulder)

34 channel (channel)

35 casing (sleeve)

36 casing inner hole (sleeve bore)

37 suction cup (swab cup)

38 threaded connection (threaded connection)

39 circular slot (annular socket)

40 suction cup (swab cup)

41 annular slot (annular socket)

42 isolation sleeve (spacer sleeve)

43 inner hole (bore)

44 suction cup (swab cup)

45 spacer sleeve (spacer sleeve)

46 inner hole (bore)

47 annular slot (annular socket)

48 valve bonnet (valve house)

49 threaded connection (threaded connection)

50 spring (spring)

51 channel (passageway)

52 casing (sleeve)

53 inner hole (bore)

54 Filter disc (filter disk)

55 holding plate (retainer plate)

56 bolt (bolt)

57 axle (craft)

58 internal threads (internal threads)

59 threaded connection (threaded connection)

60 connector (connector)

External thread 61 (external threads)

62 external screw thread (external threads)

63 Pump mechanism casing (pump mechanism housing)

64 internal screw thread (internal threads)

65 working fluid discharge (working fluid discharge)

port)

66 oil outlet discharge port (produced oil discharge port)

67 flow channel (flow passage)

68 connector (connector)

69 external screw thread (external threads)

70 external screw thread (external threads)

71 flow channel (flow passage)

72 axle (craft)

73 threaded connection (threaded connection)

74 holding plate (retainer plate)

75 bolt (bolt)

76 filling plate (filer disk)

78 threaded connection (threaded connection)

79 threaded connection (threaded connection)

80 casing (sleeve)

81 inner hole (bore)

82 internal screw thread (internal threads)

83 threaded connection (threaded connection)

84 taper section (tapered section)

85 external screw thread (external threads)

86 inner hole (bore)

87O-ring (O-ring)

88 check-valve (check valve)

89 spring (spring)

90 internal screw thread (internal threads)

91 axle (craft)

92 wedge-shaped part (keyed port)

93 wedge-shaped part (keyed port)

94 Upper rotor (upper rotor)

95 lower rotor (lower rotor)

96 shaped opening (shaped opening)

97 shaped opening (shaped opening)

98 outer rotor (outer rotor)

99 outer rotor (outer rotor)

100 blade (lobe)

101 blade (lobe)

102 blade (lobe)

103 blade (lobe)

104 blade (lobe)

105 blade (lobe)

106 blade (lobe)

107 blade (lobe)

108 spacer (spacer)

109 star shaped chamber (star shaped chamber)

110 star shaped chamber (star shaped chamber)

111 keeper (retainer)

112 channel (passageway)

113 enlarged section (enlarged section)

114 perforations (penetrations)

115 inflow plate (influent plate)

116 shaped opening (shaped opening)

117 outflow plate (effluent plate)

118 arrow (arrow)

119 arrow (arrow)

120 wellhead area (wellhead area)

121 prime mover (prime mover)

122 flow line (flow line)

123 liquid reservoir (reservoir)

124 flow pipe (flowline)

125 segregator (separator)

126 flow pipe (flowline)

127 arrow head (arrow)

128 flow pipe (flowline)

129 arrow (arrow)

130 three-way valve (three way valve)

131 handle (handle)

132 keeper (retainer)

133 suction inlet (suction port)

134 suction inlet (suction port)

135 channel (passageway)

136 shaped opening (shaped opening)

137 path (passageway)

140 reference point (reference dot)

141 reference point (reference dot)

150 upper inner gear bearing device (upper gear device)

151 lower inner gear bearing device (lower gerotor device)

152 Pump mechanism (pump mechanism)

153 Pump mechanism casing (pump mechanism housing)

154 upper end (upper end)

155 inner screw thread (internal threads)

156 lower end (lower end portion)

157 internal threads (internal threads)

158 upper holding plate (upper retainer plate)

159 inflow opening/channel (influent exposure/channel)

160 lockpin (locking pin)

161 Upper groove (upper slot)

162 lower groove (lower slot)

163 upper cavity (upper cavity)

164 lower chamber (lower cavity)

165 shaft opening (draft opening)

166 shaft opening (draft opening)

167 axles (craft)

168 axle (craft)

169 Upper spur gear (upper spur gear)

170 upper spur gear (upper spur gear)

171 lower spur gear (lower spur gear)

172 lower spur gear (lower spur gear)

173 pin slot (pin slot)

174 cylindrical portion (cylindrical shaped section)

175D type part (D type part)

176D type inner hole (D type inner hole)

177 longitudinally extending teeth (longitudinal extensions)

teeth)

178 rear part (rear section)

179 lower holding plate (lower retainer plate)

180 part cylindrical part (partial cylinder)

shaped section)

181 partial cylindrical part (partial cylinder cylindrical)

shaped section)

182 locking pin (locking pin)

183 oil inlet opening (oil inlet exposing)

184 arrow (arrow)

185 arrow head (arrow)

186 arrow (arrow)

187 arrow (arrow)

188 arrow (arrow)

189 arrow (arrow)

190 Pump mechanism (pump mechanism)

191 Pump mechanism casing (pump mechanism housing)

192 upper part (upper end part)

193 lower end portion (lower end portion)

194 internal threads (internal threads)

195 internal screw thread (Internaltreads)

196 Upper holding plate (upper retainer plate)

197 inflow opening/channel (influent opening/channel)

198 locking pin (locking pin)

199 lower holding plate (lower retainer plate)

200 Upper groove (upper slot)

201 lower groove (lower slot)

202 upper cavity (upper cavity)

203 lower cavity (lower cavity)

204 shaft opening (cover opening)

205 shaft (draft)

206 Upper spur gear (upper spur gear)

207 lower spur gear (lower spur gear)

208 port (port)

209 arrow (arrow)

210 locknut (locking nut)

211 locknut (locking nut)

212 flow channel (flow channel)

The foregoing embodiments are provided by way of example only; the scope of the invention is limited only by the claims.

Claims (40)

1. An oil pump assembly for pumping oil from an oil well having a wellhead, a cased well bore, and a tubing string, comprising:

a) a tool body sized and shaped to be lowered into the tubing string of an oil well;

b) a working fluid capable of being pumped into the tubing string;

c) a prime mover that pumps out the working fluid;

d) a flow channel within the wellbore capable of circulating the working fluid from the prime mover through the tubing to the tool body at a location in the well and back to the wellhead area;

e) a pump mechanism on the tool body, the pump mechanism including a first spur gear driven by the working fluid and a second spur gear rotated by the first spur gear, the second spur gear pumping oil out of the well via the tool body;

f) wherein the working fluid flows downwardly through the first spur gear;

g) wherein the tool body has a flow delivery portion that mixes the working fluid and oil as the oil is pumped out; and

h) wherein the pump mechanism delivers a mixed fluid of oil and working fluid to the wellhead area.

2. The oil pump apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a filter within the tool body configured to filter the working fluid before the working fluid reaches the pump mechanism.

3. The oil pump apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a filter within the tool body configured to filter the pumped oil before the pumped oil reaches the pump mechanism.

4. The oil pump apparatus of claim 1, wherein the working fluid is oil or water or a mixture of oil and water.

5. The oil pump apparatus of claim 1 wherein the working fluid is a fluid mixture of oil and water.

6. The oil pump apparatus of claim 1, wherein the working fluid is oil.

7. The oil pump apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a suction cup on the tool body that enables the tool body to be pumped to the wellhead area using the working fluid.

8. The oil pump apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the gear comprises:

an upper pair of mating spur gears and a lower pair of mating spur gears.

9. The oil pump apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a suction cup on the tool body that enables the tool body to be pumped to the wellhead area using the working fluid.

10. The oil pump apparatus of claim 8 further comprising:

a suction cup on the tool body that enables the tool body to be pumped into the well bore via the tubing string using the working fluid.

11. An oil pump assembly for pumping oil from an oil well having a wellhead, a cased well bore, and a tubing string, comprising:

a) a tool body sized and shaped to be lowered into the tubing string of an oil well;

b) a working fluid capable of being pumped into the tubing string;

c) a prime mover that pumps the working fluid;

d) a flow channel in the wellbore that enables the working fluid to circulate from the prime mover, through the tubing string, to the tool body at a location in the well, and then back to the wellhead area;

e) a pump mechanism on the tool body, the pump mechanism including a first pair of spur gears driven by the working fluid and a second pair of spur gears rotated by the first pair of spur gears, the second pair of spur gears pumping oil out of the well via the tool body;

f) wherein the tool body has a flow delivery portion that mixes the working fluid and oil as the oil is pumped out; and

g) wherein the pump mechanism delivers a mixed fluid of oil and working fluid to the wellhead area.

12. The oil pump apparatus as set forth in claim 11, further comprising:

a check valve disposed above the pump mechanism on the tool body that prevents oil within the tool body from flowing onto the pump mechanism.

13. The oil pump apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first pair of gears includes: upper and lower spur gears, each pair connected by only one common shaft.

14. The oil pump apparatus of claim 11, wherein the pump mechanism comprises:

the upper mating spur gear pair and the lower mating spur gear pair.

15. An oil pump assembly for pumping oil from an oil well having a wellhead, a cased well bore, and a tubing string, comprising:

a) a tool body sized and shaped to be lowered into the tubing string of an oil well;

b) a working fluid capable of being pumped into the tubing string;

c) a prime mover that pumps the working fluid;

d) a flow channel in the wellbore that enables the working fluid to circulate from the prime mover, through the tubing string, to the tool body at a location in the well, and then back to the wellhead area;

e) a pump mechanism on the tool body, the pump mechanism including a first pair of mating gear devices driven by the working fluid and a second pair of mating gear devices powered by the first pair of gear devices, the second pair of gear devices pumping oil from the well through the tool body, each pair of gear devices having radially extending and circumferentially spaced gear teeth;

f) wherein the tool body has a flow delivery portion that mixes the working fluid and oil as the oil is pumped out; and

g) wherein the pump mechanism delivers a mixed fluid of oil and working fluid to the wellhead area.

16. The oil pump apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:

a filter in the tool body configured to filter the working fluid before the working fluid reaches the pump mechanism.

17. The oil pump apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:

a filter within the tool body configured to filter the pumped oil before the pumped oil reaches the pump mechanism.

18. The oil pump apparatus of claim 15 wherein the working fluid is water or oil or a mixture of oil and water.

19. The oil pump apparatus of claim 15 wherein the working fluid is a fluid mixture of oil and water.

20. The oil pump apparatus of claim 15, wherein the working fluid is oil.

21. The oil pump apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:

a suction cup on the tool body that enables the tool body to be pumped to the wellhead area using the working fluid.

22. The oil pump apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:

a suction cup on the tool body that enables the tool body to be pumped into the well bore via the tubing string using the working fluid.

23. The oil pump apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:

a check valve disposed above the pump mechanism on the tool body that prevents oil within the tool body from flowing onto the pump mechanism.

24. The oil pump apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:

a check valve disposed below the pump mechanism to prevent the working fluid within the tool body from flowing to a location below the tool body.

25. The oil pump arrangement of claim 15 wherein said mating gear arrangement comprises:

pairs of upper and lower spur gear apparatus, each pair of upper gear apparatus being connected to the lower spur gear apparatus by only one common shaft.

26. An oil pump assembly for pumping oil from an oil well having a wellhead, a cased well bore, and a tubing string, comprising:

a) a tool body sized and shaped to be lowered into the well a) the tool body sized and shaped to be lowered into the tubing string of the well;

b) a working fluid capable of being pumped into the tubing string;

c) a prime mover that pumps the working fluid;

d) a flow channel in the wellbore that enables the working fluid to circulate from the prime mover, through the tubing string, to the tool body at a location in the well, and then back to the wellhead area;

e) a pump mechanism on the tool body, the pump mechanism including a first pair of gears including at least one spur gear rotated by the working fluid and a second pair of gears including at least one spur gear rotated by the first pair of gears, the second pair of gears pumping oil out of the well via the tool body;

f) wherein the tool body has a flow delivery portion that mixes the working fluid and oil as the oil is pumped out; and

g) wherein the pump mechanism delivers a mixed fluid of oil and working fluid to the wellhead area.

27. The oil pump apparatus of claim 26, further comprising:

a filter on the tool body configured to filter the working fluid before the working fluid reaches the pump mechanism.

28. The oil pump apparatus of claim 26, further comprising:

a filter in the tool body configured to filter the pumped oil before the pumped oil reaches the pump mechanism.

29. The oil pump apparatus of claim 26 wherein the working fluid is water or oil or a mixture of oil and water.

30. The oil pump apparatus of claim 26 wherein the working fluid is a fluid mixture of oil and water.

31. The oil pump apparatus of claim 26 wherein the working fluid is oil.

32. The oil pump apparatus of claim 26, further comprising:

a suction cup on the tool body that enables the tool body to be pumped to the wellhead area using the working fluid.

33. The oil pump apparatus of claim 26, further comprising:

a suction cup on the tool body that enables the tool body to be pumped into the well bore via the tubing string using the working fluid.

34. The oil pump apparatus of claim 33, further comprising:

a suction cup on the tool body that enables the tool body to be pumped to the wellhead area using the working fluid.

35. The oil pump apparatus of claim 32, further comprising:

a suction cup on the tool body that enables the tool body to be pumped into the well bore via the tubing string using the working fluid.

36. The oil pump apparatus of claim 26, further comprising:

a check valve on the tool body prevents the oil within the tool body from flowing to the pump mechanism.

37. The oil pump apparatus of claim 26, further comprising:

a check valve on the tool body prevents the working fluid within the tool body from flowing to a location below the tool body.

38. The oil pump apparatus of claim 26,

each pair of gears includes an upper gear and a lower gear, each gear having radially extending teeth, the upper and lower gears being connected by a common shaft.

39. The oil pump assembly of claim 26 wherein said pump mechanism includes an upper mating spur gear pair and a lower mating spur gear pair such that when one spur gear rotates, the spur gear that mates with that spur gear also rotates.

40. An oil pump assembly for pumping oil from an oil well having a wellhead, a cased well bore, and a tubing string, comprising:

a) a tool body sized and shaped to be lowered into the well a) the tool body sized and shaped to be lowered into the tubing string of the well;

b) a working fluid capable of being pumped into the tubing string;

c) a prime mover that pumps the working fluid;

d) a flow channel in the wellbore that enables the working fluid to circulate from the prime mover, through the tubing string, to the tool body at a location in the well, and then back to the wellhead area;

e) a pump mechanism on the tool body, the pump mechanism including a first pair of connected gears driven by the working fluid and a second pair of gear devices powered by the first pair of gears, the second pair of gears pumping oil out of the well via the tool body;

f) wherein the tool body has a flow delivery portion that mixes the working fluid and oil as the oil is pumped out;

g) wherein the pump mechanism delivers a mixed fluid of oil and working fluid to the wellhead area; and

h) wherein each gear has radially extending and circumferentially spaced gear teeth that axially mate with the teeth of another of the gears.